Two Pakistani women have made their mark on the regional stage as they secure spots in Forbes' prestigious ranking of the Middle East's most influential female executives.
Shaista Asif and Shazia Syed have claimed positions in the top 10 of Forbes' list, highlighting their exceptional contributions to the business landscape.
Ranked fourth in 'The Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2024,' Shaista Asif stands out as the co-founder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, a leading healthcare network based in the UAE.
Asif's journey with the corporation began in 2006, culminating in her appointment as the group's CEO in December 2023. Under her leadership, PureHealth Holding saw remarkable growth, marked by a successful IPO that raised a staggering $986 million on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
The oversubscription of the IPO, reaching 54 times in the professional subscriber tranche and 483 times in the retail tranche, reflects the confidence investors place in Asif's vision.
Notably, PureHealth's strategic acquisitions, including the $1.2 billion purchase of the UK's Circle Health Group and the $600 million acquisition of UAE's Sheikh Shakbout Medical City, underscore Asif's commitment to expanding the company's footprint and influence in the healthcare sector.
Meanwhile, Shazia Syed, the General Manager of Unilever North Africa, Levant, and Iraq, secures the ninth position on the list, showcasing her extensive experience and leadership prowess.
Syed, who began her journey with Unilever as a management trainee in Pakistan in 1989, has risen through the ranks to assume pivotal roles within the multinational consumer goods company. Her tenure as CEO of Unilever Pakistan, coupled with her strategic leadership as President of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry, demonstrates Syed's ability to drive growth and innovation in dynamic environments.
Moreover, her current position as General Manager underscores her strategic vision and ability to navigate complex markets across the Middle East and Africa region.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Syed's influence extends to the boardrooms of prestigious institutions, including United Bank Limited in Pakistan, where she serves as a board member and chairperson of the Board Audit Committee.
Her diverse experience, spanning industries and geographies, reflects Syed's commitment to excellence and her dedication to shaping the future of business in the Middle East.
As Pakistan continues to produce remarkable talent, individuals like Shaista Asif and Shazia Syed serve as beacons of inspiration, breaking barriers and making significant contributions to the global business landscape. Their inclusion in Forbes' prestigious list reaffirms Pakistan's position as a hub of talent and innovation, poised to make waves
