He now oversees a diversified conglomerate with assets exceeding USD 19 billion and a workforce of more than 40,000 employees—positioning the group at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and experiential retail.
CEO
Ahmed Galal Ismail
Ahmed Galal Ismail serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, a role he has held since January 2023. With a tenure spanning over 15 years across the group’s business lines, Ismail is recognized for his strategic leadership in retail, real estate, and consumer engagement across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Career Journey Within Majid Al Futtaim Group
Ismail’s ascent within the group has been marked by progressive executive roles: • Group CEO – Majid Al Futtaim Holding (2023–Present) • CEO – Majid Al Futtaim Properties (2018–2023) • CEO – Ventures Division (Entertainment, Cinemas, Lifestyle, Facility Management, Consumer Finance) • Vice President of Strategy – Joined in 2007 In each role, he led transformation initiatives, expanded footprint across regional markets, and optimized performance across diversified assets such as malls, hotels, and mixed-use communities in the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, and Lebanon.
Professional Experience Beyond the Group
Before joining Majid Al Futtaim, Ismail worked at: • Procter & Gamble – Egypt and Germany • Booz Allen Hamilton – Principal, advising clients in retail, media, tourism, and transport sectors This international exposure equipped him with the commercial acumen and analytical depth to drive large-scale corporate strategy.
Board Memberships and Strategic Engagements
Ahmed Galal Ismail plays an active role beyond corporate leadership, including: • Board Member – Arab Investment Bank • Member – CEO Climate Change Alliance (World Economic Forum) • Trustee – American University in Cairo These engagements reflect his commitment to sustainability, education, and private sector leadership.
Academic Credentials
Ismail holds: • Bachelor’s in Computer Science (with Honors) – American University in Cairo • MBA with Distinction – London Business School His academic grounding reinforces his strategic and analytical leadership approach.
Key Strategic Projects
Under Ismail’s leadership, the group is spearheading transformative developments: • Mall of the Emirates Redevelopment – AED 5 billion strategic expansion to add 20,000 sqm of retail space, 100 new stores, and four entertainment hubs by late 2026 • Junction Egypt – A landmark 129,000 sqm mixed-use business park near Mall of Egypt with EGP 15 billion investment, projected to create 8,000+ direct and indirect jobs. With a proven track record in business transformation, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, Ahmed Galal Ismail continues to redefine the modern consumer experience while anchoring Majid Al Futtaim’s strategic vision across regional and global markets.
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