Two accomplished Pakistani women, Shaista Asif and Shazia Syed, have earned prominent positions in Forbes’ ranking of the Middle East’s most influential female executives, solidifying their impact on the regional stage.
Securing the fourth spot in ‘The Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2024,’ Shaista Asif shines as the co-founder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, a leading healthcare network based in the UAE. Asif’s journey with the corporation commenced in 2006, reaching its zenith with her appointment as the group’s CEO in December 2023.
Under her adept leadership, PureHealth Holding experienced remarkable growth, highlighted by a highly successful IPO that raised an impressive $986 million on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). The oversubscription of the IPO, attaining 54 times in the professional subscriber tranche and 483 times in the retail tranche, attests to the confidence investors place in Asif’s visionary leadership.
Noteworthy 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 influence in the healthcare sector.
Meanwhile, Shazia Syed, General Manager of Unilever North Africa, Levant, and Iraq, secured the ninth position on the list, showcasing her extensive experience and leadership acumen. Starting as a management trainee in Pakistan in 1989, Syed ascended through the ranks at Unilever, assuming pivotal roles within the multinational consumer goods company.
Her tenure as CEO of Unilever Pakistan and strategic leadership as President of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry highlight Syed’s ability to drive growth and innovation in dynamic environments. Her current role as General Manager reflects her strategic vision and proficiency in navigating complex markets across the Middle East and Africa region.
Beyond corporate achievements, Syed’s influence extends to prestigious institutions’ boardrooms, including United Bank Limited in Pakistan, where she serves as a board member and chairperson of the Board Audit Committee. Her diverse experience across industries and geographies underscores Syed’s commitment to excellence and 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 are inspirational figures, breaking barriers and making significant contributions to the global business landscape. Their inclusion in Forbes’ prestigious list reaffirms Pakistan’s status as a hub of talent and innovation, poised to make waves on the international stage.
