Most Influential Kuwaiti Businessmen

Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the world and is known worldwide as one of the main oil exporters. However, not many people know that the Gulf country is home to some of the most successful and pioneering businessmen and entrepreneurs.

Here is a list of the most influential businessmen and entrepreneurs in Kuwait:

Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi

Mr. Al-Kharafi is another Kuwaiti business leader who made Forbes “Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East” for 2022. He is the CEO and Vice Chairman of Kuwaiti mobile telecommunications company Zain Group, which operates in 7 countries. Mr. Al-Kharafi began his career with his family business Al-Kharafi Group, where he held several leadership positions. He sits on the board of several companies and entities and is know for his philanthropic initiatives, being involved with Kuwait Food Bank, INJAZ Kuwait and sitting on the “Sustainability Board” for UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency. Mr. Al-Kharafi has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kuwait University and an MBA from London Business School.

Jawad Ahmed Bukhamseen

Jawad Bukhmaseen is the founder, owner, and chairman of Bukhamseen Group Holding. He also Al-Houda hotels and Tourism, Misr International Towers, Annahar Newspaper and Al-Arabiya Real Estate Company. The family business is highly invested in the banking and finance sector and Mr. Bukhmaseen playing a role in founding several banks in Kuwait and the MENA region including Kuwait International Bank, First Gulf Bank in Abu Dhabi, Egyptian Gulf Bank, and Qatar First Bank. Mr. Bukhamseen holds a diploma in Commerce and Accounting from the General Authority for Applied Education and Training in Kuwait. His company established a charity arm called Al-Mubarra that focuses on financing for medical care and education.

Kutayba Yusuf Alghanim

Kutayba Alghanim is the Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries and is credited for transforming the company from a traditional regional player into an innovative, modern corporation. After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, Mr. Alghanim returned to Kuwait in 1970, after which he joined the family business. Alghanim Industries are known as the exclusive distributeors for GM and Ford cars in Kuwait in addition to their electronic store business and franchises for Wendys and Costa Coffee. Mr. Alghanim is also highly regarded for his philanthropic work both in Kuwait and the Arab world.

Mohammad Saud Al-Osaimi

Mohammad Al-Osaimi joined Boursa Kuwait in 2015 as a member of the board and Head of Markets, helping create new business opportunities, before becoming CEO in 2019. Mr. Al-Osaimi was named as one Forbes “Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East” for 2022. He holds Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Gannon University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States. 

Mohammed Alshaya

Since 2007, Mr. Alshaya has been the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, Alshaya group of companies, a name synonymous with retail in the Middle East region and Eastern Europe. Alshaya Co. currently owns and operates over 1400 franchise stores, representing over 40 international brands, like H&M, Mothercare, The Body Shop, Boots, Starbucks, among others. He holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Kuwait University and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and sits on the board of several entities.

Mohannad Al-Kharafi

Mohannad Al-Kharafi is the Vice Chairman of Al-Kharafi and Sons, which owns stakes Zain telecommunications company and Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries and runs one of the biggest construction companies in the region, “Kharafi National.” Mr. Al-Kharafi also serves as Chairman of Zain Group. He graduated with a degree in Economics from Kuwait University.

Tarek Sultan

Tarek Sultan took on the role of Vice Chairman of global supply chain company, Agility, in 1997, and spearheaded the company’s global expansion. Mr. Sultan oversaw Agility’s expansion from a regional logistics company to one with 26K employees in more than 100 countries, focused on supply chain efficiency and sustainability. Mr. Sultan, who was named as one of Forbes Top CEOs in the Middle East in 2021, served on the Board of Directors of Gulf Bank and Burgan Bank and acted as an advisor for the Singapore Economic Development Board. He also sits on the board for INJAZ Kuwait, is an active member of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Mr. Sultan has an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and Bachelor’s in Economics from Williams College.