CEO – Executive Search, Abu Dhabi

We are conducting a C-level executive search for a senior leader to head an Abu Dhabi-based organisation entering a significant phase of growth and development.

The successful Chief Executive Officer will lead the company through a period of scale, evolving it from an early-stage structure into a well-governed, high-performing organisation. The role requires strong people leadership, strategic judgement and the credibility to operate confidently at the highest levels. A business builder with a background in a regulated environment is required and could be from areas such as finance, fintech, entertainment, media and sports, legal and construction as examples.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading organisational scale-up, including structure, governance, operating model and culture, ensuring the organisation is equipped for long-term sustainability
• Strengthening leadership capability across the executive team, mentoring and developing talent while building depth, accountability and performance standards
• Managing critical interdependencies across key UAE stakeholders, ensuring alignment, clarity and disciplined execution
• Serving as the senior representative of the organisation, maintaining credibility, discretion and professionalism in all external engagements and working with media
• Ensuring that compliance and integrity standards are consistently upheld, with systems and controls that withstand scrutiny

Experience and Background to be considered for the role

• Prior experience as a Chief Executive Officer or equivalent senior executive with full organisational accountability
• A strong track record of scaling and transforming a business or organisations
• Experience operating in highly regulated environments where governance, oversight and public trust are central
• The ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and manage interdependent decision-making structures
• Experience working in the UAE would be beneficial but not essential

Leadership Profile

• This appointment requires a leader with:
• Gravitas and confidence to engage credibly with senor stakeholders
• Strong people leadership, with a focus on capability development
• Calm authority and resilience in high-pressure
• Unquestionable integrity, discretion and sound decision-making
• Clarity of communication and the ability to align diverse stakeholders around shared objectives

This executive search represents a rare opportunity to lead a strategically significant Abu Dhabi-based organisation at a pivotal moment in its development, combining strategic leadership, governance rigour and public accountability.