Bader Al-Kharafi
Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 17, 1977 Kuwait |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Business executive |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Known for | Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Zain Group |
Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi (; born 17 August 1977) is a prominent Kuwaiti entrepreneur who holds the positions of Vice Chairman and Group CEO at Zain Group, a foremost telecommunications firm headquartered in Kuwait.[1][2][3]
In 2018, he was recognized by Arabian Business as one of the 100 most influential Arabs.[4]
Early life and education
Al-Kharafi was born on 17 August 1977. He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Kuwait University in 2002, followed by an MBA from London Business School in 2016.[5]
Career
Al-Kharafi’s professional journey commenced at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. In 2002, he transitioned to M. A. Kharafi & Sons where he served as a Coordination Engineer.[6] He also occupies executive positions within Gulf Bank of Kuwait, Foulath Holding, Diamond International Motors, and Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries.[7]
After the passing of his father, Nasser Al-Kharafi, in 2012 he assumed the role of director on the executive committee of the Al Kharafi group.[8]
In 2014, he was appointed to the Middle East Advisory Board of Coutts.[9] That same year, he was named Vice Chairman of Zain KSA.[10]
In 2017, Al-Kharafi succeeded Scott Gegenheimer as CEO of Zain Group.[11]
He was appointed Chairman of the Executive Committee and joined the Nomination and Remuneration Committee at Boursa Kuwait, the country's stock exchange, in February 2019.[12]
In September 2019, BNK Automotive, a company owned by Al-Kharafi, became the exclusive importer for Volvo Cars in Kuwait.[13] Later that year in November, he acquired a controlling interest of approximately 29% in Gulf Cable for nearly US$500 million.[14][15]
Awards and recognition
- In 2014, Al-Kharafi was listed among the World's 100 Most Influential Arabs by Gulf Business.
- In 2015, he was recognized as one of the Most Powerful Young Arabs Under 40 by Arabian Business.
- Al-Kharafi was included in Arabian Business's compilation of the 100 Most Influential Arabs globally in both 2017 and 2018.
Philanthropy
Al-Kharafi is associated with Kuwait Food Bank, an organization that delivers nutritious meals to more than 5,700 Kuwaiti households while advocating for the reduction of food waste. This initiative also provides vocational training to assist recipients in obtaining employment opportunities within Kuwait. Additionally, he champions youth empowerment through his involvement with INJAZ Kuwait.
In 2019, Al-Kharafi introduced WE ABLE, spearheading Zain Group's Disability Inclusion Program with the objective of achieving a fully disability-inclusive workplace by 2022.
References
- ↑ "ZAIN.KW Company Profile & Executives - Mobile Telecommunications Co. (MTC) K.S.C." The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
- ↑ "A man on a mission: Bader Nasser Al Kharafi". ArabianBusiness.com. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
- ↑ "Changemakers Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi". London Business School. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
- ↑ "100.Most.Powerful.Arabs.2018-01-Bader Al-Kharafi". ArabianBusiness.com. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
- ↑ Salihovic, Elnur (2015-10-05). Major Players in the Muslim Business World. Universal-Publishers. ISBN 978-1-62734-052-6.
- ↑ "Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi - Vice Chairman & Group CEO, Zain Group". itp.net. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
- ↑ "Journey to the Future". The Business Year. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
- ↑ East, Forbes Middle. "The Man Using His Influence To Empower Kuwait's Youth". Forbes ME. Retrieved 2020-02-21.
- ↑ "Coutts expands Middle East advisory board". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
- ↑ "Zain to sell 2,600 towers in Jordan for $88m". www.capacitymedia.com. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-27.
- ↑ Sharma, Ray. "Bader Al-Kharafi Takes Over as CEO of Zain Group". www.thefastmode.com. Retrieved 2020-02-21.
- ↑ "History made as Al-Kharafi and Al-Bahar consortium takes equity stake in Boursa Kuwait". Kuwait Times. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
- ↑ "Volvo Cars changes hands from Al-Mutawa to Al-Kharafi". Kuwait Times. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
- ↑ "Bader Al-Kharafi acquires 29% of Gulf Cable Co worth $500m". Kuwait Times. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
- ↑ "Al Kharafi buys KWD 33m stake in Gulf Cable". english.mubasher.info. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 2020-02-19.