MUSCAT: The Royal Academy of Management (RAM) honored the accomplishments of 35 C-suite executives, all leaders in the private sector, who have recently finished the National CEO Programme. The graduation ceremony, conducted under the patronage of Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, the Minister of the Diwan of the Royal Court and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Royal Academy of Management, highlighted Oman’s persistent dedication to enhancing leadership skills at the national level, aligning with the priorities set by Oman Vision 2040 and the directives from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik regarding investments in human capital and the promotion of institutional excellence.
The National CEO Programme is a key initiative intended to furnish private sector executives with the essential tools to lead effectively in today’s intricate and ever-changing work environment.
Participants engaged in an eight-month immersive educational experience that included five core modules, interactive workshops, coaching sessions, field visits, and exposure to global business trends. In collaboration with the prestigious London Business School (LBS) in the United Kingdom, the curriculum centered on strategic leadership, digital transformation, innovation, talent development, and creating agile and resilient organisations.
Hiba Yasser Al Henai, Programme Manager at the Royal Academy of Management, stressed the national importance of the National CEO Programme and how it aligns with Oman’s goal of empowering leaders who are ready for the future.
She mentioned that since the programme's launch in 2014, it has highlighted the necessity for ongoing investment in executive talent to enhance the competitiveness of the private sector and inspire future generations.
Helen Kerkentzes, Associate Dean for Executive Education at LBS, praised the successful partnership with RAM, which facilitated a truly exceptional learning experience.
She expressed her pride in the collaboration and acknowledged the collective efforts that contributed to the programme’s success. Kerkentzes also underscored the comprehensive and varied nature of the learning journey, which merged academic theory with real-world application. She emphasized the significance of site visits and interactions with global experts, allowing participants to gain varied insights into leadership, innovation, and business strategy.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Eng. Hamad bin Abdullah Al Maamari, Executive General Manager, Technical Services and Decarbonisation Executive at Oman LNG, reflected on the transformative experience he had alongside his fellow participants. He pointed out several pivotal moments during the programme that greatly influenced their leadership growth and expanded their strategic outlook. In conclusion, he expressed gratitude to the teams at RAM and LBS, as well as the experts, speakers, and facilitators who enriched the programme with global insights and best practices.
The National CEO Programme utilized a diverse array of educational approaches to ensure a thorough understanding and effective application of theory. Individual coaching sessions encouraged participants to examine their leadership styles and cultivate new thought processes by simulating real-life executive situations. These scenarios prompted participants to build high-performing teams and guide organisations that are capable of adapting and thriving in a constantly evolving landscape.
Reflecting on his experience, Adnan Ahmed Hamed Al Shuaili, Co-founder and CEO of eMushrif, stated, “The programme provided a range of enriching hands-on experiences, including comprehensive case studies of prominent global corporations and insights into the strategic decision-making process. It also included immersive field visits that exposed us to international business cultures, making it an outstanding executive programme.”
Dukhan Abdullah Matar Al Foori, Corporate Planning Manager at CCED, remarked, “It was an honor to be part of this inspiring community of national leaders. Beyond acquiring skills and knowledge, the programme transformed my perspective on leadership and its influence on my organisation, sector, and nation.”
Yousuf Ahmed Dawood Al Busaidi, who serves as Senior Legal Counsel, Co-Founder, and Deputy Manager at Asyad, remarked, "The National CEO Programme was a pivotal experience in my career. Its challenging academic curriculum and varied practical encounters have armed me with the mindset and skills necessary to play an active role in Oman’s development and enduring success."
Maha Saud Abdulaziz Al Raisi, AGM and Head of Retail Products at the National Bank of Oman, stated, "Participating in this programme made me realize that effective leadership extends beyond making choices and providing guidance; it involves fostering an environment that empowers others to innovate and develop. The toughest aspect of leadership starts from within; a leader must first undergo personal transformation before attempting to effect change in their surroundings."
In collaboration with LBS, a globally recognized business school with over fifty years of expertise in executive education, the National CEO Programme embodies RAM’s strategic goal to refine executive leadership approaches across various sectors. Through this initiative and others, RAM is committed to nurturing a new generation of transformative and influential leaders who can shape Oman’s future and establish the private sector as a driving force for sustainable economic growth.
