Maher Sabbagh

Focus: HR, Organisations, Leadership

Maher Sabbagh is a seasoned HR leader with over 25 years of international experience driving transformational change across diverse markets and industries. Throughout his career, Maher has held senior HR leadership roles at global organisations, including Japan Tobacco International (JTI) — in Jordan, Baltics, Iran, UAE, Sudan and Bangladesh — DAMAC Group, and JAT International in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and Tanzania.

Maher has led major business transformations, including a $1.5 billion acquisition in Bangladesh, a $450 billion business expansion in Sudan, and the successful restructuring of operations across MENA, Africa, and Southeast Asia. He is known for designing and implementing strategic HR frameworks, building leadership pipelines, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Passionate about leadership development and talent growth, Maher has introduced initiatives like the Women in Leadership program in Southeast Asia and the Sudan Talent Nurturing Program, focusing on talent repatriation and graduate development. He has also guided organisations through complex post-mergers, acquisitions and business expansions while ensuring employee engagement and cultural alignment.

Maher holds a deep understanding of multi-cultural environments, having worked extensively across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. He currently resides in Dubai with his wife and two children.