EFG Holding CEO Karim Awad Named Among CNBC Arabia’s Top 100 Business Leaders of 2026
CNBC Arabia has announced the selection of Karim Awad, Group CEO, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Board Member of EFG Holding, for its prestigious list of the "100 Business Leaders Shaping the Landscape of the Regional Economy" for 2026. This elite lineup features top executive leaders, founders, and chairpersons of major Middle Eastern enterprises who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and driven tangible economic impact across diverse industries.
Awad was recognized under the Banking and Investment sector, which highlights the region's premier financial and banking executives. His inclusion celebrates his strategic stewardship of EFG Holding and his oversight of its regional expansion. Under his leadership, the group has cemented its position as a powerhouse financial services institution in the Middle East and Africa, delivering market-leading solutions in investment banking, asset management, securities brokerage, and non-bank financial services (NBFS).
Performance-Driven Evaluation
CNBC Arabia reiterated that the 2026 roster is neither a popularity ranking nor a media-reach index, and it features no numerical ranking. Instead, the initiative highlights leaders whose strategic decisions yield measurable business outcomes and lasting market influence.
The evaluation process focused strictly on key pillars of institutional success, including:
Measurable Operational Performance: Verifiable results and strong financial indicators within the organization.
Economic Contribution: The depth of impact the leader’s vision has made on their sector and the broader regional economy.
Future Readiness: Driving business competitiveness and helping shape the future landscape of commerce in the Middle East.