Omar Alghanim

Omar Kutayba Alghanim is the CEO of Alghanim Industries, one of the oldest and largest companies in the MENA region, with more than 30 businesses in 40 countries. He is also the Chairman of Gulf Bank, among the largest commercial banks in Kuwait and one of the fastest-growing in the region. Both organizations have deep roots in the Kuwaiti community: Alghanim Industries has a local legacy that dates back to the 1800s; Gulf Bank was founded more than 50 years ago, making it one of Kuwait’s most enduring financial institutions. He is part of the Alghanim family, which played a key role in the founding and subsequent rise of Kuwait as a regional trading power. The family actively participated in the country’s rebuild after the Gulf War, and remains deeply involved in the local community and greater Gulf region. Prior to joining Alghanim Industries, Omar worked in the Investment Banking Division of Morgan Stanley in London, where he worked on several large global transactions. Additionally, he played a key role in the founding of two major financial services firms: Asiya Investments and Perella Weinberg Partners. Having earned his MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS) in 2002, Omar continues to maintain close ties with the school. He is a member of the HBS MENA and Central Asia Advisory Board, developing and strengthening relationships with business and academic leaders in the region. He also serves on the Leadership Council of Harvard Kennedy School´s Center for Public Leadership (CPL), which is a network of business, philanthropic, and civic innovators who serve as intellectual partners to the CPL. Omar is also a member of the Board of Dean’s Advisors at HBS. He is the eldest son of Sir Kutayba Alghanim, grandson of Sir Yusuf Alghanim and great-grandson of Ahmed Alghanim, a prominent pearl merchant who laid the foundation for Alghanim Industries in the 1890s. Omar received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Commerce from New York University’s Stern School of Business in 1997 and has an MBA from Harvard Business School (Class of 2002).