Difc Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Difc has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, marketing, risk, legal, and operations.

Driving growth across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, Difc operates as a pivotal financial hub, fostering economic development through its specialized economic zone.

Leadership Roles at Difc

  • Chief Executive Officer - Vinay Poddar
  • Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Rehab E M Abdalla
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kathleen De Jesus
  • Founder & Chief Financial Officer - Farid Rehaili
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Ghalya Binsalman
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Saurabh Gupta
  • Chief Legal Officer - Jacques Visser
  • Chief Operations Officer - M.Adil Chughtai
  • Vinay Poddar - Chief Executive Officer

    Vinay Poddar, the Chief Executive Officer at Difc, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the financial hub. Poddar's leadership focuses on expanding Difc's influence across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to foster economic growth. This role involves cultivating key stakeholder relationships and driving initiatives that enhance Difc's position as a premier financial center. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include overseeing strategic partnerships and ensuring the sustained development of the economic zone. Vinay Poddar's strategic vision guides the organization's trajectory, emphasizing innovation and market leadership.

    Rehab E M Abdalla - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

    Rehab E M Abdalla, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Difc, spearheads the strategic direction and foundational growth of the financial hub. Abdalla's role encompasses driving the core mission of Difc, which is to serve as a critical economic zone for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This involves shaping the company's long-term vision and ensuring its continued relevance in global financial markets. The Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder's leadership is crucial in establishing and maintaining Difc's unique economic framework. Rehab E M Abdalla's entrepreneurial spirit fuels the ongoing expansion and operational excellence of the organization.

    Kathleen De Jesus - Chief Financial Officer

    Kathleen De Jesus, the Chief Financial Officer at Difc, manages all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the economic zone. De Jesus oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and investment strategies, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of Difc's operations across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance and securing resources to support the company's growth objectives. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in navigating complex financial landscapes and driving profitability. Kathleen De Jesus's financial acumen underpins Difc's ability to execute its ambitious development plans.

    Farid Rehaili - Founder & Chief Financial Officer

    Farid Rehaili, the Founder & Chief Financial Officer at Difc, established the financial framework and continues to guide its fiscal direction. Rehaili's foundational role involves shaping the economic zone's financial architecture and ensuring its long-term viability as a hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This position requires meticulous oversight of financial planning, resource allocation, and investment management. The Founder & Chief Financial Officer's deep understanding of Difc's origins informs strategic financial decisions, balancing growth imperatives with prudent fiscal management. Farid Rehaili's enduring financial leadership is central to Difc's sustained success.

    Ghalya Binsalman - Chief Marketing Officer

    Ghalya Binsalman, the Chief Marketing Officer at Difc, directs all marketing and communications strategies to enhance the company's global presence and brand recognition. Binsalman is responsible for developing campaigns that highlight Difc's role as a leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This involves shaping market perception, attracting investment, and fostering engagement with key stakeholders. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts are instrumental in communicating Difc's value proposition and driving business development. Ghalya Binsalman's strategic marketing initiatives amplify Difc's impact and market reach.

    Saurabh Gupta - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Saurabh Gupta, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Difc, holds dual responsibility for safeguarding the organization's assets and driving revenue growth. Gupta oversees comprehensive risk management frameworks, ensuring compliance and mitigating potential threats across Difc's operations in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Concurrently, this executive leads revenue generation strategies, identifying new market opportunities and optimizing sales channels to expand the financial hub's economic footprint. The dual role demands a strategic balance between risk mitigation and aggressive business development. Saurabh Gupta's integrated approach ensures both stability and expansion for Difc.
    Jacques Visser, the Chief Legal Officer at Difc, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the financial hub. Visser ensures compliance with international and local regulations, safeguarding Difc's interests across its operations in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This role is critical in structuring agreements, managing litigation, and advising on corporate governance to support the company's mission. The Chief Legal Officer's expertise is essential for navigating the complex legal environment of a global financial center. Jacques Visser's diligent legal oversight protects Difc's integrity and facilitates its expansion.
    Jacques Visser

    M.Adil Chughtai - Chief Operations Officer

    M.Adil Chughtai, the Chief Operations Officer at Difc, directs the day-to-day operational efficiency and infrastructure development of the financial hub. Chughtai is responsible for optimizing processes and ensuring the seamless functioning of Difc's services across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This involves managing resources, implementing operational strategies, and enhancing service delivery to support the company's growth objectives. The Chief Operations Officer's focus on operational excellence is key to maintaining Difc's competitive edge. M.Adil Chughtai's leadership drives the effective execution of Difc's strategic initiatives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Difc Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Difc?
    Difc is led by Vinay Poddar (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rehab E M Abdalla (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder) and Kathleen De Jesus (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Difc’s executive team?
    The executive team of Difc includes leaders such as Vinay Poddar (Chief Executive Officer), Rehab E M Abdalla (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder), Kathleen De Jesus (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Difc have?
    Difc has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Difc’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Difc includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Chief Financial Officer, Founder & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer.