Qatar Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Qatar Foundation has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, partnerships, finance, communications, and research.

Driven by a commitment to advancing Qatar's progress, Qatar Foundation champions a holistic approach to education, science, and community development, fostering a culture of innovation and lifelong learning to shape a brighter future for the nation.

Leadership Roles at Qatar Foundation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Andrea Branzi
  • Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office - Aysha Al Mudahka
  • Head Chief Executive Officer, Programs, Office - Zeidon Alkinani
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ahmed Sameh
  • Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office - Afra AlRemithi
  • President Director - M. Haqiqi
  • President, Higher Education - Francisco Marmolejo
  • President, Research & Development - Faisal Alsuwaidi
  • Deputy President of General Assembly - Yuktha Puranik
  • Chief Communications Officer - Mayan Zebeib
  • Andrea Branzi - Chief Executive Officer

    Andrea Branzi, the Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution across all organizational pillars. Branzi's leadership ensures the seamless integration of education, science and research, and community development initiatives, aligning them with Qatar's national development goals. This executive role involves fostering key stakeholder relationships and driving the foundation's mission to serve the people of Qatar through impactful programs. Overseeing the strategic direction, Branzi guides the organization's growth and its commitment to advancing knowledge and societal well-being. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to championing innovation and ensuring the foundation's long-term sustainability and influence within Qatar and beyond. Andrea Branzi's strategic oversight is critical for maintaining the foundation's position as a catalyst for positive change and human development.

    Aysha Al Mudahka - Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office

    Aysha Al Mudahka, the Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office at Qatar Foundation, spearheads the development and execution of critical strategic initiatives. Al Mudahka's leadership focuses on cultivating and strengthening partnerships essential for advancing the foundation's core missions in education, science, and community development. This role involves identifying new opportunities for collaboration and ensuring that strategic partnerships directly contribute to the foundation's objectives and impact within Qatar. Overseeing the partnerships development office, Al Mudahka drives engagement with national and international entities to expand the reach and effectiveness of Qatar Foundation's programs. The Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, ensures robust frameworks are in place for managing these vital relationships. Aysha Al Mudahka's strategic acumen is key to unlocking new avenues for growth and enhancing the foundation's capacity to serve the community.
    Aysha Al Mudahka

    Zeidon Alkinani - Head Chief Executive Officer, Programs, Office

    Zeidon Alkinani, the Head Chief Executive Officer, Programs, Office at Qatar Foundation, directs the strategic development and implementation of all programmatic activities. Alkinani's leadership ensures that the foundation's initiatives in education, science and research, and community development are aligned with its core mission and national objectives. This executive position involves overseeing the operational execution of programs, ensuring they deliver maximum impact for the people of Qatar. The Head Chief Executive Officer, Programs, fosters innovation within program design and delivery, driving excellence across all facets of the foundation's work. By managing program portfolios, Alkinani ensures effective resource utilization and measurable outcomes. Zeidon Alkinani's guidance is essential for advancing the foundation's commitment to societal progress and human development.

    Ahmed Sameh - Chief Financial Officer

    Ahmed Sameh, the Chief Financial Officer at Qatar Foundation, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Sameh directs all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency across all programs. This executive function involves overseeing investment strategies and optimizing financial operations to support Qatar Foundation's mission in education, science, and community development. The Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial role in financial risk management and compliance, safeguarding the foundation's assets. By providing critical financial insights, Sameh enables informed decision-making at the highest levels of the organization. Ahmed Sameh's leadership ensures the financial stability required to sustain and expand the foundation's vital work in Qatar.

    Afra AlRemithi - Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office

    Afra AlRemithi, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office at Qatar Foundation, directs financial operations while also spearheading organizational transformation. AlRemithi's dual focus ensures that financial strategies are integrated with change management initiatives, promoting efficiency and adaptability within the foundation. This executive role involves overseeing the financial aspects of implementing new processes and systems that support Qatar Foundation's evolving needs in education, science, and community development. The Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office, provides critical financial oversight for projects aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness. By guiding financial resources through periods of change, AlRemithi supports the foundation's commitment to continuous improvement. Afra AlRemithi's leadership is vital for navigating complex organizational shifts while maintaining financial integrity.

    M. Haqiqi - President Director

    M. Haqiqi, the President Director at Qatar Foundation, holds a senior leadership position overseeing key operational directives and strategic partnerships. Haqiqi's responsibilities encompass driving the execution of initiatives that support the foundation's core pillars of education, science and research, and community development. This executive role involves fostering collaboration among various departments and ensuring alignment with the foundation's overarching goals for Qatar. The President Director plays a crucial part in stakeholder engagement and the advancement of the foundation's mission. By providing strategic direction, Haqiqi contributes to the organization's growth and its commitment to societal impact. M. Haqiqi's leadership is instrumental in advancing Qatar Foundation's objectives and its service to the nation.

    Francisco Marmolejo - President, Higher Education

    Francisco Marmolejo, the President, Higher Education at Qatar Foundation, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight of the foundation's higher education initiatives. Marmolejo focuses on advancing academic excellence, fostering research, and ensuring that higher education programs meet the evolving needs of Qatar. This executive role involves cultivating relationships with academic institutions, driving curriculum development, and promoting innovation in learning environments. The President, Higher Education, is responsible for enhancing the quality and accessibility of tertiary education, aligning it with national development priorities. By championing pedagogical advancements, Marmolejo contributes to shaping future leaders and professionals. Francisco Marmolejo's leadership is vital for strengthening Qatar's higher education landscape and its global standing.

    Faisal Alsuwaidi - President, Research & Development

    Faisal Alsuwaidi, the President, Research & Development at Qatar Foundation, directs the strategic vision and operational execution of the foundation's research and development endeavors. Alsuwaidi champions scientific innovation and fosters an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries that benefit Qatar and the global community. This executive role involves overseeing research infrastructure, managing research grants, and promoting collaboration among scientists and institutions. The President, Research & Development, is pivotal in translating research outcomes into tangible advancements across various sectors. By driving R&D initiatives, Alsuwaidi supports Qatar Foundation's commitment to knowledge creation and technological progress. Faisal Alsuwaidi's leadership is essential for advancing Qatar's position as a hub for scientific inquiry and innovation.
    Faisal Alsuwaidi

    Yuktha Puranik - Deputy President of General Assembly

    Yuktha Puranik, the Deputy President of General Assembly at Qatar Foundation, supports the President in overseeing the strategic governance and operational directives of the organization. Puranik's role involves assisting in the formulation and implementation of policies that guide Qatar Foundation's mission in education, science, and community development. This executive function contributes to ensuring robust oversight and effective decision-making processes within the foundation. The Deputy President of General Assembly plays a key part in stakeholder engagement and the coordination of activities that advance the foundation's objectives. By providing critical support to the General Assembly, Puranik helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the foundation's governance structure. Yuktha Puranik's contribution is vital for the sustained success and impact of Qatar Foundation's work.

    Mayan Zebeib - Chief Communications Officer

    Mayan Zebeib, the Chief Communications Officer at Qatar Foundation, shapes and directs the organization's comprehensive communication strategies. Zebeib oversees all internal and external communications, ensuring consistent messaging that reflects Qatar Foundation's mission and values in education, science, and community development. This leadership role involves managing public relations, media engagement, and digital communications to enhance the foundation's brand and public perception. The Chief Communications Officer plays a pivotal part in articulating the impact of the foundation's work to diverse stakeholders. By developing compelling narratives, Zebeib amplifies the foundation's contributions to Qatar's progress. Mayan Zebeib's expertise is critical for building strong relationships and fostering understanding of Qatar Foundation's vital role.
    Mayan Zebeib

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Qatar Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Qatar Foundation?
    Qatar Foundation is led by Andrea Branzi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Aysha Al Mudahka (Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office) and Zeidon Alkinani (Head Chief Executive Officer, Programs, Office).
    Who is part of Qatar Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Qatar Foundation includes leaders such as Andrea Branzi (Chief Executive Officer), Aysha Al Mudahka (Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office), Zeidon Alkinani (Head Chief Executive Officer, Programs, Office) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Qatar Foundation have?
    Qatar Foundation has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Qatar Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Qatar Foundation includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office, Head Chief Executive Officer, Programs, Office, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office.