Qatar Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Qatar Foundation has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, partnership development, operations, financial management, and communications.

Committed to advancing human potential, Qatar Foundation drives transformative progress through integrated programs in education, scientific research, and community development to foster a sustainable future for the region.

Leadership Roles at Qatar Foundation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Andrea Branzi
  • Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office - Aysha Al Mudahka
  • Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office - Zeidon Alkinani
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ahmed Sameh
  • Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office - Afra AlRemithi
  • Acting Chief Financial Officer - Waleed Al-Abdulla
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sheikha Al-Fadalah
  • Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office - Hanan Maarouf
  • President Director - M. Haqiqi
  • Chief Communications Officer - Mayan Zebeib
  • Andrea Branzi - Chief Executive Officer

    Andrea Branzi, the Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the overarching strategic vision across all core mission areas. By aligning educational initiatives with scientific research goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization maintains a high standard of excellence within the Middle East. Andrea Branzi manages the executive board to optimize resource allocation and long-term institutional growth. This leadership role involves constant engagement with global academic partners to expand the reach of local research programs. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the non-profit model. By fostering innovation in science and technology, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the foundation. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of human development forward, ensuring that every program contributes to the broader societal goals established by the leadership team.

    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, architects complex collaborative frameworks to expand the institutional footprint. By identifying key international stakeholders, the Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office secures vital alliances that bolster the research and education sectors. Aysha Al Mudahka manages the integration of external expertise into internal programs, ensuring that global best practices inform local development. This leadership role requires constant negotiation with private and public entities to align mutual interests with the foundation's core mission. By streamlining partnership workflows, the Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office enhances the efficiency of cross-sector initiatives. Through these efforts, the Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office strengthens the foundation's market position, driving sustainable growth and fostering a robust ecosystem for innovation across the region.
    Aysha Al Mudahka

    Zeidon Alkinani - Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office

    Zeidon Alkinani, the Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office at Qatar Foundation, directs the development and execution of specialized programs that advance the foundation's mission. By overseeing the program lifecycle, the Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office ensures that educational and scientific initiatives meet the highest standards of quality. Zeidon Alkinani manages the coordination between program teams to ensure alignment with the foundation's strategic objectives. This leadership role involves evaluating the impact of current programs and identifying new opportunities for community development. By fostering a culture of innovation, the Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office drives the creation of impactful projects that address regional needs. Through rigorous program management, the Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office ensures that the foundation's resources are effectively utilized to achieve measurable outcomes. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office shapes the foundation's programmatic success.
    Zeidon Alkinani

    Ahmed Sameh - Chief Financial Officer

    Ahmed Sameh, the Chief Financial Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the fiscal strategy and long-term financial planning for the organization. By managing complex budgetary requirements for research and education, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of all non-profit programs. Ahmed Sameh oversees the allocation of capital to high-impact scientific projects, balancing immediate needs with future growth objectives. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and risk management to maintain institutional transparency. By optimizing the investment portfolio, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to support ongoing community development efforts. Through strategic financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer enables the foundation to pursue ambitious research goals while maintaining fiscal discipline. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the economic foundation required for the organization to thrive, ensuring that every dollar invested contributes directly to the advancement of knowledge and societal progress.

    Afra AlRemithi - Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office

    Afra AlRemithi, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office at Qatar Foundation, directs the financial transformation and organizational change initiatives. By aligning fiscal policies with evolving strategic goals, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office ensures that the foundation remains agile in a competitive global landscape. Afra AlRemithi manages the transition of internal processes to support new research and educational models. This leadership role involves leading cross-functional teams to implement structural improvements that enhance operational efficiency. By analyzing financial data, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office identifies areas for improvement and drives the adoption of modern management practices. Through these efforts, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office supports the foundation's mission by ensuring that financial resources are utilized to foster innovation and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office secures the organization's future through proactive financial leadership.

    Waleed Al-Abdulla - Acting Chief Financial Officer

    Waleed Al-Abdulla, the Acting Chief Financial Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the immediate financial operations and reporting requirements for the organization. By maintaining strict oversight of current expenditures, the Acting Chief Financial Officer ensures that all research and educational programs remain within budgetary constraints. Waleed Al-Abdulla manages the daily cash flow and financial compliance activities that support the foundation's ongoing mission. This leadership role involves providing critical financial insights to the executive board to inform short-term decision-making. By monitoring fiscal performance, the Acting Chief Financial Officer identifies potential risks and implements mitigation strategies to protect the foundation's assets. Through diligent financial management, the Acting Chief Financial Officer supports the stability of the organization during periods of transition. Ultimately, the Acting Chief Financial Officer ensures that the foundation's financial health remains robust, allowing for the continued pursuit of scientific and community development goals across the region.

    Sheikha Al-Fadalah - Chief Operating Officer

    Sheikha Al-Fadalah, the Chief Operating Officer at Qatar Foundation, oversees the internal infrastructure required to support large-scale educational and scientific programs. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources reach critical research projects without delay. Sheikha Al-Fadalah manages the daily administrative functions that sustain the foundation's diverse campus environments. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to maintain high standards of efficiency and compliance across all facilities. By implementing scalable management systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the rapid expansion of community development initiatives. Through rigorous monitoring of operational metrics, the Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer provides the foundational stability necessary for the organization to achieve its ambitious goals, ensuring that every internal function aligns with the broader mission of advancing human potential within the region.

    Hanan Maarouf - Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office

    Hanan Maarouf, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office at Qatar Foundation, directs the administrative and logistical support systems that enable the foundation's core activities. By managing the business support functions, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office ensures that research and educational departments have the necessary tools to succeed. Hanan Maarouf oversees the procurement and facility management processes that sustain the foundation's extensive campus operations. This leadership role involves coordinating with various stakeholders to streamline service delivery and improve organizational responsiveness. By implementing robust support frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office enhances the overall productivity of the foundation's staff. Through continuous improvement of business processes, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office ensures that the organization operates at peak efficiency. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office provides the essential infrastructure that allows the foundation to focus on its mission of scientific and educational excellence.

    M. Haqiqi - President Director

    M. Haqiqi, the President Director at Qatar Foundation, directs the high-level governance and operational oversight of the organization. By providing executive leadership, the President Director ensures that all departments remain focused on the core mission of education, science, and community development. M. Haqiqi manages the board relations and ensures that the foundation's activities align with the long-term vision for the region. This leadership role involves setting the strategic direction and fostering a culture of excellence across all levels of the organization. By overseeing the implementation of major initiatives, the President Director drives the foundation's growth and impact. Through effective governance, the President Director maintains the integrity and purpose of the foundation. Ultimately, the President Director provides the steady leadership required to navigate complex challenges, ensuring that the foundation continues to serve the people of Qatar through its commitment to innovation and human potential.

    Mayan Zebeib - Chief Communications Officer

    Mayan Zebeib, the Chief Communications Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the global messaging and public engagement strategy for the organization. By crafting narratives that highlight the foundation's impact on education and science, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the mission resonates with diverse audiences. Mayan Zebeib manages the brand identity and media relations to maintain the foundation's reputation as a leader in human development. This leadership role involves coordinating with internal departments to showcase research breakthroughs and community success stories. By leveraging digital platforms, the Chief Communications Officer expands the reach of the foundation's initiatives across international markets. Through strategic communication, the Chief Communications Officer builds strong relationships with stakeholders and the public. Ultimately, the Chief Communications Officer drives the foundation's visibility, ensuring that the organization's contributions to society are recognized and understood globally, thereby supporting the long-term goals of the foundation.
    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 (Chief Executive Officer & Head of 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 (Chief Executive Officer & Head of 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, Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office.