Qatar Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Qatar Foundation has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, change management, business support, communications, and higher education.

Committed to advancing human potential, Qatar Foundation drives transformative progress through integrated programs in education, science, research, and community development across the region.

Leadership Roles at Qatar Foundation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Yousif Al-Naama
  • Chief Financial Officer - Atehar Mir
  • Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office - Afra Al Remithi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sheikha Al-Fadalah
  • Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office - Hanan Maarouf
  • President, Higher Education - Francisco Marmolejo
  • Chief Communications Officer - Mayan Zebeib
  • Yousif Al-Naama - Chief Executive Officer

    Yousif Al-Naama, the Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Al-Naama governs the alignment of educational, scientific, and community development initiatives with the long-term national goals of Qatar. By coordinating across diverse departments, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all programs maintain high standards of excellence and impact. Yousif Al-Naama manages high-level stakeholder relationships, fostering partnerships that expand the reach of the foundation. This leadership role involves monitoring organizational performance metrics to guarantee efficiency and mission fulfillment. Through rigorous oversight of resource allocation, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the financial and operational health of the institution. Al-Naama drives innovation by encouraging cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that the foundation remains a catalyst for societal advancement. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the sustainability of the mission, positioning the organization as a global leader in knowledge-based development.

    Atehar Mir - Chief Financial Officer

    Atehar Mir, the Chief Financial Officer at Qatar Foundation, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the organization. Mir oversees complex financial planning, ensuring that capital resources support the core mission areas of education, science, and research. The Chief Financial Officer directs the development of robust financial reporting systems to maintain transparency and accountability. Atehar Mir evaluates investment opportunities that align with the long-term objectives of the foundation, mitigating risks while maximizing returns. By collaborating with other executive leaders, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution across various departments to enhance operational efficiency. This role involves managing external audits and regulatory compliance to uphold the reputation of the institution. Through strategic financial modeling, Mir supports the expansion of research facilities and educational programs. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the fiscal stability necessary for the foundation to continue its impactful work in the region.

    Afra Al Remithi - Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office

    Afra Al Remithi, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office at Qatar Foundation, directs the integration of financial strategy with organizational transformation initiatives. Al Remithi manages the financial aspects of change management, ensuring that structural shifts remain fiscally responsible and aligned with the mission. The Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office oversees the implementation of new processes that improve agility across the foundation. Afra Al Remithi evaluates the financial impact of organizational changes, providing data-driven insights to the executive team. By leading the Change Management Office, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office facilitates the adoption of new technologies and operational models. This role involves balancing fiscal discipline with the need for continuous improvement in education and research programs. Through strategic oversight, Al Remithi ensures that the foundation adapts effectively to evolving global standards. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office secures the long-term viability of the organization.

    Sheikha Al-Fadalah - Chief Operating Officer

    Sheikha Al-Fadalah, the Chief Operating Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the internal infrastructure and daily operational workflows of the organization. Al-Fadalah manages the execution of large-scale projects within the education and research sectors, ensuring that facilities and resources function at peak capacity. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates cross-departmental efforts to streamline processes and improve service delivery. Sheikha Al-Fadalah monitors the performance of operational teams, implementing best practices to enhance productivity and organizational agility. By overseeing the maintenance and development of physical assets, the Chief Operating Officer supports the diverse needs of the foundation's community. This leadership role involves identifying bottlenecks in operational workflows and architecting solutions that drive efficiency. Through meticulous planning and resource management, Al-Fadalah ensures that the foundation meets its ambitious goals. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational excellence required to sustain the mission of the organization.

    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 functions that underpin the organization. Maarouf manages the Business Support Office, ensuring that essential services such as procurement, facilities management, and human resources operate seamlessly. The Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office coordinates with various departments to provide the necessary infrastructure for educational and scientific success. Hanan Maarouf implements standardized procedures that enhance the quality of support services across the foundation. By overseeing the Business Support Office, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office optimizes the use of shared resources to reduce costs and improve service delivery. This leadership role involves managing vendor relationships and service level agreements to maintain high operational standards. Through proactive management, Maarouf ensures that the foundation's staff and researchers have the tools required for their work. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office drives the efficiency of the entire organization.

    Francisco Marmolejo - President, Higher Education

    Francisco Marmolejo, the President, Higher Education at Qatar Foundation, directs the academic strategy and institutional growth of the higher education sector. Marmolejo manages the development of curricula and research programs that align with global academic standards. The President, Higher Education oversees partnerships with international universities, fostering a collaborative environment for students and faculty. Francisco Marmolejo evaluates the performance of academic programs, ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of the labor market and the research community. By leading the higher education division, the President, Higher Education drives the pursuit of excellence in teaching and scholarly inquiry. This role involves managing faculty recruitment and student support services to create a world-class learning experience. Through strategic planning, Marmolejo expands the influence of the foundation in the global academic landscape. Ultimately, the President, Higher Education secures the intellectual future of the organization by cultivating a culture of rigorous academic achievement.

    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. Zebeib manages the brand identity, ensuring that the mission of advancing education, science, and community development resonates with diverse audiences. The Chief Communications Officer oversees media relations, digital content, and public outreach campaigns that highlight the impact of the foundation. Mayan Zebeib coordinates with internal stakeholders to craft narratives that showcase research breakthroughs and educational milestones. By leading the communications team, the Chief Communications Officer shapes the public perception of the foundation as a hub for innovation and knowledge. This role involves managing crisis communications and maintaining the reputation of the institution on an international scale. Through strategic storytelling, Zebeib amplifies the reach of the foundation's initiatives. Ultimately, the Chief Communications Officer builds the public trust and engagement necessary to support the long-term goals of the organization.
    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 Yousif Al-Naama (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Atehar Mir (Chief Financial Officer) and Afra Al Remithi (Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office).
    Who is part of Qatar Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Qatar Foundation includes leaders such as Yousif Al-Naama (Chief Executive Officer), Atehar Mir (Chief Financial Officer), Afra Al Remithi (Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Qatar Foundation have?
    Qatar Foundation has 7 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, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office.