YBA Kanoo Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

YBA Kanoo has 10 executives leading key functions including venture capital, group strategy, shipping logistics, board governance, financial oversight, and technology infrastructure.

Operating as a diversified conglomerate across the Middle East, YBA Kanoo delivers comprehensive services in shipping, travel, machinery, real estate, and energy to drive regional economic growth.

Leadership Roles at YBA Kanoo

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Ventures - Ali Abdulmalek
  • Group Chief Executive Officer - Mohamed Alkooheji
  • Acting Chief Executive Officer & Board Member - Harvey Lines
  • Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Shipping - John Drinkwater
  • Chief Financial Officer - Abhishek Vats
  • Chief Financial Officer, Office & Manager - Helana Magdy
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Ganesamurthy Krishnamurthy
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Ganesh Krishnamurthy
  • Chief Technology Officer - Aiman Alorayedh
  • Group Chairman - Tariq Kanoo
  • Ali Abdulmalek - Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Ventures

    Ali Abdulmalek, the Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Ventures at YBA Kanoo, directs the strategic investment portfolio and identifies emerging market opportunities. Overseeing the venture capital arm, Abdulmalek evaluates high-growth potential within the Middle East, ensuring alignment with the broader conglomerate objectives. This leadership role involves managing capital allocation, fostering innovation, and building partnerships that expand the group's footprint in new sectors. By analyzing market trends and assessing risk, Ali Abdulmalek drives the diversification of the business model. The Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Ventures maintains close collaboration with the Board to ensure that all investment activities support long-term sustainability. Through rigorous financial analysis and operational oversight, Abdulmalek secures competitive advantages for the organization, ultimately strengthening the market position of the group across diverse industrial landscapes.

    Mohamed Alkooheji - Group Chief Executive Officer

    Mohamed Alkooheji, the Group Chief Executive Officer at YBA Kanoo, manages the overarching operational strategy and corporate governance across all business units. Overseeing the conglomerate's diverse portfolio, Alkooheji ensures that shipping, travel, machinery, real estate, and energy divisions maintain high performance standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to optimize resource allocation and drive revenue growth throughout the Middle East. By implementing enterprise-wide initiatives, Mohamed Alkooheji fosters a culture of efficiency and excellence. The Group Chief Executive Officer monitors market shifts and adjusts corporate policies to maintain the organization's competitive edge. Through consistent engagement with the Board, Alkooheji aligns daily operations with the long-term vision of the group. Ultimately, the Group Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and operational stability of the entire enterprise, ensuring sustained success in a complex, multi-sector environment.

    Harvey Lines - Acting Chief Executive Officer & Board Member

    Harvey Lines, the Acting Chief Executive Officer & Board Member at YBA Kanoo, provides critical oversight and governance to ensure the stability of the conglomerate. Overseeing the intersection of executive management and board-level decision-making, Lines facilitates communication between stakeholders and operational leadership. This leadership role involves guiding the organization through transitional periods while maintaining focus on core business objectives in shipping and energy. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, Harvey Lines supports the implementation of strategic directives that enhance corporate accountability. The Acting Chief Executive Officer & Board Member monitors performance metrics across all regional operations to ensure alignment with the group's mission. Through active participation in high-level planning, Lines drives the development of policies that promote long-term growth. Ultimately, the Acting Chief Executive Officer & Board Member secures the integrity of the organizational structure while navigating the complexities of the Middle Eastern market.

    John Drinkwater - Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Shipping

    John Drinkwater, the Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Shipping at YBA Kanoo, directs all maritime operations and logistics services across the Middle East. Overseeing the shipping division, Drinkwater manages complex supply chain networks and ensures the efficient delivery of services to commercial clients. This leadership role involves optimizing fleet management, enhancing port agency capabilities, and expanding the reach of maritime logistics. By focusing on operational excellence, John Drinkwater drives the growth of the shipping sector within the conglomerate. The Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Shipping coordinates with regional teams to maintain high safety and service standards, ensuring that all maritime activities meet international requirements. Through strategic planning and resource management, Drinkwater strengthens the group's position as a leader in regional logistics. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Shipping secures the reliability and profitability of the maritime business unit.

    Abhishek Vats - Chief Financial Officer

    Abhishek Vats, the Chief Financial Officer at YBA Kanoo, manages the financial planning, analysis, and reporting functions for the organization. Overseeing the capital structure and fiscal health, Vats ensures that all business units maintain rigorous budgetary discipline and financial transparency. This leadership role involves optimizing cash flow management and evaluating the financial viability of new projects within the real estate and machinery sectors. By implementing robust financial controls, Abhishek Vats drives the efficiency of the group's fiscal operations. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executives to align financial strategies with the broader corporate goals. Through detailed risk assessment and performance monitoring, Vats supports the long-term financial stability of the conglomerate. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for the group to pursue growth opportunities while maintaining a strong balance sheet across all regional operations.
    Abhishek Vats

    Helana Magdy - Chief Financial Officer, Office & Manager

    Helana Magdy, the Chief Financial Officer, Office & Manager at YBA Kanoo, directs the administrative and financial operations of the corporate office. Overseeing the daily fiscal management and office workflows, Magdy ensures that internal processes support the broader objectives of the conglomerate. This leadership role involves managing office budgets, coordinating administrative resources, and maintaining high standards of operational efficiency. By streamlining internal procedures, Helana Magdy drives the productivity of the corporate team. The Chief Financial Officer, Office & Manager collaborates with other executives to ensure that administrative support aligns with the strategic needs of the business units. Through meticulous attention to detail and resource management, Magdy secures the smooth functioning of the corporate headquarters. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer, Office & Manager provides the essential operational foundation that allows the group to focus on its core business activities and regional expansion.

    Ganesamurthy Krishnamurthy - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Ganesamurthy Krishnamurthy, the Group Chief Financial Officer at YBA Kanoo, directs the consolidated financial strategy and reporting for the entire conglomerate. Overseeing the group's treasury, tax planning, and audit functions, Krishnamurthy ensures that all financial activities comply with regional regulations and corporate standards. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and providing the Board with accurate financial insights to guide decision-making. By optimizing the group's capital structure, Ganesamurthy Krishnamurthy drives the financial performance of the diverse business units. The Group Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to ensure that financial resources are allocated to high-impact areas. Through rigorous oversight of financial risks and opportunities, Krishnamurthy secures the long-term economic health of the organization. Ultimately, the Group Chief Financial Officer provides the fiscal leadership required to sustain the group's market presence and support its ongoing growth initiatives.

    Ganesh Krishnamurthy - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Ganesh Krishnamurthy, the Group Chief Financial Officer at YBA Kanoo, directs the financial planning and performance analysis for the group's international operations. Overseeing the financial integration of new business ventures, Krishnamurthy ensures that all investments meet the group's profitability targets. This leadership role involves managing cross-border financial transactions and ensuring that the conglomerate maintains a strong liquidity position. By focusing on cost optimization and revenue growth, Ganesh Krishnamurthy drives the financial efficiency of the shipping and energy divisions. The Group Chief Financial Officer collaborates with regional managers to implement standardized financial reporting and control systems. Through strategic financial modeling and forecasting, Krishnamurthy supports the group's expansion efforts across the Middle East. Ultimately, the Group Chief Financial Officer secures the financial integrity of the organization, ensuring that all business activities contribute positively to the overall success of the conglomerate.

    Aiman Alorayedh - Chief Technology Officer

    Aiman Alorayedh, the Chief Technology Officer at YBA Kanoo, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the conglomerate. Overseeing the integration of advanced systems, Alorayedh ensures that all business units leverage modern tools to improve operational efficiency and customer service. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols, data analytics, and the implementation of enterprise software across shipping and travel divisions. By driving innovation in digital processes, Aiman Alorayedh enhances the group's ability to compete in a technology-driven market. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with department heads to identify technical solutions that support business growth and scalability. Through strategic investment in IT infrastructure, Alorayedh secures the reliability and security of the organization's digital assets. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer drives the modernization of the group, ensuring that technology remains a core pillar of the overall business strategy.
    Aiman Alorayedh

    Tariq Kanoo - Group Chairman

    Tariq Kanoo, the Group Chairman at YBA Kanoo, provides high-level strategic direction and maintains the long-term vision for the conglomerate. Overseeing the governance framework, Kanoo ensures that the organization remains committed to its foundational values while adapting to modern market demands. This leadership role involves guiding the Board in setting corporate policy and approving major investments across shipping, travel, and energy sectors. By fostering relationships with key partners and stakeholders, Tariq Kanoo drives the reputation and influence of the group throughout the Middle East. The Group Chairman monitors the performance of executive leadership to ensure alignment with the overarching mission. Through consistent focus on sustainable growth and ethical business practices, Kanoo secures the legacy and future prosperity of the enterprise. Ultimately, the Group Chairman provides the stability and foresight necessary for the group to thrive in a competitive global economy.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding YBA Kanoo Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads YBA Kanoo?
    YBA Kanoo is led by Ali Abdulmalek (Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Ventures), along with executives such as Mohamed Alkooheji (Group Chief Executive Officer) and Harvey Lines (Acting Chief Executive Officer & Board Member).
    Who is part of YBA Kanoo’s executive team?
    The executive team of YBA Kanoo includes leaders such as Ali Abdulmalek (Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Ventures), Mohamed Alkooheji (Group Chief Executive Officer), Harvey Lines (Acting Chief Executive Officer & Board Member) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does YBA Kanoo have?
    YBA Kanoo has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in YBA Kanoo’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of YBA Kanoo includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Ventures, Group Chief Executive Officer, Acting Chief Executive Officer & Board Member, Chief Executive Officer - Kanoo Shipping, Chief Financial Officer.