Muscat – A glittering celebration of corporate leadership took place on Wednesday at the Sheraton Oman Hotel in Muscat, where the inaugural Business Today CXO Awards 2024 honoured thirty-one of Oman’s top-performing C-level executives. The prestigious gala ceremony, attended by over 200 corporate leaders from Oman’s key sectors, was an evening of celebration, inspiration, and recognition of exceptional leadership.
The ceremony was graced by H E Sayyid Dr Munther al Busaidi, Vice-Chairman of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-Up Unit, as the Chief Guest. H E Sayyid Dr Busaidi and Saleh Zakwani, Executive Chairman of Apex Media, presented the awards to the deserving winners.
In his welcome speech, Saleh Zakwani said, “Apex Media has always been at the forefront of recognising and celebrating the corporate leaders who have been driving business success and contributing to the broader economic development of our country. The CXO Awards aim not only to recognise individual excellence but also to underscore Oman’s broader commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, leadership and sustainable growth in alignment with Vision 2040.”
Organised by Interactive Apex and Muscat Daily, the Business Today CXO Awards is a premier corporate recognition event honouring top-performing executives across industries. The awards celebrate not only individual excellence but also the transformative impact of visionary leaders who drive progress within their organisations and industries. The awards serve as a tribute to those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and commitment to shaping the future of business.
The winners were selected from C-level executives responsible for overseeing key functions within their organisations across various sectors. Recipients were evaluated on both qualitative and quantitative factors, including leadership excellence, demonstrated by their ability to lead teams and drive organisational success. They were also judged on their contributions to setting and achieving strategic objectives, initiatives that have significantly impacted their businesses or industries, exceptional financial performance, and significant achievements in industry growth, thought leadership and community development.
The CXO Awards recognised excellence across various C-suite roles, including Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Sustainability Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Legal Officer, and Chief Commercial Officer, among others.
Delivering the opening address at the event, H E Sayyid Dr Busaidi emphasised the critical importance of leadership at every level of society, from families and sports teams to businesses and national governance.
“Leadership is what glues everything together,” he said. “We might have the right people and the right systems, but we need that one person who makes it all work and connects the dots.”
Speaking about the essence of leadership, H E Sayyid Dr Busaidi provided a perspective on what it takes to be a true leader. “There are three main pillars,” he explained. “First, a leader must set the direction and tell us where to go. Second, they must guide us on how to get there, focusing on the best paths to success. And third, they must bring out the best in us – fostering talent and making people the best versions of themselves.”
As part of his speech, H E Sayyid Dr Busaidi spoke directly to the business leaders in attendance, commending them for their achievements. “The leaders who have been awarded today, I am confident, have earned and deserved this recognition,” he said. “I hope you continue this journey because leadership is not a destination; it’s a continuous journey.”
He also emphasised the importance of alignment with Vision 2040 as a key to future success. “For Vision 2040 to succeed, both the government and private sectors must align with its objectives,” he explained. “And there must be a common platform where knowledge and experiences are shared, so we can learn from one another.”
Another highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by Khalid Ansari, Founder and CEO of KMA & Partners, renowned for his innovative insights and thought leadership in the industry. Ansari emphasised the critical role of innovation and ethics in ensuring business sustainability and success. He delivered a powerful message about the fundamental importance of a company’s value system, particularly in terms of integrity.
“Innovation remains the crucial driver of success in the business landscape,” Ansari began, adding that “innovation comes with responsibility—and that responsibility is ethics.” He argued that while cutting-edge technology and efficient processes are important, without a strong ethical foundation, businesses cannot achieve lasting success.
He stressed that integrity is the cornerstone of any thriving business. “You may have the best systems and processes, but without integrity, a company cannot be sustainable. For executives at the C-level, integrity is non-negotiable. It is something you cannot learn anywhere else or buy from outside – it must come from within and from the core values of the organisation.”
Infiniti, represented in Oman by Al Hashar Automotive, was the event’s official Luxury Auto Partner. The event also included an electrifying performance by the sensational music band ‘Los Amigos’.
