Capt. Soumya R. Patnaik , Managing Partner & CEO, Panbulk Shipping
The shipping and logistics industry is the backbone of global trade, demanding visionary leadership to tackle its complexities and drive growth. With rapid technological advancements, evolving market demands, and mounting sustainability challenges, success in this dynamic sector hinges on innovation, strategic decision-making, and adaptability. Effective leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless connectivity and fostering economic and industrial progress across diverse markets.
Capt. Soumya R. Patnaik, Managing Partner & CEO of Panbulk Shipping embodies a blend of expertise and leadership. His illustrious career spans nearly four decades, marked by three distinct phases that have shaped his approach to business. The first phase saw him excel as a merchant navy officer and Captain for 16 years, honing his agility, strategic mindset, and ability to navigate challenges with decisive leadership. In the second phase, during a 20-year tenure with the TATA Group, he served as the CEO of their shipping division in Dubai, where he championed ethical business practices, process-driven strategies, and empathetic leadership to achieve sustainable growth.
An Unbelievable Transformation Curve
By: Sujith Vasudevan, Managing Editor
Since 2014, India has significantly enhanced its relationship with the Gulf states. The focus of that relationship has transformed from energy, trade and Indian expatriates into a new framework
Strategic Approach To Operational Risk Management In The BFSI Space
By: Balaji Viswanathan, MD & CEO, Expleo Solutions
Starting his career as banking professional, Balaji gradually traversed onto the technology and business transformation area
By: Peyush Bansal, Co-Founder & CEO, Lenskart
Eyeware unicorn Lenskart’s co-founder Peyush Bansal talks about the importance of startups selecting the right investors rather than a high-value proposition.
By: Srinivasa Bharathy, Managing Director and CEO, Adrenalin eSystems Limited
Srinivasa is a senior leadership professional with varied experience ranging from Business Consulting
By: Abinash Mishra, CSMO, Captain Steel India
The building materials industry in India is an essential sector that plays a crucial part in the economic
Top 10 Indian Leaders in GCC - 2025
Indian business leaders in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries play a crucial role in fostering market development, driving economic growth, and forging future prospects. Their entrepreneurial vision and business strategies immensely contribute to reinforcing trade between India and the GCC countries. By sharing their experiences in various sectors, they facilitate bilateral investments, forge business alliances, and achieve sustainable development.
"Indian Leadership In The GCC Plays A Pivotal Role In Strengthening Bilateral Relations And Promoting Sustainable Development"
These leaders contribute significantly to spanning economic and cultural gaps, facilitating closer diplomatic relationships, and inducing technological innovation. Their focus on emerging sectors of renewable energy, digitalization, and financial services is in conformity with the economic diversification goals of the GCC. Through proactive participation in regional conferences and trade missions, they open up fresh avenues for collaboration in areas including infrastructure development, healthcare, and logistics. Also, they own responsibility for policy advocacy and regulatory alignment for efficient operation in the business. Their understanding of market dynamics and consumer behaviour helps Indian businesses to tailor quickly in the evolving GCC environment. By encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, they generate employment and ensure inclusive growth in the region.
In the future, Indian Gulf Cooperation Council leaders are likely to steer the future market further by adopting innovative technologies and eco-friendly practices. Their efforts on reinforcing bilateral commerce and cross-border collaborations would bring about long-term economic growth. Being key players, they are also likely to play a lead role in fostering economic resilience, knowledge transfer, and enabling a diversified and sustainable vision for the future of the GCC and the wider world.
CEO Insights in this issue presents a list of ‘Top 10 Indian Leaders in GCC - 2025' who have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in offering effective skills to the market. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board. We recognize their valuable contribution to the ever expanding and competitive market and their ability to sustain themselves and emerge as top contestants through their reliable knowledge.
Company Logo | Company Management | Company Name | Company Description |
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Abdul Wahab Mohammed, GM & Regional Director - MEA | Infosys | He has passion and deep interest in business problematics, revenue generation, people development, international growth and tackling those challenges that lie at the intersection of business and technology |
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Anant Maheshwari, President & CEO - Global Regions | Honeywell International | He has gained experience in technology, software, industrial, and management consulting, and has led initiatives with policy makers, clients, and industry leaders |
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Bishu Panigrahi, Business Partner | IBM | He specializes in designing and executing enterprise-wide transformations using hybrid cloud, automation, and generative AI to create lasting competitive advantages and drive sustainable growth through emerging technologies |
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Deepak Patidar, Regional Head - Depots (IMEA) | A P Moller Maersk | He has experience in profit and loss management, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, business development, and project execution, also specializes in developing and implementing processes and operations |
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Fahim Patankar, Country Head - Kuwait | Tata Consultancy Services | He has three decades of experience acquired through various positions, including program management, procurement, business development, IT outsourcing management, and leadership in growth initiatives |
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Mayank Singl, Director - Customer Transformation | PwC Middle East | He has a proven track record of leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives across various sectors, including social care, healthcare, free zones, real estate, and the energy industry |
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Rohit Batra,Senior Director | Procter & Gamble | With 16 years of experience in the consumer goods manufacturing sector, he is dedicated to enhancing value, promoting innovation, and establishing enduring partnerships that advance organizational growth and sustainability |
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Roshan George Thomas, Director | Hilal Technology | With a diverse background in technology, business, and leadership, he has successfully spearheaded business expansions, assisted and mentored launching startups, and developed AI driven e-Commerce platforms |
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Sanjay Saini, Chief Supply Chain Officer | Himalaya Wellness Company | With a wealth of experience in supply chain and operations management, particularly in P&L management, he has consistently excelled in leading customer-centric operations to achieve a competitive edge |
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Capt. Soumya R. Patnaik, Managing Partner & CEO | Capt. Soumya R. Patnaik | With a proven track record in the maritime industry, he has expertise in ocean transportation, commercial shipping, ship management, port operations, and supply chain solutions |
Other Issues
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