Aisha Al Kharusi, Chief Marketing Officer, Alizz Islamic Bank
OER presents its annual listing of the most powerful women who have left an indelible imprint on Oman’s corporate landscape.
Abla Al Riyami
In-Country Value Director, Petroleum Development Oman
Social conscience
As the In-Country Value director of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Abla spearheads efforts to further the oil and gas major’s ICV initiatives, such as workforce development, increase of local sourcing of goods and services and the enhancement of the business environment to support local businesses. She joined PDO as a petro-physicist in 1985, and after four years, went to Shell International on a cross-posting. When she returned to Oman, Abla became a discipline engineer in petro-physics looking at training, succession planning and technology among other areas. After a period as section head in petro-physics, she moved up the ladder to become petroleum engineering team leader in the Fahud/Lekhwair team. In 2001/2, she had a range of managerial jobs on several assets before settling as petroleum engineering manager of south Oman. Prior to her latest assignment she served as the gas director of PDO. Abla won Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)’s regional service award in 2010 for her outstanding service to SPE and the industry.
Aisha Al Kharusi
Chief Marketing Officer, Alizz Islamic Bank
Multifaceted personality
Aisha joined alizz in July, 2013. Before that, she served as a senior executive for one of Oman’s oldest financial institutions. She joined Boeing International, Dubai in 2003 as an associate and left as deputy regional director for the MENA region. She sits on the board of several non-profits including Children First Oman. She is an avid public speaker and advocate on women in leadership, CSR in the ME region as well as youth development. In 2012, Aisha was invited for a speaking engagement at the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars, Washington DC – where her presentation discussed the role of women in corporate Oman. In addition, she has received the following honours: 2012 Woman of The Year from the Al Mar’a Excellence Award; enrolled in the “National CEO Programme” organised by the Diwan of Royal Court in partnership with IMD Business School and McKinsey. She says, “Whenever I face any challenge, the first thought that comes to mind is the remarkable inspiring speech by His Majesty the Sultan who said: “The bird relies on both of its wings to fly high in the horizons of the sky. How can this bird manage if one of its wings is broken? Will it be able to fly?” We have been blessed by a Sultan who understands the value of 50 per cent of the population. My advice to all women living in Oman is to take advantage of all the opportunities provided in order to create a more prosperous, just and secure Oman.”
Amaal Hussain Al Lawati
Chief Customer Care, Ooredoo Oman
Wealth of experience
Amaal graduated from the College of Science at Sultan Qaboos University in 1995. She has 17 years of rich experience in the telecom and banking sectors in Oman. She joined the National Bank of Oman in 1995 as a management trainee and was promoted as an officer in the trade finance section. In 2000, she joined Majan International Bank as an assistant manager, in its trade finance department. Later in 2003, she moved to BankDhofar as a manager, in its treasury department.
In 2004, Amaal joined Ooredoo, Oman as a section head in the finance back office. Amaal headed 50 staff members in her capacity as a department head in the billing and collection department. In 2013, she was promoted as a director. And as a recognition of her abilities, she was appointed as chief customer care officer with approximately 300 employees under her responsibilities.
