Dr. Najat El Mahdy

In 2024, Dr. Najat El Mahdy, Director of Strategy, Organisational Development and HR at the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA), led a series of transformative initiatives with measurable impact across talent development, inclusion, leadership, and organisational efficiency.

At the heart of her strategy was an enhanced focus on Qatarisation through the award-winning Al Masar ("The Path") Programme, which achieved a 99% retention rate among Qatari employees and increased the nationalisation rate to 43%—one of the highest in Qatar’s financial sector. Her focus on gender equality also led to a rise in Qatari women in leadership roles to 13%.

Dr. El Mahdy modernised QFCRA’s competency framework and grading system, aligning them with a strengthened performance management policy and embedding a culture of accountability and growth. She also introduced psychometric assessments to improve leadership recruitment, ensuring alignment with long-term organisational goals.

Her efforts resulted in a 92% overall retention rate and an average employee tenure of eight years. Additionally, 33% of Qatari nationals progressed internally, showcasing a robust internal talent pipeline aligned with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

Beyond QFCRA, Dr. El Mahdy chairs the Qatar HR Forum, engaging over 320 professionals through forums on AI, ESG, and inclusion. She also led partnerships with the CIPD and ILO, enhancing professional development across the HR community.

Named CHRO of the Year at the 2024 HRO Today Forum EMEA, Dr. El Mahdy is a recognised HR leader whose work has driven systemic, inclusive, and sustainable change across both her organisation and the wider region.