| | DECEMBER 20248IN FOCUSRenowned business leader and former CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Group, Alain Bejjani, shared his insights on leadership, sustainability, and technological innovation at a prestigious seminar hosted by Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah.Speaking to an audience of business leaders, government officials and academics, Bejjani emphasised the critical importance of decisive leadership during periods of regional and global uncertainty.Bejjani said, "The UAE has consistently demonstrated how strong leadership can create stability amid regional challenges. In today's complex business environment, leaders must not only navigate uncertainty but transform it into opportunity through strategic thinking and robust financial management".Drawing from his extensive experience leading one of the Middle East's largest holding companies, Bejjani addressed the evolving landscape of corporate sustainability.He said: "We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how businesses approach sustainability. It's no longer just about environmental compliance ­ it's about meeting the sophisticated demands of consumers who increasingly make decisions based on corporate environmental responsibility".He emphasised that while implementing sustainable practices requires significant investment, it has become essential for long-term business success. "Companies that view sustainability as a core business driver rather than a compliance exercise will be better positioned to thrive in tomorrow's economy," he said.The Lebanese-born business leader, who steered Majid Al Futtaim's operations across thirteen countries from 2015 to 2022, also shared perspectives on the transformation of workplace dynamics, particularly in light of recent global changes. "The traditional metrics of productivity are being redefined. Success in today's business environment demands both smart work and hard work ­ it's about maximising impact rather than simply counting hours", he said.Addressing the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, Bejjani highlighted both opportunities and challenges."We're at a crucial juncture where AI is being shaped not just by governments or tech giants, but by users worldwide. Understanding this dynamic is essential for business leaders as we navigate the future of technology in commerce", he said.The seminar, organized by Sharjah Asset Management to support economic development and knowledge sharing, gathered key stakeholders from across the MENA region. South Korean law firm Yoon & Yang has bolstered its regulatory expertise by appointing Adrian Bae as a senior foreign attorney in Seoul. Bae joins from British American Tobacco (BAT), where he most recently held the position of vice president for North Asia.Bae will be a member of Yoon & Yang's corporate advisory practice group and government relations consulting centre, bringing experience in regulatory compliance and legal advisory for multinational companies.During his 18-year tenure at BAT, Bae held several senior positions including general counsel of BAT North Asia and head of legal for global IDT, operations and R&D at the company's London headquarters. His experience spans regulatory reforms, market-specific brand marketing strategies, and management of industry-specific legal affairs.Prior to BAT, Bae served as head of legal for Korea and Japan at Diageo, where he handled domestic and international marketing compliance. His early career includes stints at Korean law firm Kim, Shin & Yu (which later merged with Yoon & Yang) and Canadian litigation firm Feller Drysdale.The move comes as Korean law firms increasingly focus on strengthening their regulatory capabilities amid growing demand from multinational companies operating in the region. The South Korean legal market has witnessed a rise in `moving private', a trend that has seen judges, government lawyers and corporate counsel leave for private practice.Yoon & Yang has been expanding its team with non-lawyer professionals this year as part of its strategy to go beyond traditional legal advisory services and position itself as a more comprehensive and specialized strategic business partner for its clients. The firm recently added construction, engineering, and public procurement partner Jae Woo Jeon from Daewoo Engineering & Construction, as well as labor partner Sam Park from Samsung Electronics. In May, Yoon & Yang also strengthened its disputes team by welcoming three former judges. Earlier this year, the firm's former M&A head, Sung-Jin Kim, along with three other partners, moved to Yulchon. FORMER CEO OF MAJID AL FUTTAIM SHARES INSIGHTS ON LEADERSHIP & INNOVATIONYOON & YANG STRENGTHENS REGULATORY PRACTICE WITH APPOINTMENT OF ADRIAN BAE
< Page 7 | Page 9 >