Capt. Vijay Nicodemus, COO, Adhira Shipping & Logistics
In the fast-evolving maritime and logistics landscape of Dubai, Chief Operating Officers (COOs) have become the silent engines powering innovation, resilience, and expansion. Once considered behind-the-scenes figures, today’s COOs are strategic anchors who balance the precision of operations with the foresight of leadership. As Dubai continues to establish itself as a global shipping and logistics hub, the role of the COO has shifted dramatically. It is no longer just about running efficient terminals or meeting timelines; it is about recalibrating business models in the face of digital transformation, geopolitical shifts, and sustainability mandates.
.jpg "Capt. Vijay Nicodemus : Sailing into Strategy, Steering with Substance")
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Top 10 Leaders of Substance - 2025
Business leaders in Asia are leading the way in transforming economies throughout the continent, integrating old-world needs and values with new-world innovative approaches to stimulate the technology, manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare industries.
In Thailand, CEOs are key contributors to the ability of the country to rebound economically, particularly on behalf of industries such as automotive, tourism, agriculture, and e-commerce, and Thailand continues toward its efforts to succeed with digital transformation initiatives as their business leaders implement an embrace of AI, digital technology initiatives, as well as sustainable practices with the way they conduct business. Likewise, these CEOs are leading their organizations to remain internationally competitive while simultaneously continuing to support strong local market positions.
In Dubai, the Chief Operating Officers (COOs) play a vital role in developing operational efficiencies throughout key sectors of the economy, including, but not limited to, construction, logistics, fintech, etc. As the importance of an increasingly diversified economy and reduced reliance on oil grows, COOs will continue to help develop technology innovation and supply chain efficiencies. Likewise, the UAE's Vision 2030 platforms will be identified with sustainable economic growth, in which the COOs will actively pursue operational efficiencies and improvement through disruptive technologies and digital transformation breakthroughs. More explicitly, COOs in Dubai are actively leveraging data analysis, automation, and AI-based bidding solutions to improve operational efficiencies and better inform business decisions.
"Leading with innovation, agility, and sustainability, Asian business executives are shaping the future of global industries and driving regional prosperity"
In Indonesia, Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) play a key role in the development of the workforce in a growing digital economy. Given Indonesia's young and vibrant population, HR leaders in Indonesia are focused on talent acquisition, employee engagement and increasing workforce readiness for the future. Furthermore, CHROs are leveraging digital platforms to improve HR processes in areas including talent acquisition, performance management, and training and development. This is a central moment for CHROs as the Indonesian economy continues to diversify and they are tasked to build agile teams who possess skills for growth in areas such as fintech, e-commerce and digital media.
CEOs in Bahrain are leading the way in the country's ambitious pursuit of economic diversification, driving initiatives in banking, fintech, logistics, and health care. Bahrain's favorable location and business environment have established the country as the regional headquarters for financial services and banking. The CEOs of Bahrain are leveraging technology and prioritizing digital innovation, including in particular fintech, to further bolster Bahrain's status as a premier financial location.
Japanese CFOs must steer through the complexity of the economy characterized by slow growth, an ageing population and changing consumer demand and expectations. Rather than only focusing on traditional roles of financial management, they have taken on a role in not just digital transformation but also in sustainability over the long term. Amid greater scrutiny of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues among Corporations in Japan, the CFO can step up to manage ESG initiatives while delivering financial and operational performance. Japanese CFOs are optimizing capital structure, navigating risk, and developing or driving innovation in robotics and green technologies.
In conclusion, Asian business executives, including CEO and CFO, CHROs, are disrupting industries with digitalization, sustainability, and agility. They are transforming aspects of global industrial operations and contributing to economic prosperity by meeting new challenges. Through innovation and operational efficiency, and empowering great talent, these business leaders are best positioned to anchor future growth across the region.
CEO Insights Asia in this issue presents a list of ‘Top 10 Leaders of Substance - 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.
Our subscribers play a decisive role in finalization of our annual list of "Top 10 Leaders of Substance - 2025" by nominating those which have served them with excellence and are praiseworthy. If you feel there is a company that deserves to be on our annual list, do write to us about them mentioning their value proposition.
| Company Logo | Company Management | Company Name | Company Description |
|---|---|---|---|
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Alex Lola, CEO | ATME | With over 15 years of experience in senior leadership roles at international financial institutions, he is driven by his vision of reimagining capital markets |
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Anjas Jati Kesuma, Finance & HR Director | Prima Armada Raya (PAR) | With a wealth of experience in finance and human capital, combining strategic acumen with a strong commitment to innovation and inclusivity |
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Corrado Giaquinto , CEO | Rojukiss International | A beauty industry leader with nearly three decades of international experience, he combines global business insight with an understanding of consumer behavior to drive innovation and growth |
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Fahmi Awad, COO | Richkey Properties | He is skilled in overseeing sales and operations, implementing strategic initiatives, and driving business growth, with expertise in real estate trends and market dynamics |
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Mayumi Narita , Country CFO – Japan | Novartis | With expertise in finance and management, she drives business performance, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports strategic growth initiatives within the organization |
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Russell Conrad, CEO | Audience IQ | He specializes in SEA regional business development strategy, new business start-ups, market expansion, digital media sales, business development, execution, performance marketing, and more |
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Sandi Purna, CHRO | Prawita Karya | He specializes in driving workforce strategy, fostering a culture of engagement and inclusion, and aligning HR initiatives with overall business goals to support sustainable growth |
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Tetsuya Nakagawa, CFO | Oisix ra daichi | He works closely with executives and business unit leaders to ensure financial plans are executed effectively, prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and data-driven decisions |
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Ujjal Kumar Mukherjee, CEO | Al Jazira Group | He specializes in business development, operations and strategic management, mergers and acquisitions, as well as finance and management accounting/reporting |
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Capt.Vijay Nicodemus, COO | Adhira Shipping & Logistics | He is known for his resilience, operational expertise, and hands-on leadership style, and continues to drive strategic growth and operational excellence across the organization |
Other Issues
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