Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Our client, an international agro-industrial and biotech group specializing in premium olive oil production and science-based health products derived from olive oil. The company owns its own olive plantations and operates two modern processing plants. In 2026, the company is launching a new strategic direction — an international platform for developing and producing high-quality nutraceuticals and wellness solutions based on olive oil formulations. Project Overview — a new Life Science Hub will be based in Dubai, which will serve as the company’s center for: • R&D in nutraceutical formulations in cooperation with leading European laboratories • Production of premium dietary supplements and functional health products • Contract manufacturing partnerships in the UAE, Europe, and Asia Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Vision Drive the strategic roadmap for the Life Science Hub, aligning with corporate growth goals. Lead market entry strategy and commercial launch of nutraceutical product lines across UAE, GCC, Asia, and Europe. Guide long-term product portfolio strategy with a focus on premium, science-validated formulations that resonate with global consumers. Business & Commercial Leadership Own P&L performance and commercial outcomes for the new business unit. Establish revenue growth targets and KPIs; steer pricing, distribution, and channel strategy. Drive brand positioning, international business development, and strategic partnerships. Leadership & Team Building Recruit, mentor, and lead core leadership roles — including Head of Operations, Sales & Marketing, R&D, Regulatory & Compliance. Shape a results-oriented culture that balances innovation with execution. Champion cross-functional collaboration across internal and external stakeholders. R&D & External Scientific Partnerships Oversee research collaboration with leading European laboratories and formulation scientists. Lead strategy for product innovation, clinical insights, and evidence generation. Evaluate and integrate scientific results into product development and brand narratives. Operations & Regulatory Oversee manufacturing planning — including contract manufacturing in UAE, Europe, and Asia. Ensure compliance with regional and international regulatory frameworks for nutraceuticals, supplements, claims, certifications, and quality standards. Build systems for supply chain, quality assurance, and go-to-market operations. Representation & Stakeholder Engagement Act as the public face of the Life Science Hub with strategic partners, investors, distributors, regulators, and industry forums. Advocate for science-backed wellness products in regional and global ecosystems. Requirements Professional Experience 10+ years senior leadership experience in the health, wellness, dietary supplements, nutraceutical, pharma, or health-focused FMCG sectors. Demonstrated experience launching and scaling new product lines or business units in international markets. Proven track record in international sourcing, brand development, private label strategy, and regulatory approval management. Strong business development, commercial negotiation, and cross-border partnership experience. Leadership & Strategic Skills Strong P&L ownership, strategic planning, and operational management skills. Genuine curiosity for science-based products, R&D collaboration, and evidence-driven innovation. Experience building and leading effective leadership teams with diverse functional expertise. Market & Regulatory Knowledge Deep understanding of GCC regulatory landscapes, dietary supplement compliance, and certification requirements. Familiarity with contract manufacturing ecosystems and international quality standards. Communication & Influence Exceptional communicator and relationship builder with partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders. Fluent in English; additional languages (Arabic, European languages) a plus.