Visionary leaders driving Acumen Holding's success.
Highly respected individuals — pioneers in finance, real estate, asset management, and industry — who have shaped Acumen into a preeminent name in Egypt's investment landscape.
Board of Directors
- Mr. Hesham El Sewedy is one of Egypt's most prominent industrialists, investors, and business leaders, with a distinguished career spanning manufacturing, infrastructure, real estate, education, and strategic investments. Over the past three decades, he has played a significant role in advancing Egypt's industrial sector and strengthening private-sector participation in the country's economic development. He serves as Chairman of Energya Industries, one of the Middle East and North Africa's leading diversified industrial groups. Under his leadership, the Group has established a strong regional presence across electrical industries, power cables, steel manufacturing, cement, engineering solutions, EPC contracting, and industrial infrastructure, serving markets throughout the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Mr. El Sewedy also serves as Chairman of Wadi El Nile Cement Company, Hayah Urban Development, Hayah International Academy, and the Helal El Sewedy Foundation for Sustainable Community Development, reflecting his commitment to sustainable industrial growth, education, innovation, and community development. Beyond his executive leadership, Mr. El Sewedy is widely recognized for his active role in Egypt's investment community and capital markets. His extensive experience in corporate governance, strategic investment, and long-term value creation has positioned him as a trusted advisor and board member across multiple sectors, contributing to the growth and competitiveness of leading Egyptian enterprises. Throughout his career, Mr. El Sewedy has consistently championed industrial innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. His leadership continues to drive the expansion of regional industries, strengthen Egypt's manufacturing capabilities, and support the development of a more diversified and globally competitive economy.
- Eng. Mohamed Abdalla is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and business leader with more than three decades of experience spanning capital markets, investment management, real estate, and corporate governance. Widely recognized for his role in building market-leading institutions, he has been instrumental in shaping the evolution of Egypt's financial services and real estate sectors. In the 1990s, Eng. Abdalla founded InterCapital Securities, one of Egypt's pioneering securities brokerage firms, successfully establishing it as a leading participant in the Egyptian capital market before its integration into EFG Hermes, today the largest investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa. In 2001, he founded Coldwell Banker Egypt, introducing the country's first fully integrated international real estate brokerage platform and setting a new benchmark for professionalism and institutional standards within the real estate sector. He currently serves as Chairman of Coldwell Banker Egypt and Coldwell Banker Intercontinental Affiliates, the regional master franchise responsible for overseeing operations across 36 countries throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. Recognizing the growing importance of integrated financial services, Eng. Abdalla co-founded Acumen Holding in 2010. Today, the Group provides a comprehensive suite of investment solutions through its subsidiaries in securities brokerage, asset management, and investment management, serving financial institutions, corporations, public-sector entities, family offices, and high-net-worth investors. Beyond his executive leadership, Eng. Abdalla has made significant contributions to corporate governance and private-sector development in Egypt. He is a long-standing member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (AmCham Egypt), where he founded and chaired the Real Estate Committee in 2003, while actively participating in numerous AmCham Doorknock Missions to Washington, D.C., fostering dialogue on investment, economic policy, and private-sector growth. His extensive board experience includes serving as a Board Member of Raya Holding, the Egyptian Railways Projects & Transport Company, and Silicon Waha for Technological Parks, reflecting a career dedicated to advancing innovation, infrastructure, technology, and capital market development. Throughout his career, Eng. Abdalla has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify emerging opportunities, build enduring institutions, and create long-term value across multiple industries. His leadership is defined by strategic vision, disciplined execution, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening Egypt's investment landscape and supporting sustainable economic growth.
- Mrs. Rana Adawi is one of Egypt's most accomplished investment professionals, with more than three decades of experience in asset management, capital markets, and financial services. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held senior executive positions at leading international and regional financial institutions, earning a reputation for excellence in portfolio management, investment strategy, institutional asset management, and corporate leadership. A recognized leader within the regional investment industry, Mrs. Adawi has been consistently acknowledged for her contributions to asset management and financial services. Her accolades include being named Most Inspiring Woman of the Year by International Business Magazine (2019), one of The Middle East's Most Influential Women by Forbes Middle East (2018), and CEO of the Year by Global Investors Group. She has also received the Outstanding Achievement by an Individual award at the MENA Fund Manager Performance Awards, Best Asset Management CEO from International Finance Magazine, and both Best Asset Manager and Best Fund Manager in Egypt from Global Business Outlook. In 2016, she was recognized among Egypt's Top 50 Most Influential Women in the Economy under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Egypt. Beyond her executive responsibilities, Mrs. Adawi is an active contributor to Egypt's business and investment ecosystem. She is a member of the Top 50 Women Forum, supporting women's leadership and economic development, as well as the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (AmCham Egypt) and the British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA). Over the course of her career, Mrs. Adawi has played a significant role in advancing Egypt's asset management industry, contributing to the development of institutional investment practices, strengthening corporate governance standards, and promoting disciplined, long-term capital allocation. Her leadership continues to support sustainable value creation and the continued evolution of Egypt's financial markets.
- Eng. Alaa Adawy is a distinguished entrepreneur, industrialist, and engineering executive with more than three decades of experience in advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, technology commercialization, and corporate leadership. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in advancing Egypt's manufacturing sector through the development of innovative engineering solutions, operational excellence, and long-term industrial investment. As the Founder and Managing Director of Ultimatrue Engineering Industries, Eng. Adawy has led the company's evolution into a specialized engineering and manufacturing group serving the low-voltage electrical distribution, vertical transportation, and industrial automation sectors. His leadership has been defined by a disciplined focus on technology localization, engineering innovation, quality systems, and sustainable operational growth, enabling the business to compete successfully across domestic and regional markets. Recognized for his strategic vision and deep technical expertise, Eng. Adawy has consistently championed investment in advanced manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain resilience. His commitment to strengthening local industrial capabilities has contributed to the delivery of high-value engineering solutions while supporting Egypt's broader objectives of industrial modernization, export development, and economic diversification. Beyond his executive responsibilities, Eng. Adawy brings extensive experience in corporate strategy, operational transformation, manufacturing excellence, and industrial value-chain optimization. His multidisciplinary expertise—combining engineering, technology, and business leadership—has enabled the successful execution of complex industrial projects while fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and responsible governance. Throughout his career, Eng. Adawy has remained committed to building institutions that create sustainable long-term value through engineering excellence, technological innovation, and disciplined execution. His leadership continues to contribute to the advancement of Egypt's industrial ecosystem and reinforces the country's position as a competitive regional manufacturing and engineering hub.
- Eng. Tarek El Gamal is one of Egypt's most respected entrepreneurs and business leaders, with more than four decades of experience in engineering, construction, real estate development, infrastructure, and corporate governance. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been instrumental in shaping Egypt's built environment, delivering landmark projects, and advancing private-sector participation in the country's economic development. As the Founder and Chairman of REDCON Group, Eng. El Gamal has transformed the organization into one of the region's leading engineering, construction, and investment groups, with diversified operations spanning construction, real estate development, engineering solutions, industrial manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and strategic investments. Under his leadership, the Group has successfully delivered complex, large-scale developments across multiple sectors, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in Egypt's national development agenda. Beyond his executive leadership, Eng. El Gamal is widely recognized for his contributions to corporate governance, sustainable development, and public-private collaboration. He has served on the boards of numerous public and private institutions, including as a founding Board Member of the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), contributing to one of Egypt's most significant urban development projects. His governance experience extends across business councils, industry associations, and strategic advisory bodies supporting investment, infrastructure, and economic policy. A strong advocate of responsible business practices, Eng. El Gamal has consistently championed innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence as core drivers of long-term growth. In recognition of his leadership and commitment to sustainable development, he was elected to the Board of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), where he contributes to advancing global principles of corporate responsibility, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development. Throughout his career, Eng. El Gamal has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build enduring institutions, execute transformative projects, and create sustainable long-term value. His leadership continues to influence the evolution of Egypt's construction, infrastructure, and real estate sectors while supporting the country's broader ambitions for economic diversification, sustainable urbanization, and private-sector-led growth.
- Mrs. Fatma Lotfy is one of Egypt's most accomplished banking and financial services executives, with more than 35 years of leadership experience spanning commercial banking, investment, leasing, and non-bank financial services. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held senior executive and board-level positions at many of Egypt's premier financial institutions, playing a pivotal role in strengthening corporate governance, driving institutional transformation, and advancing the country's financial sector. She currently serves as Chairperson of EFG Finance and EFG Leasing, providing strategic leadership to two of Egypt's leading non-bank financial institutions. Prior to joining EFG Holding, she served as Deputy Chairperson and Managing Director of Bank Audi Egypt, and previously held senior leadership positions at Bank of Alexandria, Commercial International Bank (CIB), and CIIC, where she successfully led strategic initiatives across banking operations, corporate finance, investment, and business development. Mrs. Lotfy brings extensive expertise in banking strategy, investment management, corporate finance, risk management, and financial governance. Her leadership has consistently focused on building resilient institutions, enhancing operational performance, and delivering sustainable long-term growth within an evolving financial landscape. Beyond her executive responsibilities, Mrs. Lotfy is widely recognized for her contribution to the advancement of Egypt's banking and financial services industry. Through her board leadership and strategic oversight, she has contributed to the development of best practices in governance, financial innovation, and institutional excellence while supporting the continued growth of Egypt's capital markets and private-sector economy. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to responsible leadership, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation, making her one of the most respected figures in Egypt's banking and investment community.
- Mr. Abdelraouf Kotb is one of Egypt's most distinguished insurance executives, with more than four decades of leadership experience across insurance, reinsurance, risk management, and financial services. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Egypt's insurance industry, strengthening regulatory dialogue, and advancing regional cooperation across the insurance and reinsurance sectors. A widely respected industry leader, Mr. Kotb previously served as Chairman of the Insurance Federation of Egypt (IFE), where he led initiatives aimed at promoting market development, enhancing industry standards, and supporting the modernization of Egypt's insurance sector. He also served as Secretary General of the Federation of Afro-Asian Insurers and Reinsurers (FAIR), contributing to regional collaboration and the advancement of insurance markets across Africa and Asia. In addition to his leadership within industry associations, Mr. Kotb served as Managing Director of Egyptian Saudi Insurance House, where he oversaw the company's strategic direction and operational growth. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions with international insurance organizations, including Hawk Insurance in the United Kingdom, further strengthening his expertise in underwriting, reinsurance, enterprise risk management, and international insurance operations. Mr. Kotb brings extensive experience in corporate governance, insurance strategy, regulatory affairs, and institutional leadership. His career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to strengthening governance frameworks, fostering market resilience, and promoting the sustainable development of the insurance industry. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kotb has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to institutional excellence. His contributions continue to support the evolution of Egypt's insurance sector while reinforcing its role within the broader financial services ecosystem and regional insurance markets.
- Eng. Ali El Sewedy is an accomplished industrial executive and business leader with extensive experience in manufacturing, strategic investment, and corporate governance. As Vice Chairman of Energya Industries, he plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction of one of the Middle East and North Africa's leading diversified industrial groups, supporting its long-term growth across manufacturing, infrastructure, real estate, and education. Working alongside the Group's executive leadership, Eng. El Sewedy contributes to the development and execution of corporate strategy, business expansion initiatives, capital allocation, and operational excellence programs. His leadership supports the continued evolution of the Group's diversified portfolio, with operations spanning electrical industries, power cables, steel manufacturing, cement, engineering solutions, and strategic investments across Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Eng. El Sewedy serves as a Board Member of Hayah Urban Development and Acumen Holding, where he provides strategic oversight on matters relating to corporate governance, investment strategy, and long-term value creation. Combining a strong engineering background with a forward-looking business perspective, Eng. El Sewedy holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Queen Mary University of London. His multidisciplinary approach enables him to bridge technical expertise with strategic decision-making, fostering innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth across industrial enterprises. Throughout his career, Eng. El Sewedy has remained committed to building resilient institutions, advancing industrial innovation, and promoting responsible corporate leadership. His strategic insight and governance experience continue to contribute to the sustainable growth of diversified businesses and the long-term development of the region's industrial and investment landscape.
- 20+ years in asset management. Manager of the award-winning 'Izdihar Fund' and member of the Investment Committee.
- Mrs. May El Haggar serves on the boards of Acumen Asset Management and Acumen Securities Brokerage, contributing to the governance of the Group's two market-facing businesses. Her dual mandate gives the boards a connected view across the investment and execution sides of the Group — from fund strategy and portfolio oversight to brokerage operations and conduct. Mrs. El Haggar's board work centres on strategy, risk oversight, and the client outcomes both firms are accountable for. Sitting across the two entities, she helps ensure that growth in one business reinforces rather than compromises the other, and that both uphold the fiduciary and regulatory standards expected of Acumen companies.
- Mr. Ahmed Hafez serves as Chairman of Acumen Securities Brokerage, leading the board of the Group's brokerage arm. His mandate is the governance and strategic direction of the firm: overseeing executive management, approving the firm's risk appetite and growth plans, and safeguarding the standards of market integrity and client protection on which a brokerage licence depends. Under his chairmanship, the board's focus is on building a brokerage of institutional quality — disciplined execution, robust operations, and conduct that meets the expectations of the Egyptian Exchange and the Financial Regulatory Authority. Mr. Hafez works closely with the boards of the Group's other subsidiaries to keep the brokerage aligned with Acumen Holding's long-term strategy across the MENA region.
- Mr. Tamer Hussein serves on the boards of Acumen Securities Brokerage and Acumen Advisory & Activism, supporting the governance of the Group's execution and advisory arms. His mandate spans the oversight of brokerage strategy and conduct on one side, and the firm's board-level advisory and shareholder-engagement work on the other. Mr. Hussein's contribution reflects the connection between the two businesses: the market intelligence of an active brokerage informs the advisory arm's engagements, while the advisory practice's governance standards raise the bar for the brokerage itself. Across both boards, his focus is disciplined oversight — clear accountability for management, prudent risk-taking, and outcomes that serve clients and shareholders over the long term.
- Mr. Khaled Riad serves on the board of Acumen Advisory & Activism, the Group's arm for board-level counsel and constructive shareholder engagement. His mandate covers the governance of the firm's advisory engagements: reviewing the positions the firm takes, the standards it holds itself to as an active shareholder, and the quality of counsel it delivers to boards and investors. Mr. Riad's board work centres on ensuring that the firm's activism remains what its name promises — constructive: grounded in rigorous analysis, aimed at durable improvements in governance and performance at the companies it engages, and conducted with the professionalism that protects the Group's standing in the region's capital markets.
- Mrs. Dina Abdelatif serves on the board of Acumen Advisory & Activism, contributing to the oversight of the Group's advisory and shareholder-engagement practice. Her mandate includes reviewing the firm's engagement strategies, the governance recommendations it puts before client boards, and the stewardship standards it applies as an active investor. Mrs. Abdelatif's focus is the quality and integrity of the firm's counsel: engagements selected on rigorous analysis, recommendations that strengthen governance and long-term performance, and a practice culture that treats the firm's independence and reputation as its most valuable assets. Her oversight helps keep the advisory arm accountable to the same standards it asks of the companies it engages.
Executive Leadership
- Mr. Tarek Abdelhady serves as Chief Financial Officer of Acumen Holding, where he leads the Group's financial strategy, planning, and reporting across its asset management, brokerage, and advisory subsidiaries. His mandate spans treasury and capital allocation, budgeting and performance management, and the financial controls that underpin the Group's institutional standards. Working closely with the Board and the Audit Committee, Mr. Abdelhady oversees the integrity of the Group's financial reporting, its relationship with external auditors, and its regulatory filings. His focus is on disciplined capital stewardship — ensuring that every arm of the Group is resourced to grow while preserving the balance-sheet strength and transparency that Acumen's clients and counterparties rely on.
- Mr. Aly Dabbous serves as Chief Product Officer of Acumen Holding, leading product strategy and digital platforms across the Group. His mandate covers the investor experience end to end — from digital onboarding and client channels to the data and technology infrastructure that supports the Group's asset management, brokerage, and advisory businesses. Sitting at the intersection of the investment teams and engineering, Mr. Dabbous is responsible for translating the Group's institutional capabilities into products that are transparent, efficient, and accessible. His focus is on bringing a modern product discipline to regional financial services: rigorous prioritisation, measurable client outcomes, and platforms built to scale with the Group's ambitions across Egypt and the wider MENA region.
- Dr. Safaa Fares serves as Portfolio Manager at Acumen Asset Management, where she is responsible for managing client portfolios across Egyptian and regional capital markets. Her mandate covers portfolio construction, security selection, and asset allocation across equities and fixed income, executed within the firm's research-driven investment process and its disciplined approach to risk. Dr. Fares works closely with the firm's research team and contributes to the deliberations of the Investment Committee, where portfolio positioning and new mandates are reviewed. Her approach pairs fundamental analysis with strict valuation discipline — seeking durable, long-term returns for clients rather than short-term momentum, in keeping with the conviction-led philosophy that defines Acumen's asset management practice.
Committees
- Mrs. Sahar El Sallab serves as an Independent Supervisor on Acumen's Fund Supervisory Committee, providing independent oversight of the funds managed by Acumen Asset Management. Her mandate is the protection of unit-holders: reviewing fund valuations and NAV calculations, monitoring adherence to each fund's charter and investment restrictions, and verifying compliance with the regulations of Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority. As an independent member, Mrs. El Sallab's role is deliberately separate from the Group's commercial management — a governance safeguard that gives investors an impartial line of review over how their capital is administered. Her oversight reinforces the transparency and fiduciary discipline that Acumen's fund platform is built on.
- Mr. Malek Sultan serves as an Independent Supervisor on Acumen's Fund Supervisory Committee, sharing responsibility for the independent oversight of the funds managed by Acumen Asset Management. His work centres on the integrity of fund administration: periodic review of valuations, subscription and redemption processes, and the controls that ensure each fund operates strictly within its stated mandate. Independent of the Group's executive management, Mr. Sultan provides unit-holders with an impartial check on fund governance and regulatory compliance under the framework of Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority. His participation on the committee underpins the accountability that institutional and retail investors alike expect from Acumen's fund platform.
Audit Committee
Oversees financial reporting, internal controls, external audit, and regulatory compliance. Meets quarterly and reports directly to the Board.
Investment Committee
Reviews and approves all new mandates, fund strategies, and material portfolio decisions. Chaired by the CEO and meets weekly.
Risk & Compliance
Monitors enterprise-wide risk, FRA compliance, and counterparty exposure. Escalates material findings directly to the Board.
Governance.
Independence, accountability, and long-term stewardship.
Acumen's governance framework is built around independence, accountability, and long-term stewardship. As an FRA-regulated institution, we hold ourselves to standards that exceed the regulatory minimum — because our clients expect it, and because our founders built this firm to last.
The Board meets quarterly, with standing committees convening on independent cadences. Material decisions affecting client capital, regulatory standing, or capital structure require committee review and Board ratification.
Policies.
The conduct and compliance framework that governs every part of the firm.
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