Alain Bejjani:  Visionary behind Majid Al Futtaim’s Transformation

Born in 1973 in Beirut, Lebanon, Alain Bejjani founded his professional path after his grand educational base in law. His education from the prestigious Université Paris XII and the great Lebanese Law University enabled him to gain some deeply critical insights into corporate and civil law. Desire to transcend this horizon soon took him away from litigious corridors towards the wider business strategy corridors.

In 2006, Bejjani joined Majid Al Futtaim Group, one of the pioneering powerhouses in retail and lifestyle innovations across the Middle East. As he continued his professional advancement on the corporate ladder, Bejjani displayed exceptional capabilities in terms of strategic growth as well as innovation in creating new opportunities. He was appointed as CEO by 2015 and opened a new horizon for the group. Under Majid Al Futtaim, Majid Al Futtaim was an epitome of a company that was putting innovation, customer experience, and sustainability at the core of business functions.

Bejjani perhaps best describes his stint with his uncompromising commitment to digital transformation. He realized that customer purchasing behavior was changing at breakneck speeds, forcing the company to adopt the essence of data analytics, AI, and other next-generation technologies in tailoring shopping experiences to be personalized. He worked to create a culture of technologically empowered workers to ensure the workforce thrives in a digital-first world. Such collaboration with influential tech giants like Smart Dubai and Will.i.am’s company speaks well of his vision in embracing AI and blockchain, which promote operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Bejjani also worked towards making Majid Al Futtaim a greener player also. Under his stewardship, the company is again at the forefront of the Middle East with a Net Positive strategy, committing material strides in water savings and carbon emissions reduction by 2040. It was such an approach to sustainability that was driving interest from all over the world and gained significant traction with investors and stakeholders, culminating in 2019 with a landmark green sukuk worth $600 million. The funds have been used to finance environmental projects in green real estate, renewable energy, and sustainable water management, which further cements its position as a leader in environmental stewardship.

Other than innovation in the digital areas and sustainability, Bejjani had plans for expansion that were aggressive; these plans focused specifically on Saudi Arabia and Egypt. His vision unlocked modern shopping centres, state-of-the-art cinemas, and immersive entertainment experiences for a new generation of customers and transformed the regional retail landscape. He marks one of the bright spots of Majid Al Futtaim’s forays into Saudi Arabia, which includes first Saudi multiplex cinemas. Here’s an example of how Bejjani knows how to discover and exploit growth opportunities in emerging markets.

Alain Bejjini extends his leadership not only at the corporate level but also beyond. He is one of the most renowned and influential figures within the International Advisory Board of the Atlantic Council. He has greatly promoted discussions on economic growth and development in the Middle East. His efforts were further thrust to the forefront by chairing the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa in 2019, a space through which to intensify cooperation and innovation at the global level.

The accolades that Bejjani has garnered in the years prove that he indeed is powerful and a service to both business and society at large. Being ranked in the Top Influential Expats on Forbes Middle East, being featured in Business of Fashion’s BoF 500, and other numerous wins are attracting admiration far and wide. Such accolades underscore his capacity for mingling business acumen with a forward-thinking approach; innovation and sustainability shall always be the core elements of his legacy.

Although Bejjani resigned as the Chief Executive of Majid Al Futtaim Group in 2023, his legacy remains transformative. The wide-ranging efforts towards digital transformation and sustainability initiatives are part of a leadership story which has offered a framework for future generations of executives looking to balance profit, purpose, and innovation.