Entrepreneurs
Luay Al Shurafa’s Dynamic Role in GM’s Regional Evolution
This Jordanian powerhouse, who has been with General Motors for more than two decades, has changed the face of the industry in the Middle East and Africa. From implementing leading-edge digital tools to steering the company through some of its most challenging times, Al Shurafa’s leadership is one of resilience and innovation. The first Arab to lead General Motors’ regional office, he is driving the automaker toward further success while reshaping customer experiences in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Luay Al Shurafa’s journey with General Motors began in 1998 and has been one of career built on perseverance, innovation, and strategic thinking. With an unwavering focus on growth and customer satisfaction, he has risen through the ranks to become the President and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. His leadership over 11 countries and a team of 1,675 employees makes him a crucial figure in shaping the future of automobiles in the region.
One of Al Shurafa’s most important contributions is bringing the “Shop.Click.Drive.” online shopping tool to the Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac brands. This tool redefined the way customers buy cars by allowing them to browse, customize, and purchase entirely online, a critical innovation for the age of digital-first experiences. The tool enhanced convenience while positioning General Motors as an industry leader, forward thinking.
Under Al Shurafa’s leadership, General Motors has successfully launched some of its most iconic models in the Middle East, such as the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade. These vehicles are highly praised for their luxury, performance, and advanced features, which have attracted significant numbers of customers in the region and further strengthened GM’s position as a leader in quality.
The career of Al Shurafa is not without challenges. He played a crucial role during the bankruptcy crisis of General Motors by helping the company regain its footing. The resilience and strategic clarity in manoeuvring complex situations have brought him the respect of his peers and positioned GM for long-term success in the Middle East and Africa. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Al Shurafa is the first Arab to lead General Motors’ regional office. He has been instrumental for fostering local talent and creating more opportunities for growth within the company. His leadership style – collaboration, innovation, with a commitment to excellence – forms the hallmark of GM success in the region.
Al Shurafa is keen on sustainability and innovation. With electric vehicles on the move globally, General Motors works towards sustainable mobility solutions for the Middle East and Africa. With this vision, Al Shurafa shows alignment with GM’s global commitment to an all-electric future as he is committed to a cleaner, greener world.
It has to be Luay Al Shurafa, whose saga revolves around determination, innovation, and impact. And no sooner than he joined GM then all his journey had witnessed him pushing boundaries with ideas inspiring change. As such an evolution continues in the automobile world, Al Shurafa’s leadership will obviously lead General Motors to stay strong in the Middle East and Africa.