BrazilOliver Wyman appoints partners and executive director in Middle East
Global strategy and management consulting firm Oliver Wyman has appointed 45 new Partners and Executive Directors worldwide, with five of the leader cohort based in the Middle East region.
Promoted to partner are Alexander Budilkin, Léa Char, Jimmy El Gemayel, and Claudius Thome – they all operate out of the UAE and Qatar. Loren Naish meanwhile has been promoted to Executive Director, she is a leader in the firm’s Marketing function.
Alexander Budilkin joined Oliver Wyman’s Dubai office in 2021, bringing extensive experience from previous consulting roles. As a key member of the Communications, Media and Technology practice, he specializes in digital infrastructure and ICT regulations.
Budilkin provides strategic advice to both public and private sector clients on the rollout and commercialization of advanced technologies, ensuring resilience in digital infrastructure, and promoting market competition.
Léa Char joined Oliver Wyman in Dubai in 2022 following the firm’s acquisition of Booz Allen Hamilton in the MENA region. With more than 15 years of experience across North America and the MENA region, she specializes in public sector excellence, focusing on large-scale transformations, institutional setups, and policy making within government entities.
Char is a senior member of the Government and Public Institutions practice.
Jimmy El Gemayel has been with Oliver Wyman in Dubai since 2015, then bringing with him five years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Initially part of the Energy practice, he later transitioned to the Government and Public Institutions practice, where he discovered his passion for supporting governments.
El Gemayel specializes in strategy and policy development, assisting nations in addressing fiscal challenges, managing deficits, and driving economic diversification.
Claudius Thome meanwhile is a member of the Financial Services and Digital practices. He has been with the consulting firm in 2015 and advises banks, sovereign wealth funds, and government authorities on a range of topics including growth strategy, digital transformation and post-merger integration.
Thome is the Qatar county leader for Oliver Wyman, based out of Doha.
Loren Naish is Head of Marketing for India, Middle East, and Africa and , Global Head of Brand & Strategy. With 20 years of experience across agencies, media, and professional services firms spanning four continents, she brings cross-boundary knowledge to her position.
Before joining Oliver Wyman in 2022, Naish previously worked in Johannesburg and London. She is now based in Dubai.
A ‘well-deserved promotion’
Recognizing the five professionals in the region for their well-deserved promotion, Pedro Oliveira, Managing Partner of Oliver Wyman in India, Middle East, and Africa, said: “Congratulations to these exceptional individuals on achieving this career milestone. Their promotions not only reflect their outstanding contributions, but also highlight our firm’s dedication to fostering talent and driving professional growth.”
“We believe that recognizing and rewarding our people is essential to our success, and we remain committed to creating an environment where every team member can reach their full potential.”
