Chief Guest Address
The forum was honored to have Mr Khalil Al Khonji, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Muscat University, as the Chief Guest. His address set the tone for the day, emphasizing the critical role of CFOs in driving Oman's Vision 2040 and the transformative power of technology in reshaping the finance function across the GCC region.
Mr Khalil Al Khonji
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Muscat University
Chief Guest AddressKeynote Speakers
Two distinguished keynote speakers shared their insights on the evolving role of finance leadership in the digital age. Ghassan Khamis Al Hashar, CFO of Omantel, explored how technology is revolutionizing financial operations, while Tom Cyriac, COO of Sadad LLC, discussed innovative approaches to payment systems and digital finance transformation in the region.
Ghassan Khamis Al Hashar
CFO
Omantel
Keynote Speaker
Tom Cyriac
COO
Sadad LLC
Keynote SpeakerPanel Discussion-1
"LEADERSHIP, TECHNOLOGY & TRANSFORMATION — REDEFINING THE CFO'S MANDATE"
This dynamic panel discussion explored how CFOs are evolving from traditional financial gatekeepers to strategic business partners driving digital transformation. Moderated by Shilpa Vipul Pawani, Chartered Accountant and CA-Member of Muscat Chapter ICAI, the session brought together five distinguished CFOs who shared their experiences in implementing AI-powered analytics, automation, and data-driven decision-making. The panelists discussed practical challenges in leading technological change, building agile finance teams, and balancing innovation with risk management.
Shilpa Vipul Pawani
Chartered Accountant
CA-Member, Muscat Chapter ICAI
Moderator
Mohammed Humaid Al Yahyaei
CFO
Galfar
Panelist
Abdullah Al Naimi
CFO
SMN Power Holding SAOG
Panelist
Mahmood Ali Rustam Habib
Sr. Finance Manager
Credit Oman
Panelist
Yusra Al Busaidi
CFO
Marafiq – CUC
Panelist
Issa Al Abdali
CFO
Minerals Development Oman
PanelistPanel Discussion-2
"CAPITAL, COMPLIANCE & CONFIDENCE — BUILDING RESILIENT FINANCIAL ECOSYSTEMS"
The second panel session focused on the critical intersection of capital management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth in the GCC's evolving economic landscape. Led by Dr. Waseem Hoeneini, Founder & Managing Partner at WMSJ, this engaging discussion featured four senior finance leaders from banking, investment, and energy sectors. The panelists shared insights on optimizing capital allocation for diversification, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, integrating ESG principles into financial strategy, and building financial resilience in an era of economic transformation and uncertainty.
Dr. Waseem Hoeneini
Founder & Managing Partner
WMSJ
Moderator
Mr. Ahmed Al Shukaili
VP Finance / CFO
Asyad Shipping
Panelist
Giridhar S. Varadachari
GM / CFO
National Bank of Oman
Panelist
Ali Al Hadhrami
CFO
Integrated Gas Company
Panelist