Dubai: GEMS Education has appointed Saeed Al Muntafiq as group chief executive officer of the Dubai-based schools operator, according to a statement on Tuesday.
In his new role, Al Muntafiq will oversee all GEMS Education operations in the Middle East, Africa and most of Asia. His role is expected to steer the company during its next phase of expansion.
He was previously a non-executive director on the board of GEMS Education for over two years. In 2005, he was appointed executive chairman of Tatweer, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding.
“Saeed is a tremendous addition to GEMS Education. We are deeply committed to meeting the aspirations and needs of all our students, parents, regional governments and other stakeholders. As CEO, Saeed will be instrumental in fulfilling this vision,” said Sunny Varkey, founder and chairman of GEMS Education, in a statement.
GEMS Education operates around 100 private schools across the Gulf and employs around 11,000 staff. The company said last September that it is seeking to raise around Dh1.836 billion to fund its growth by selling a stake of up to 20 per cent in the private company.
It raised a $545 million loan for new investments in regional schools and for refinancing.
