DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence

October 28, 2026 – Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office.

“The Middle East and Africa represent an important growth opportunity for DHR, and Michael is exactly the kind of leader we want driving our expansion,” said Priya Taneja, CEO of DHR Global. “He brings deep industry expertise, strong relationships across the region, and a real understanding of the leadership challenges our clients face. His appointment strengthens our ability to serve clients locally while connecting them to the full breadth of DHR’s global capabilities.”

DHR’s expansion comes as organizations across the region reassess how they invest, operate, and connect to global markets. In the Gulf, the firm pointed out that the drive for resilience is sharpening the focus on trade corridors, energy security, and critical infrastructure. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is broadening the Kingdom’s economic base; Dubai’s D33 agenda aims to double its economy by 2033; and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030 place diversification and human capability at the center of long-term development. “These ambitions are unfolding as artificial intelligence reshapes work, energy systems evolve, and businesses reconsider supply chains and the deployment of capital,” DHR explained.

“The region’s ambitions will ultimately be realized through people: leaders who can make sound choices amid uncertainty, build organizations that perform and develop those who follow them,” said Mr. Okumu-Ringa. “Leaders shaped here are taking on wider mandates internationally, bringing that experience to new markets and challenges. Our responsibility is to help clients secure the leadership they need today while developing the capability and succession that will sustain them tomorrow. DHR’s family ownership brings a long-term perspective on stewardship that resonates with that task. Its global reach allows us to connect the region’s ambitions with talent wherever it is found, including leaders whose capabilities have been shaped here.”

Mr. Okumu-Ringa brings more than 14 years of experience living and working across the region, with deep expertise across financial services, technology, and digital assets. Prior to joining DHR, Mr. Okumu-Ringa was a partner at Odgers, where he led its financial services and technology practices across the Middle East and North Africa and the firm’s global digital assets coverage. Earlier in his career, he led senior leadership appointments at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, working with leadership teams across the fund and its portfolio companies during a period of significant institutional growth.

In his new role, Mr. Okumu-Ringa will work with boards and senior leaders across sovereign-backed organizations, financial institutions, investment platforms and technology businesses. His mandate combines building DHR’s regional presence with connecting clients to the firm’s global expertise and executive talent networks, including through its London presence.

Serving Clients in High-Growth Regions

Mr. Okumu-Ringa’s appointment reflects DHR Global’s continued investment in expanding its international presence and strengthening its ability to serve clients in high-growth markets. “His appointment will combine deep regional expertise and relationships with DHR’s global network spanning more than 60 markets across 22 countries, connecting clients throughout the Middle East and Africa with the firm’s executive search and leadership advisory capabilities,” the firm said.

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Economic activity across the Middle East and Africa continues to create a mixed but active backdrop for senior-level hiring. Investment in infrastructure, technology, financial services, healthcare, energy, and broader economic diversification is supporting demand for executives with regional experience, cross-border capabilities, and the ability to lead through geopolitical and market uncertainty. As organizations balance growth opportunities with shifting economic conditions, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on executives who can manage complexity, drive transformation, and position businesses for long-term expansion.

Since 1989, DHR Global has been a leading, privately held provider of executive search solutions with more than 50 wholly owned offices spanning the globe. The firm’s consultants specialize in all industries and functions, providing senior-level executive search, management assessment, and succession planning services.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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