In the Media
AI Talent Is Expensive. Now What?
Bashar Kilani is a highly regarded technology executive, consultant, and thought leader with decades of experience. He has worked with top-tier consulting firms, advising blue-chip multinationals and governments in the Middle East and North Africa and leading critical infrastructure, immersive experience, digital economy, and other major projects. He is also a public speaker on the world stage.
Professional Focus
- Nearly 30 years’ experience in technology including global executive, consulting, and board roles
- In-depth technology expertise, specialising in new and emerging technologies including AI, ML, IoT, metaverse, and cloud
- Track record of leading large-scale projects in critical infrastructure, immersive experience, the digital economy, digital transformation, turnaround management, and international expansion
- Public speaker with engagements at high-profile events such as the World Economic Forum, World Government Summit, Dubai Metaverse Assembly, Middle East Banking Summit, Expo 2020, and Investopia
- Fluent in Arabic, English, and German
Business Expertise
- Managing Director, Growth Markets at a major global professional services consultancy specialising in IT; focused on the digital economy, metaverse, cloud, AI, ML, and IoT
- Region Executive, Gulf & Levant at IBM, based in Dubai; promoted to de facto regional CEO with P&L across software, hardware, and consulting; held various roles during 25+ years with the company, including Business Unit Executive, Software; Software Group Manager, Middle East, Egypt & Pakistan; and earlier roles in technical consulting in the UK, Germany, and US
Additional Expertise
- Technology
- Digital
- Fintech
- AI and Software
- Telecoms
- Government Affairs
- Professional Services
- Consulting
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- MBA from Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK
- Master’s degree (MSc) in Computer Engineering from University of Surrey, UK
- Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in electrical engineering from University of Jordan
Affiliations & Awards
- Vice Chairman, Jordan Business Council - Dubai & Northern Emirates
- Advisory Board Member, Chamber for Digital Economy, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Advisory Board Member, Dubai Future Council for Healthcare & Wellbeing, Dubai Future Foundation
- Advisory Board Member, Digital AI Ethics Board, Digital Dubai
- Advisory Board Member, Blockchain Council, Dubai
- Jury Member, Dubai 10x
Case Studies
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Strategic Board Renewal for a High-Growth Cybersecurity Leader
Boyden partnered with a publicly traded cybersecurity firm to appoint a transformative director whose reputation and leadership experience amplify the company’s strategic ambitions and market position.
From Innovation to Execution: Leadership in Power Semiconductor Development
How Boyden placed a strategic SVP to drive e-mobility growth
Cybersecurity Excellence: Strengthening Trust and Digital Resilience
A Caribbean financial and mortgage bank partnered with Boyden to recruit a strategic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), enhancing cybersecurity governance and supporting digital transformation across the organization.
Thought Leadership
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Blog
How C-Suite Leadership & New Operating Models Are Driving The Real Economic Value
Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping economies and organizations, moving from a technical tool to a core driver of strategy, growth, and national development.
Articles & Papers
Preparing the C-Suite for the AI Economy in 2025:
Leadership will make or break the transformation to the AI Economy. Success often pivots on whether an organization’s leadership fully demonstrates their willingness and commitment to change. Clearly, for the transformation to deliver on the desired unprecedented productivity gains of AI, the C-Suite needs to be ready and willing to undertake the organizational “surgery” required. There are no quick fixes. Transform or die!
Articles & Papers
Navigating Uncertainty: AI Drives an Inflection Point for the Global Economy
In this edition of Navigating Uncertainty, explore how AI is reshaping the global economy, while private equity reveals the truth about AI ‘bubble mania’.
Blog
The “Three-Stepper” to Master Commercial and Sales Excellence in 2026
Discover the Three‑Stepper framework to master commercial and sales excellence in 2026. Learn how customer insight, talent, and technology drive growth.
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