Najla Hamad Al Ghanim started her career at the National Bank of Kuwait before completing a degree in civil engineering and joining her father’s architectural and engineering consultancy business, Gulf Consult.

Since she became chairwoman in 2007, the company has become one of the largest firms of its kind in Kuwait, employing over 900, and garnering recognition for work that includes Kuwait’s Public Institution for Social Security Medical City, and the design and supervision of the multi-billion dollar new terminal at Kuwait International Airport.

In addition to managing the firm’s core business, Najla provides full support to Gulf Consult’s CSR initiatives such as the promotion of sustainability in design and construction, sponsorship of student professional societies and projects, and the training of professionals in specialised architectural and engineering disciplines.