KARACHI: Forbes has included two Pakistani businesswomen in its list of the “100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2024.”
Shazia Syed, the former CEO of Unilever Pakistan, and Shaista Asif, the co-founder of PureHealth, are the two women on the list.
The leaders’ demonstrable influence on the area and market they service, as well as their individual accomplishments and performance over the previous year, were among the factors Forbes listed in order to assemble the list.
Ms. Syed was named one of the top executives in the Middle East in 2023. She is presently general manager of Unilever’s operations in North Africa, Iraq, Lebanon, and Arabia.
Ms. Syed, who is from Abbottabad, started out as a management trainee at Unilever Pakistan in 1989 and worked her way up the corporate ladder.
Ms. Syed shared her joy at being recognized by Forbes in a LinkedIn post, stating that she was honored to be listed among “99 other brilliant thought leaders and change-makers of the region.”
“It’s a great reminder for me to stand up for my values in both my personal and professional leadership journeys,” the woman remarked.
“I am incredibly appreciative to everyone in the company who has helped me on my journey to enable change both internally and externally. I am humbled and proud to represent Unilever.”
In contrast, Ms. Asif is a co-founder of PureHealth, a business that emphasizes scientific innovation in the healthcare industry and was launched in 2006.
With coverage for hospitals, clinics, diagnostics, insurance, pharmacies, health technology, procurement, and more, it is reputed to be one of the biggest integrated healthcare networks in the United Arab Emirates.
