Al-Futtaim Group, a prominent family-owned company in the region, is focusing on expanding its business by diversifying its offerings and venturing into new sectors. In an interview with Khaleej Times, David Henderson, the Chief Human Resources Officer, highlighted the importance of nurturing the company’s human capital to support this growth. With over 33,000 employees from diverse backgrounds, Al-Futtaim Group aims to create robust career progression paths to ensure retention and satisfaction among its workforce.
Henderson emphasized the significance of inclusivity and diversity in creating a brighter future for the company. He mentioned that managing a diverse workforce requires a multifaceted approach that embraces cultural differences. As the head of HR, Henderson’s primary responsibility is to cultivate an internal growth mindset over external recruitment. He believes in investing in career development and skill-building to retain talent and drive ongoing career growth within the organization.
Al-Futtaim Group is dedicated to supporting Emiratisation initiatives in the UAE by developing the skills and career opportunities of Emirati employees. Through programs like Sinyar, summer work initiatives, and vocational training, the company has successfully achieved an Emiratisation rate of 13.4% in 2023. Henderson expressed the group’s commitment to further accelerating the Emiratisation process by providing more opportunities for local talent at all levels within the organization.
In alignment with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, Al-Futtaim Group is committed to contributing to business diversity and supporting the local economy. The company acknowledges the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping business operations and has appointed Moza Omar Al Futtaim as the Chief AI Officer to harness this technology. Henderson stressed the importance of retraining and upskilling the current workforce to adapt to technological advancements and enhance their capabilities.
Henderson highlighted the need for leaders to have agility, breadth, and adaptability to navigate the evolving business landscape effectively. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and innovation within the HR department to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced environment. As Al-Futtaim Group continues its growth trajectory, embracing technology and fostering a culture of innovation will be essential to drive sustainable growth and remain competitive in the market.
