 | Debbie Stanford-KristiansenCEO, Novo CinemasSince taking on the role in 2013, Debbie has turned Novo Cinemas into the household entertainment brand it is today, offering more than just a venue to watch movies, but an immersive state-of-the-art destination for a variety of entertainment options through strategic partnerships and organic growth. Novo Cinemas operates 17 locations and 178 screens across four countries in the GCC and is planning further expansion across the region including KSA and beyond.
As an accomplished leader with more than 30 years of experience in the Entertainment, Events and MICE Hospitality industries, Debbie is a CEO with an extensive understanding of public, government and private organizations with a proven track record of driving growth and successful business development. In 2005 she moved to the Middle East to help establish the Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority, also assuming the role of CEO for the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre and then went on to become the CEO of events@bahrain, a company established under the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company; Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Respected by her peers and her partners, Debbie has worked with her Executive team to elevate Novo Cinemas from a standard cinema experience to an innovative events and entertainment hub through strategic partnerships, technological advancements, new experience offerings and Event Cinema opportunities for consumers. Under her leadership, leading global brands have partnered with Novo such as IMAX, MX4D, Dolby ATMOS, Coca-Cola, Mashreq Bank, Jaguar, Land Rover, BEin Sports, Emirates Airline, Mastercard, Etisalat, Ooredoo, Qatar Airways, HSBC and the Bolshoi Ballet.
Debbie’s vision and commitment have transformed Novo Cinemas into the regional go-to film entertainment hub it is today, featuring unparalleled film technology, diverse content, cinema design and comfort, all of which are served up to customers with gourmet concessions and the highest level of customer care. It is this level of leadership that has landed her in the top five on Top 50 Women in Global Cinema list by Film Journal International for the past four years as well as most recently voted one of Top 30 Most Influential Women in the Arab World 2019, Middle East Female CEO of the Year 2018/9, Global LinkedIn Influencer 2020 and UAE Woman of Substance 2018. |
 | Nadine HalabiBusiness Development Manager, Dubai Business Women CouncilAs Dubai Business Women Council's Business Development Manager, Nadine helps drive business success by adopting a 'start-up' style of management that fosters innovation, takes advantage of new opportunities and interprets industry trends to maximize strategic objectives.
In 2021, Nadine Halabi was nominated as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in the Region under the list of "Women of Influence in the Arab World 2021' by CEO Middle East. The list was under the patronage of UN women and is both a celebration of the Region's female leaders and pioneers and a snapshot of the economic and social currents coursing through the contemporary Middle East. |
 | Rosemin MadhavjiFounder, RR&Co.Founder and Managing Director of RR&Co.- the first luxury-focused female led PR and consultancy firm in the Middle East which hosted the region’s most affluent consumers creating brand experiences, connecting to designers such as Christian Louboutin, Roland Mouret, Tom Ford anf Tory Burch. Being inspired by her mother, a breast cancer survivor, Rosemin works closely with Pink Carvan, Ralph Lauren and Estee lauder to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer. She has been recognized as the top 20 Most powerful females in the Middle East and the 50 Most influential women in the Arab World by Arabian Business in 2018. In the year 2019 Rosemin launched three shows, including a weekly talk show for Indigo Living, focused on women in the region from diverse backgrounds and giving them a platform to share their journeys. Rosemin has made a powerful name for herself in the beauty and fashion industry and contributes to Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bazaar Beauty; and is a part of the GQ Middle East Style Council series. A PR Mogul of the region, Rosemin has lived up to her name by all means, after working in PR and communications in Europe for 13 years and advising the likes of Tiffany& Co, Prada, Juicy Couture and many other top tier luxury brands, Rosemin moved to Dubai in 2008 and started RR&Co handling PR and Brand Management for several luxury labels.
The British Council Middle East honoured Madhavji in 2011 for Excellence in the Fashion Industry, and recognized her impactful CSR initiatives. |
