Dubai Holding launches 'Leadon' Future Leaders Programme

DUBAI, 30 September 2007: Dubai Holding has officially launched 'Leadon', a new initiative for future leaders, seeking to develop individuals with high potential.

The future leaders programme is in line with the conglomerate's Leadership Model. It will be benchmarked against similar programmes in global organisations such as General Electric, the multinational technology and services company, and Toyota, the world's largest automaker by revenue.

'Leadon' will seek to establish a common standard of leadership development across all Dubai Holding entities. Linked to its guiding principles, individual entity's needs and global best practices, the programme will also position Dubai Holding internationally, as a champion of excellence in leadership development.

H.E. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Dubai Holding's Executive Chairman highlighted the importance of developing leadership within Dubai Holding at the official launch ceremony. Fifty programme delegates, committee members and Dubai Holding management attended the event at the Burj Al Arab hotel.

Al Gergawi said: "The development of the future leadership pipeline, across all Dubai Holding entities, is a strategic priority. The Leadon programme is based on a leadership model developed specifically for Dubai Holding. It lays the foundation for all future talent and succession management initiatives across the company. The programme will play a critical role in supporting the successful implementation of future growth strategies across the group.

He added: "The values of the leadership definitely rely on management skills. But it is also equally important to possess qualities such as innovation, creation, pioneering and confidence for an effective leadership role."

Dubai Holding's Leadership Model is built around four development categories - Strategic Thinking, Inspirational Leadership, Operational Excellence and Personal Growth.