Page Category: Leadership

2016 - InterSearch operates in 53 countries

Meet the Team

Our diverse and multi-geographical team allows InterSearch to be closer to clients and candidates to ensure a long term relationship, and deliver a high level of service excellence across the region and beyond.

John Robinson

Founder

Mohammed Al Kharusi

Chairman Oman

Samantha Robinson

Managing Director - Middle East

Harris Karaolides

Managing Partner UAE

Daniel Robinson

Managing Partner Oman

Hurriya Mirza

Managing Partner Oman

Kinda Fakhouri

Regional Head of Research - Middle East

Donna Agustin

Regional Finance Manager - Middle East

Rony Nassar

Managing Partner | Saudi Arabia

Maya Harake

Engagement Manager - UAE

Ayush Bhatnager

Senior Research Associate - UAE

Malak Al Zarafy

Research Research Associate - Oman

Sarah AlQadhi

Seinor Research Associate - Oman

Rawan El Mousharafieh

Senior Research Associate - Saudi Arabia

Imane Lamrani

Sr Research Associate - UAE

Tom Morgan-Harris

Client Partner - Saudi Arabia

InterSearch WorldWide on Linkedin

Visit our LinkedIn page

John Robinson

Founder

John Robinson’s association with the Middle East spans more than 35 years. After leaving McKinsey in London, he lived in Kuwait from 1977 to 1986, where he served as Head of Organisation & Manpower Planning with Kuwait Oil Company. During this time, he developed a strong understanding of the region’s culture and business environment.

In 1991, John established InterSearch Australia and focused on recruiting international specialist candidates from around the world for roles across the Middle East. Over the years, he held several positions of responsibility within InterSearch Worldwide, including serving as a Board Director for three years and as Chairman of the Standards & Quality Committee.

Before moving into executive search, John held senior HR management and leadership roles across the UK, Middle East, and Australia. In 1998, he established InterSearch Middle East by opening the first office in Dubai. From that point, he played a key role in supporting clients across the MEA region, drawing on his deep knowledge and extensive experience in executive search and recruitment.

John also served as InterSearch Worldwide Industry Group Chairman for the Oil & Gas sector. He holds a BSc in Mathematics & Statistics from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

John is now retired, after a distinguished career that helped shape InterSearch’s presence and reputation in the Middle East.

Mohammed Al Kharusi

Chairman Oman

Mohammed has over 40 years’ experience in the field of IT, HR and General Management. He started his career as an Economics Research Assistant in the University of London. Thereafter, he joined PDO in IT as an Analyst/Programmer to support subsurface systems and rose through the ranks to be the first Omani IM&T Manager. During this 29-year period with PDO he also worked for Shell International on assignments in UK, Brunei and later in the Netherlands as Head of Information Planning for E&P companies.

Mohammed developed his career into HR both in Oman and in The Hague and took on the responsibility of HR Director in PDO in 1999 for 5 years. After retirement, he joined ENOC in Dubai as a Group HR Manager with key responsibilities to move HR management to the next level. He returned to Oman with MB Group of companies in 2008 with responsibilities for HR, IT, and Medical Services and was responsible for transforming the business planning processes to the next level of excellence.

Mohammed is actively involved with all Intersearch executive search assignments in Oman and supports the Middle East & Africa region as the Oil & Gas Guru within the team!

Mohammed has a BSc, DIS in Industrial Mathematics from Loughborough University of Technology in UK as well as MSc. Numerical & Functional Analysis.

Samantha Robinson

Managing Director - Middle East

Sam has over 27 years combined executive search, interim management & global talent solutions experience. She has developed her long-term career with InterSearch in both Australia & Middle East.

Sam was born in Kuwait, educated in Australia and lived in London & Canada for 6 years working within the HR teams of Merrill Lynch and BP International.

In the Middle East, she also worked within investment banking & financial services with Standard Chartered Bank as the Regional Talent Acquisition Specialist, Middle East, Pakistan & Africa (MEPA), focusing on senior-level executive recruitment, as well as committing to the global diversity agenda to attract Arab, African & female talent into the organization.

Samantha returned to the Middle East region over 20 years and as MD Middle East, she is responsible for building and leading a multi-cultural team of high-performing Partners and Research Team across four offices in the GCC, to serve a diversity of clients across Middle East & Africa (MEA) region. Sam personally focuses on executing executive search & interim Management assignments across multiple sector strengths.

Sam is currently the InterSearch Worldwide Group Leader – Economic Development, Investment, private Equity & Financial Services & Global Trainer for the InterSearch Academy. She is also a Board Member & Expertise Leader with Interim Management Worldwide (IMW).

Sam holds a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Psychology, from the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Harris Karaolides

Managing Partner UAE

Harris began his career in 1989 and has held marketing, sales and operations roles with reputable companies in New York City and Athens, Greece. He has 23 years of experience as an executive search consultant, joining InterSearch Greece in 1998 and eventually becoming the General Manager of InterSearch’s Athens office. Before joining InterSearch Middle East he successfully completed hundreds of executive search assignments in Greece and Central-Eastern Europe. While leading the Athens office, Harris was also the Global Media Relations Manager for InterSearch Worldwide playing a significant role in increasing visibility and awareness for the Global organization. Harris currently serves clients in the Middle East, Africa and East Mediterranean in sectors such as Consumer Goods, Industrial, Energy and Chemicals.

Harris holds a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University’s prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in New York and B.Sc. in Business Administration from Deree, The American College of Greece. He has received Intersearch Worldwide’s annual Excellence Award and he is InterSearch Worldwide’s Global Leader Energy Practice Group.

Daniel Robinson

Managing Partner Oman

Daniel Robinson is the General Manager of InterSearch Oman, based in Muscat.

He has spent the past 15 years focusing on Executive Search assignments on C-suite and senior leadership appointments throughout the GCC, having lived in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and now Oman.

Daniel brings his expertise to clients in the Middle East on key issues such as leadership development, leadership assessment, and executive search.

His GCC experience has seen him cover multiple sectors including Banking & Finance, Oil & Gas and Energy, Government & Semi-Government institutions, and Property and Construction.

During this time, he has also advised clients on HR Advisory, Payroll Solutions, Contingency Recruitment, Contractors, and Learning & Development.

Prior to working in the Middle East, Daniel spent 5 years in London, UK, working for a mix of multinational companies before joining Michael Page, a large international recruitment company.

Daniel holds a BCom in Marketing & HR from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.

Hurriya Mirza

Managing Partner Oman

Hurriya is a senior executive search professional with over 12 years’ experience, specialising in leadership hiring and advisory services across Oman. As the Managing Partner of Oman, she leads the Executive Search portfolio for InterSearch & Talent Development Oman, advising clients on senior appointments and broader talent strategies across the market.

She began her career in Executive Search in 2013 with InterSearch Middle East as a Research Associate, where she supported and led mandates spanning mid-level to C-suite roles in Oman. Since 2018, she has been responsible for managing the business and delivering executive search engagements, building a strong track record in partnering with organisations on critical leadership hires.

Prior to transitioning into executive search, Hurriya spent three years as a Senior Auditor with a leading audit firm, where she developed a solid foundation in financial analysis, due diligence, and advisory services.

Over the course of her career, Hurriya has built long-standing client relationships, consistently delivering high-quality advisory and search solutions with a pragmatic and insight-driven approach.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Accounting and Finance from Bradford University School of Management, UK, and is SHRM-CP certified from US, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development and excellence.

Kinda Fakhouri

Regional Head of Research - Middle East

Kinda is an accomplished professional, currently serving as the Regional Head of Research at InterSearch Middle East, headquartered in the city of Dubai.

She has built her Executive Search career over the past 19 years in the Middle East Region catering to clients across multiple sectors, her experience in Human Capital Research and Development along with her other skills and abilities gives her an uncanny advantage to help Organizations in their growth process, creating sustained value to all its stakeholders.

Kinda has seamlessly shouldered regional responsibilities across a variety of sectors, overseeing Executive Search, Board Placements, Interim Assignments, as well as Onsite Talent Acquisition projects in Oman, KSA, UAE.

Kinda has worked across a wide spectrum of industries within private and government sectors, including industrial, consumer, Aviation, Real Estate, Construction, Diversified Family Conglomerates, Telecom and more.

Before joining InterSearch, Kinda made significant contributions to another prominent Regional Search Firm. For nearly a decade, she excelled in her role as a Senior Research Associate, specializing in attracting top-tier executive talent to the MEA region, with a particular emphasis on the Saudi Arabian and GCC market.

Her career commenced in the Telecom industry before relocating to Dubai in 2005. During her initial years in the Emirates, Kinda made a mark in the Hospitality sector for two impactful years.

Kinda holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan

Donna Agustin

Regional Finance Manager - Middle East

With over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting across the UAE and the Philippines, Donnabelle plays a pivotal role in shaping InterSearch Middle East’s financial strategy and ensuring strong fiscal governance.

She has extensive experience in managing finance departments end-to-end, enhancing organizational efficiency, and ensuring timely and accurate management reporting. Donnabelle is well-versed in international financial reporting standards (GAAP and IFRS).

Prior to joining InterSearch in 2019, she spent over 11 years at Boyden, where she advanced to the role of Accounting Manager.

Donnabelle holds an MBA from Griggs University and a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Philippines. She is also a member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants.

With her commitment to excellence and a meticulous approach, Donnabelle strengthens the financial backbone of executive search operations, driving sustainable value creation at InterSearch Middle East.

Rony Nassar

Managing Partner | Saudi Arabia

Rony specializes in senior and board-level appointments, with more than 15 years’ experience in executive search across the MENA region. As Managing Partner – Saudi Arabia at InterSearch Middle East, he leads the firm’s activity in the Kingdom, advising clients on critical leadership appointments and long-term talent strategies.

Rony joined InterSearch Middle East as a Client Partner, where he played a key role in expanding the firm’s regional footprint and delivering complex senior mandates. He was subsequently appointed Managing Partner, reflecting his track record, client trust, and depth of market knowledge.

Prior to InterSearch, he served as Principal and Industrial Practice Lead at a global executive search firm covering the MENA region. Before that, he spent over a decade with a prominent regional executive search firm based in Riyadh and Beirut, where he progressed to the role of Partner. Earlier in his career, he worked with a consultancy firm, supporting businesses in integrating ESG strategies.

Throughout his career, Rony has worked closely with family principals, boards, and executive leadership teams, developing a strong understanding of local business culture, governance models, and decision-making dynamics. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University of Beirut and is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the HR Certification Institute.

Maya Harake

Engagement Manager - UAE

Maya is an accomplished professional, currently serving as an Engagement Manager at InterSearch Middle East, headquartered in Dubai.

She has built her Executive Search career over the past decade in the Middle East, delivering senior and C-level mandates across multiple sectors. Her experience in Executive Search, Leadership Consulting, and HR Advisory, combined with her strong client engagement and assessment capabilities, enables her to support organizations in identifying and attracting top-tier talent while driving long-term value.

Maya has successfully led executive search and leadership advisory assignments across the GCC region, working closely with clients to design tailored search strategies, conduct competency-based assessments, and ensure successful placements at the highest levels.

She has worked across a wide spectrum of industries, including Financial Services, Engineering, Industrial, Technology, FMCG, Manufacturing, and Aviation.

Before joining InterSearch, Maya held the role of Client Engagement Manager at DHR Global, where she led C-level and senior executive searches and contributed to leadership consulting and board assessment projects across the region.

Prior to that, she built her foundation in HR consulting and recruitment in Lebanon, gaining experience in organizational development, performance management, and talent acquisition.

Maya holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University of Beirut, as well as a dual MBA from ESA Business School and ESCP Business School.

Ayush Bhatnager

Senior Research Associate - UAE

Ayush brings over 8 years of experience across Executive Search and Talent Acquisition, having worked within global executive search firms, boutique agencies, and in-house environments. This breadth of experience has given him a well-rounded perspective on talent strategy, leadership hiring, and market dynamics across a range of sectors.

His background combines broad cross-sector exposure, including financial services, FMCG, telecom, aviation, and government, with deeper expertise in Technology and AI. Over the course of his career, he has led and delivered a number of C-suite and senior leadership mandates, supported by strong capabilities in market mapping, leadership assessment, and talent intelligence.

At InterSearch, Ayush works as a Senior Associate, focusing on Executive Search across the Middle East and advising clients on strategic hiring decisions and market insights. His combination of sector knowledge, research depth, and advisory experience enables him to support clients in identifying and securing high-calibre leadership talent.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering from the United States and has developed a strong focus on technology-led environments, particularly across digital, data, AI, and innovation-driven businesses.

Outside of work, Ayush is a keen photographer and a technology enthusiast.

Malak Al Zarafy

Research Research Associate - Oman

Malak is an experienced recruitment professional with 6 years of experience and has been with InterSearch since 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Birmingham City University.

Her interest in Human Resources stems from its people-focused nature, particularly the social and cultural dimensions of business, including diversity and inclusion. Having grown up in Japan, Malak was exposed to a highly diverse environment from an early age, which shaped her ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds and strengthened her interest in understanding people and organisations.

Over the course of her studies and professional experience, Malak has developed a strong foundation in research, communication, and candidate assessment, enabling her to adapt quickly and contribute effectively within the executive search environment. At InterSearch, she has focused on identifying and engaging high-calibre C-suite and senior-level candidates for clients across a range of industries and markets.

Her international outlook, combined with her recruitment experience and people-centred approach, allows her to support clients and candidates with insight, professionalism, and a strong understanding of regional and cross-cultural dynamics..

Sarah AlQadhi

Seinor Research Associate - Oman

Sara Al-Qadhi is a dedicated recruitment professional with 3 years of experience, bringing strong leadership, presentation, and research skills to her role. She holds a BSc in Business Entrepreneurship and Management from the University of Reading, completed in 2022, and graduated from Muscat International School, where she achieved the highest marks in Oman’s external exams for Business and Geography.

Sara joined InterSearch in 2023 and has since progressed to the role of Senior Research Associate. She is responsible for conducting in-depth research on industries, individuals, and market trends, while supporting the delivery of high-quality insights and reports. With a strong interest in data analysis and market intelligence, Sara continues to play an important role in supporting the firm’s research capabilities and client delivery.

Rawan El Mousharafieh

Senior Research Associate - Saudi Arabia

Rawan El Mousharafieh is a Senior Research Associate with InterSearch Middle East, based in Riyadh. She brings extensive experience in executive search and leadership advisory, supported by a strong foundation in international public policy.

Before joining InterSearch, Rawan spent over four years in Paris as an Executive Search Consultant with Beyond Associés, a boutique talent advisory firm. During this time, she partnered with clients across diverse sectors—including automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and luxury—to identify and recruit C-suite executives and board members for critical leadership roles.

Rawan holds a master’s degree in public policy from Sciences Po Paris and a bachelor’s degree in political science and international affairs from the Lebanese American University in Beirut. With a multicultural background shaped between Beirut and Paris, she combines analytical rigor with a deep understanding of people and organizational dynamics. Her approach is characterized by curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to helping leaders and organizations achieve long-term success.

Earlier in her career, she worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Beirut, contributing to rehabilitation programs within the penitentiary system, and volunteered for over three years as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Lebanese Red Cross.

Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Rawan brings a global perspective and a strong sense of purpose to every search engagement.

Imane Lamrani

Sr Research Associate - UAE

Imane is a Senior Expert with nearly 15 years of experience in Executive Search across diverse industries and geographies. During her time at Egon Zehnder, she served as a Regional Research Lead for the Real Estate sector, and more recently for Public Sector & Education. Alongside these primary areas of focus, she consistently contributed to cross-industry mandates across the MENA region (incl. Consumer, Pharmaceuticals, Hospitality, Culture & Sports, Technology, etc.)

With deep expertise in market intelligence, talent mapping and candidate identification, she has a proven track record of placing CEOs, C-suite executives and mid to senior-level leaders across government entities, high profile organizations, flagship development initiatives, as well as influential regional family businesses and dynamic mid-sized companies driving transformation in their sectors. She also partnered with Egon Zehnder’s Leadership Advisory team, contributing to select assessments and workshops.

Prior to Egon Zehnder, Imane was Senior Associate for the MENA region at McArthur Murray. She also served as Client Partner at IBB Executive Search. Her earlier experience includes a role in launching new store locations and building operational retail teams, as well as a role in HR & Administration at a contemporary arts and cultural centre, reflecting her passion for creativity and cultural engagement.

Imane holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, both from Sup de Co Marrakech. She is an avid reader, traveller and painter, and is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in leadership.

Tom Morgan-Harris

Client Partner - Saudi Arabia

Tom is focused on driving business growth and building long-term client partnerships in Riyadh and across the Kingdom. Based in Riyadh with his family, Tom works closely with organisations to develop world-class executive and Board-level leadership teams that support transformation and align with Saudi Vision 2030.

Bringing a truly global perspective, Tom has lived and worked in Hong Kong, London and now Riyadh.

He is relationship driven and partners with organisations on senior leadership, hiring across international markets. He has successfully advised Governments, FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, high-growth businesses, and global professional services firms, helping them build leadership teams that deliver transformation, sustainable growth, and long-term value.

Tom has over 15 years of international executive search experience, specialising in C-suite and Board-level appointments across a wide range of industries. He is particularly recognised for his expertise in marketing, communications, commercial, corporate affairs, and investor relations leadership roles.

Before joining InterSearch Middle East, Tom spent more than seven years at tml Partners in London, where he played a key role in scaling the firm’s international footprint. Prior to this, he worked with VMA Group in Hong Kong, specialising in executive recruitment across the financial services and professional services sectors, with a focus on investor relations, marketing, and communications.

Tom holds a BA (Hons) in History and Sociology from the University of the West of England.

InterSearch Locations

Page Category: Leadership

Leadership

Meet the Team

InterSearch WorldWide on Linkedin