Monday 02 / June / 2025
Muscat: The Royal Academy of Management (RAM) has announced the formation of its newly reconstituted International Advisory Board, comprising a distinguished group of global leaders and renowned experts in leadership, management, and innovation.
This strategic development marks a major milestone in RAM’s ongoing efforts to elevate executive education and leadership development.
The establishment of the Board reinforces the Academy’s unwavering commitment to excellence, international collaboration, and alignment with the national priorities outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
On this occasion, Dr Ali bin Qassim Al Lawati, President of The Royal Academy of Management, stated: “We are proud to welcome this outstanding group of global thought leaders and experts to RAM’s International Advisory Board. Their diverse insights, extensive experience, and international outlook will significantly contribute to shaping RAM’s strategic direction.
"The board will play a vital role in enriching our programmes, offering forward- looking perspectives on leadership and innovation, and strengthening our global partnerships to enhance the Academy’s international standing.”
His Excellency also extended his gratitude to the outgoing members of the previous board, acknowledging their, foundational role: “We are deeply grateful to our former Board members for their invaluable contributions. Their vision, insight, and dedication played a pivotal role in shaping the Academy’s early direction and advancing the development of its flagship initiatives and programmes. Their support has helped lay a strong foundation for RAM’s emergence as a national leader in executive education and a beacon of leadership excellence.”
Reflecting on the board’s importance, he added: “We are confident that the newly formed International Advisory Board will build on this legacy. It is worth noting that the former board had the distinguished honour of meeting His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik—may God protect him—during the Academy’s official inauguration under the gracious Royal Patronage. That moment underscored the strategic importance of the advisory role in supporting RAM’s national mission.”
Dr Al Lawati concluded by stating: “We look forward to close collaboration with our new International Board members. Their collective wisdom and global expertise will be invaluable in advancing RAM’s strategic goals and strengthening its impact within Oman and beyond.”
The newly appointed board comprises a distinguished group of professionals with significant global influence and a proven track records of excellence across government, academia, and industry.
It includes Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan; Enda Kenny, former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland; and His Excellency Eng. Abdullatif bin Ahmed Al Othman, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at King Abdulaziz University, former Senior Vice President at Saudi Aramco, and former Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority.
The board also includes Lim Hwee Hua, former Minister for Finance and Transport in the Republic of Singapore; Yoshito Hori, CEO of GLOBIS and President of GLOBIS University in Japan; and Carola Schouten, Mayor of Rotterdam in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Joining them are Raymond Watt, Global Chairman Emeritus of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO); Professor Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford; and Arturo Bris, Director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).The International Advisory Board serves as a strategic advisory body that offers insight into a wide range of fields including governance, leadership development, global disruptions, and future-readiness.
It supports RAM’s long-term vision by contributing international perspectives and recommendations on matters related to leadership ecosystems, institutional excellence, and global trends.
The board is renewed every two years to ensure a continuous infusion of fresh perspectives aligned with global trends and emerging opportunities.
