NAFO Global Kuwait has announced the winners of its prestigious ‘NAFO Global Business Awards 2024’ which will be presented at a glittering ceremony during its anniversary celebration ‘Megham’ on Friday, 1st November at the American International School, Maidan Hawally, Kuwait.
The NAFO Global Business Awards 2024 will spotlight outstanding contributions by presenting two prestigious honors to four exemplary business leaders at the upcoming 20th-anniversary celebration. The NAFO Global Entrepreneurship Award will be bestowed upon Sunil Parakapadath, Chairman of the Royal Seagull Group, and Sunil Menon, Director of AQ Global, in recognition of their transformative impact on their respective industries. Meanwhile, the NAFO Global Corporate Icon Award will be awarded to Krishnan Balakrishnan, Deputy CEO and CFO at Jazeera Airways, and Pradeep Menon, Chief Financial Officer at Al Rashed Group, for their unparalleled achievements in corporate excellence. These awards, presented in two distinguished categories, honor the recipients' leadership and game-changing influence within their business domains. “They are not only successful in their businesses, but have become role models for aspiring community members,” NAFO Global Kuwait said in a press release.
Sunil Parakapadath has significantly influenced the corporate sphere over his 22-year career. Sunil has led Royal Seagull’s expansion across 21 countries, specializing in food import/export and supply chain management. His strategic leadership has propelled the company’s success in India, Dubai, and Kuwait. Known for his diplomatic skill, Sunil has built strong relationships with global trade bodies, enabling seamless international trade and ensuring quality in diverse markets..
Sunil Menon has built a distinguished career in captive power generation, serving U.S. military and oil company contracts. Starting as a Sales Officer at Pfizer in 1981, Sunil gained essential experience in the pharmaceutical sector. After the Gulf War, he moved to Kuwait in 1992 and joined Morad Yousuf Behbehani as a Brand Manager, revitalizing renowned brands like AKAI, SANSUI, and luxury watches like Omega. In 2004, he co-founded AQ Global, which, under his leadership, grew from a team of seven to over 350 employees with operations across the GCC, Europe, Africa, and the USA. His visionary leadership and team’s dedication have driven AQ Global’s impressive growth and resilience.
Krishnan Balakrishnan is a seasoned leader with over 26 years in aviation finance. Since joining Jazeera in 2018, he has been instrumental in driving the airline’s growth, handling financial strategies and funding. Previously, he has held senior roles at various major aviation firms. His accomplishments include overseeing the acquisition of over 350 aircraft and 1,000 engines, and leading six successful IPOs, mergers, and acquisitions. A Chartered Accountant, Krishnan’s expertise covers commercial aviation and operations management.
Pradeep Menon moved to Kuwait in 1983 after completing his postgraduate studies, and over 41 years, he has turned challenges into opportunities with dedication and humility. Starting as a junior accountant, his expertise in financial management and leadership elevated him to CFO at Al Rashed Group, where he oversees multinational shipping operations. Pradeep’s steady guidance during crises has been key to the company’s resilience and growth. Beyond his professional role, he is committed to corporate social responsibility, supporting education, healthcare, and community welfare projects.
Since its inception, NAFO Business Awards have focused on entrepreneurship and corporate excellence. The award committee was looking for business leaders who have been agenda-leading in corporate responsibility with innovative business projects. The committee considered an impressive shortlist of initiatives by leading companies and organizations, demonstrating the strategic importance of sustainability to their business or organizational activities for awards.
The award ceremony will take place on the occasion of NAFO Global Kuwait’s 20th annual day event ‘Megham.’ Another highlight of the event will be the performance of the well-known music band led by award-winning Indian playback singer and vocalist Job Kurian. Anila Rajeev, the ‘sensational singer’ is the Former Participant of Saregamapa Seniors at Zee Tamil and former finalist of Amrita Superstar at Amrita TV, will be an added attraction of the band. The band has performed on various stages across the globe.
NAFO Global-Kuwait is a non-profit nonpolitical socio-cultural organization of likeminded families, and is registered with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. The primary goal is to help and support the underprivileged section of our society by providing educational aid, medical treatment support and various other welfare assistances. Additionally, it is dedicated to advancing the principles and practice of strategic educational, cultural and social empowerment of the future generation.