A major reshuffle at one of the world’s largest port operators — DP World names new leadership as it eyes long-term growth.
DP World announced Friday the appointment of Essa Kazim as chairman of its board of directors and Yuvraj Narayan as group chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership transition at the global logistics and port operator.
Kazim, who currently serves as governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre and chairman of Borse Dubai, brings decades of experience in financial and economic policy. He has also held senior roles within Dubai’s regulatory and fiscal institutions, including deputy chairman of the Supreme Legislation Committee and member of the Securities and Exchange Higher Committee.
His career began at the UAE Central Bank in 1988 before moving to the Dubai Department of Economic Development. He later served as director-general and then chairman of the Dubai Financial Market, playing a central role in shaping the emirate’s capital markets.
Narayan, who has been with DP World since 2004 and served as group chief financial officer since 2005, takes the helm after overseeing key strategic and financial initiatives that supported the company’s global expansion. The company credited him with strengthening financial resilience and operational efficiency across international markets.
Before joining DP World, Narayan held senior finance roles at ANZ Group and served as chief financial officer at Salalah Port Services in Oman.
DP World said the appointments align with its long-term strategy for sustainable growth and reinforce its position as an integrated global supply chain provider.
In a related move, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a decree appointing Abdulla bin Damithan as chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, further reshaping leadership within Dubai’s trade and logistics sector.
