Bahrain
A new book titled Family Business Unlocked: The Talent, Governance, and Leadership Guide for Middle Eastern Family Firms was officially launched at the 2025 HRM Summit & Awards Bahrain, organised by Roshcomm. The event, held in Manama, brought together business leaders, HR professionals, and academics from across the Gulf region.
Co-authored by Alexander Campbell and Dr. John Mathew, the book offers a comprehensive perspective on how family-owned enterprises in the Middle East can strengthen their governance structures, develop leadership capacity, and manage talent effectively while preserving their core family values.
The launch ceremony was attended by Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, who commended the authors for addressing the evolving dynamics of the region’s family businesses and their growing contribution to national economies.
The book draws on decades of hands-on experience by both authors in advising and managing HR functions for leading family conglomerates across the Middle East. It focuses on the key challenges faced by multi-generational enterprises, including succession planning, nationalisation, generational transitions, and the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on the workforce.
In addition to theoretical frameworks, Family Business Unlocked includes real-world case studies, best practices, and practical tools that business owners and executives can immediately apply to their organisations. The authors aim to bridge global management concepts with the cultural realities of Middle Eastern family enterprises, offering a balanced approach to growth and governance.
Prominent thought leaders in HR and family business management — including Professor Dave Ulrich, Marc Effron, Doris Sims, Reg Athwal, and Erik van Vulpen — have endorsed the book, noting its relevance to the current business environment and its deep regional insight.
Family Business Unlocked is positioned as a valuable resource for CEOs, board members, family business owners, HR professionals, consultants, and academics seeking to understand the interplay of governance, leadership, and family legacy in Middle Eastern businesses.
About the Authors
Alexander (Sandy) Campbell holds a science degree and a postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management from the London School of Economics. His professional journey began with Shell, followed by senior HR leadership roles in global financial institutions, including Global Head of Talent Management at UBS. He was the first Group Director of HR at Al-Futtaim in Dubai, where he introduced a modern, integrated HR framework. Campbell later served as Group Director of HR for GB Auto in Egypt and Executive HR Consultant to Ebrahim K. Kanoo B.S.C. in Bahrain.
Dr. John Mathew has over 17 years of HR and People & Culture leadership experience across the Middle East, having served in senior roles within seven family-owned businesses. He holds a Ph.D. in Management, MBA, and Engineering degree, alongside multiple certifications in leadership, occupational psychology, AI policy, and HR strategy, including a CHRO certification from Cornell University. Currently, he serves as Head of People & Culture at Ebrahim K. Kanoo, overseeing talent acquisition, total rewards, employee engagement, and nationalisation, while leading Bahrain’s largest automotive training centre. His expertise spans succession planning, psychometric assessment, organisational development, and HR technology.
