In an effort to cultivate and support high-potential employees, ECC Group has introduced the Rising Stars Program. Led by Mr. Amr Metwally, Group QA/QC Manager, and the QA/QC team, this initiative identifies, mentors, and prepares top talent within the organization to lead ECC forward. They are honoured with certificates of recognition, invited to professional events alongside senior leadership, and provided with ongoing mentorship. Through consistent monitoring and evaluation, the program paves the way for them to take on greater responsibilities, fostering personal and professional growth.
As part of this initiative, a Rising Stars Dinner Event was held on October 8, 2024, at the Dubai Grand Millenium Hotel, where the 19 selected Rising Stars had the privilege of dining with the Chairman and the board members, marking an invaluable opportunity for connection and inspiration. Through a stringent selection process driven by Mr. Kareem Farah, Mr. Samer Abu Daqqa, Mr. Nidal Hassoun, Mr. Hisham Burhani, Mr. Amr Metwally, and Mr. Karthikeyan Sabapathy, these standout employees were chosen for their exemplary performance, aspirations, and potential to shape ECC’s future. Representing diverse companies, departments, and roles, these Rising Stars are now embarking on a journey of growth and leadership development.
Front row, from left: Mr. Mhd Said Mhd Khaled Daker, Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Badr, Mr. Rami Abufares, Mr. Ihab Mohammed Mansour, Ms. Sanjeewani Sakunthala Edirisinghe, Ms. Rana Usama Elsayed Elshebeiny, Mr. Ehab Alsosi, Mr. Mohamed Magdy Mohamed Abdelsalem Abdelal, Mr. Nagoor Mohideen Maraikhan, Mr. Mousa Ali Mousa Al Omari, Mr. Gabriel Hebert, and Mr. Ahmad Al Nabelsi.
Back row, from left: Mr. Ron Alfred Castillo, Mr. Fadi Sabah, Mr. Mohamad Hamze Ali, Mr. Ahmed M Q Abushahla, Mr. Mohammad Almadani, and Mr. Omar Majed Rasheed Zaid Al Keilani.
Note: Mr. Mohamed Alaskry was absent.
A Shared Commitment to Growth
Among these emerging leaders, Mr. Ahmad Al Nabelsi, Operations Manager at Abanos, brings 24 years of operations expertise to his role. Joining in 2023, Mr. Nabelsi emphasizes the importance of ownership and accountability, urging others to take the initiative. Similarly, Senior Construction Manager Mr. Ahmed M Q Abushahla, an esteemed ECC team member since 2006, regards the company as his second family. For Mr. Abushahla, being part of the Rising Stars Program is a privilege and a motivator, and he advises new employees to seize the opportunity to join ECC’s collaborative, nurturing environment.
Perseverance and Dedication at the Core
Among ECC’s rising stars are individuals who lead by example through persistence and hard work. Project Accountant Mr. Ehab Alsosi, who joined ECC as an accountant in 2018 views the Rising Stars Program as a recognition of his commitment to enhancing processes and maximizing project success through continuous improvement. In alignment with this approach, Construction Manager Mr. Fadi Sabah, who has been with ECC since 2016, has managed five significant projects, including the prestigious Hotel Vida. His advice to colleagues is to constantly push themselves, explore new ideas, and aim for continuous improvement.
Mr. Gabriel Hebert, Business Development Manager, joined ECC in 2021, bringing 18 years of experience in construction and is excited to support ECC’s long-term strategic vision. His role in business development has allowed him to work on key initiatives, and he is eager to contribute to ECC’s long-term direction.
Fostering Technical and Strategic Skills
Many of ECC’s rising stars aim to enhance their technical and leadership abilities. Construction Manager Mr. Ihab Mohammed Mansour, a 15-year ECC veteran, believes that diligence and dedication are the true markers of success. Complementing this outlook, Lean Engineer Mr. Mohamed Badr joined DesertBoard in 2023, focusing on transforming its work culture by implementing action plans, trackers, and data-driven decisions. With prior experience at Elsewedy Electric and LG Electronics, he is dedicated to fostering continuous improvement and efficiency across projects.
Construction Manager Mr. Mohamad Hamze Ali, a member of ECC since 2016, considers the program a valuable recognition of his dedication. His growth journey at ECC stands as an example of the organization’s potential, encouraging colleagues to pursue development actively and seek support from leadership.
A Focus on Innovation and Continuous Learning
Senior Technical Engineer Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Alaskry joined ECC in 2021, adding a fresh perspective to ECC’s engineering efforts. Shortlisted for BIM Champion of the Year, Mohamed embodies ECC’s commitment to innovation and advancement in technology. Similarly, Project Technical Manager Mr. Mohamed Magdy Mohamed Abdelsalem Abdelal, who also joined ECC in 2021, is inspired by ECC’s leadership and aspires to contribute to the company’s growth while reaching new professional heights.
Project Manager Mr. Mhd Said Mhd Khaled Daker, who joined PMI in 2023, values the development of management skills and team-building abilities. In line with ECC’s mission to foster holistic growth, Project Planning Manager Mr. Mohammad Almadani, who joined in 2013, views ECC as an environment where personal and professional skills are honed.
Empowering Visionary Thinkers
ECC’s Rising Stars Program also includes employees who see ECC as a place where ambition meets opportunity. Senior Technical Engineer Mr. Mousa Ali Mousa Al Omari, part of ECC since 2023, values the vast opportunities for growth ECC offers. He encourages newcomers to persist in their efforts, viewing ECC as a golden opportunity for advancement. Lean Construction Engineer Mr. Nagoor Mohideen Maraikhan, who joined in 2022, focuses on improving efficiency and innovation within the construction process.
Construction Manager Mr. Omar Zaid Al Keilani began his career at ECC in 2015, progressing from site engineering to Construction Management. He believes success is built on faith, confidence, hard work, and proactive, consistent effort, viewing project management as a system where processes must work in harmony for long-term success. Project Cost Control Manager Mr. Rami Abufares, who has been an invaluable employee with ECC since 2008, sees the Rising Stars Program as an opportunity to sharpen problem-solving and time-management skills.
Committed to Leadership and Professional Growth
The Rising Stars Program is also cultivating future leaders who are eager to contribute and grow within ECC. Senior Architect Ms. Rana Usama Elsayed Elshebeiny, with over 11 years of experience, values ECC as a platform for career growth and innovation. She views the Rising Star recognition as a testament to ECC’s support for diversity and inclusion, empowering her to continue driving excellence in the industry. Project QAQC Manager Mr. Ron Alfred Castillo, who has dedicated over 11 years to ECC, is focused on enhancing his leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities to advance within the company.
Senior Quantity Surveyor Ms. Sanjeewani Sakunthala Edirisinghe joined ECC in 2021 and has worked on impactful projects. She encourages new team members to face challenges head-on, emphasizing the value of resilience and adaptability.
Shaping the Future of ECC
The Rising Stars Program reflects ECC’s commitment to fostering a culture of growth, recognition, and leadership. Each of these 19 individuals represents ECC’s core values of dedication, perseverance, and ambition. Through mentorship and skill-building opportunities, these Rising Stars are preparing to become key contributors to ECC’s continued success and are poised to lead ECC into an exciting future. As they develop and excel, they embody the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines ECC, setting the stage for new achievements and continued excellence.
