The Pearl Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing corporate governance in the Gulf region, has launched a forum featuring a series of discussions titled “From Vision to Reality: Governance Dialogues with Family Business Leaders.” The inaugural session featured Nisha Jagtiani, the Managing Director and Board Member of the Landmark Group.
In an open dialogue, she shared her insights on the institutional governance journey of one of the leading family businesses in the Middle East, providing practical advice for family enterprises facing growth challenges and ensuring sustainability.
Family businesses constitute a vital component of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies, contributing approximately 60% of the GDP and employing over 80% of the workforce. With family businesses representing 90% of the private sector in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, establishing robust governance frameworks is essential to maintain their sustainable economic impact.
Nisha Jagtiani explained how the Landmark Group has successfully strengthened its corporate governance to support continuity, managing 2,500 stores across the Middle East, North Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.
During the session, she emphasized the importance of aligning family values with professional governance structures, stating: “Governance is not merely about rules; it is about establishing a shared vision that supports business continuity and preserves the family legacy.”
She elaborated on the ways in which the Landmark Group, a major player in the retail market valued at $808.51 billion in the MENA region, has implemented clear board structures, transparent decision-making processes, and ethical standards that balance growth with long-term stability.
Ralph Shoueri, Executive Director of the Pearl Initiative, expressed: “This new series aims to offer real-life experiences. The true value lies in listening to leaders who have bravely faced governance challenges and emerged stronger. Nisha’s openness and insights serve as a powerful reminder that governance is not just oversight; it is an enabler of purposeful growth.”