Advisory Board

Cheikh Mohamed Elkarachi
CEO - Elkarachi Holdings
Chairman & CEO - Rim Foam

Cheikh Mohamed Elkarachi is a young entrepreneur and the visionary leader behind Elkarachi Holdings. He is the second generation to run the family business Rim Foam and Maucit. Their family office is the largest and leading in North West Africa, specializing in the production of polyurethane foam, mattresses and carpets. Based in Mauritania, Cheikh has transformed his family business into an industry leader, with products present in nearly every Mauritanian household.

Cheikh is a graduate of Georgia State University and holds an associate's degree in Political Science and Government and a bachelor's degree in International Relations and Affairs. This academic foundation has given him a nuanced understanding of global markets and the intricacies of international business dynamics.
Cheikh is an Obama Foundation Africa Leader for 2024-2025, proudly representing Mauritania as the sole participant ever selected from the country in the program’s history. He is part of a highly selective group of 34 visionary changemakers from across the continent. These leaders are trained in President Obama's values-based leadership methodology, emphasizing integrity, innovation, and community-driven solutions to address pressing global and local challenges.

Cheikh is deeply passionate about education, has a keen interest in diplomacy and can be seen running marathons and taking on good challenges.

He has lived in 4 countries and is fluent in Arabic, French and English.

Hassan Abbas Ali Al-Hazeem
Chairman
Intercoil Holding Group

Hassan Al-Hazeem has been a pivotal figure in the sleep solutions industry for over 25 years. In 1999, he assumed leadership of Intercoil International, succeeding his late father, Abbas Ali Al-Hazeem, the company's founder. Under Hassan's guidance, Intercoil expanded its footprint across 23 countries, establishing itself as a leader in manufacturing, distributing, and retailing premium sleep products.

In February 2025, marking a significant milestone, Hassan led Intercoil into a strategic partnership with Dolidol, a member of the Africorp Consortium Group. This collaboration aims to create the largest integrated bedding and foam manufacturing network in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The alliance was officially announced during the Integrated Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development summit in Qatar, in the presence of industry ministers from the UAE and Morocco, underscoring the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

This partnership is set to drive technological innovation, sustainable manufacturing practices, and market expansion across the MEA region, with a planned investment of $55 million over five years. Key initiatives include increasing production capacity at the Ras Al Khaimah plant, expanding operations in Saudi Arabia with a new integrated manufacturing facility, launching 20 new Intercoil showrooms across strategic locations, and developing new product lines incorporating smart sleep technology.

Hassan's vision extends beyond business growth; he is a strong advocate for strengthening the UAE's manufacturing sector and proudly promoting the "Made in UAE" mark.

Before joining Intercoil International, Hassan built a strong foundation in finance and banking, working at the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) for four years. This experience provided him with in-depth knowledge of the UAE's banking and credit systems, which continues to inform his strategic business decisions.

Hassan has been an active member of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) (www.eonetwork.org) since 2004 and has held several leadership roles at the chapter, regional, and global levels, including serving as Chapter President and UAE Chapter President. In addition, he is a member of YPO (Young Presidents' Organization), further enriching his network and leadership experience in the global business community.

Hassan holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA, and an MBA in International Business Administration from the American University in Dubai. Under Hassan's leadership, Intercoil continues to set industry benchmarks, driving innovation and excellence in the sleep solutions sector across the MEA region.

Engineer Bander Alhomaidhi is an architect and businessman with strategic insight, combining innovative design, environmental sustainability, and modern technology to create products that provide comfort and efficiency, achieving an ideal balance between beauty and functionality while considering future needs and sustainability.

He began his career in the sleep systems industry in 2012 when he assumed the position of Chairman of the Board at "Sleep High" Saudi Arabia. He successfully transformed the company from a well-known entity with an old-fashioned character, specializing in mattress making, into a vibrant, comprehensive brand with a fresh modern spirit, the transformation came out with the concept of "The Art of Restful Sleep" as the core of Sleep High's identity. Its products featured simple designs and colors inspired by the spirit of nature, adding warmth and appeal while not neglecting advanced technology that met international standards with superior quality, elegance, harmony, and ultimate comfort, all while being handy. The transformation also included the design of new showrooms that offered a comfortable and professional experience, enhancing Sleep High's visual identity and contributing to the creation of a retail environment with a unique appeal that reflects its modern and innovative approach. He applied this experience in Egypt, where he realized his strategic vision by expanding and operating Sleep High's factories in Egypt, focusing on meeting the needs of local and regional customers.

Engineer Bander Alhomaidhi previously served on the Board of Directors of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and then assumed the position of Chairman of the Board of the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. He is currently holding the position of Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Saudi Industrial Development Company (SIDC), and a member on the boards of many companies.

Benjamin James Cuthbert
Leggett & Platt, Inc. - International Bedding Unit
Vice President – Sales and Marketing

Ben joined Leggett & Platt Springs UK as a project engineer in 2000. He ran the L&P Machine Products Croatia business, specialising in equipment for the mattress and automotive sectors, as General Manager for 10 years before becoming Branch Manager of L&P Springs Croatia in 2015. In 2019, Ben transitioned to L&P International Bedding to oversee Marketing, Sales, and Product Development operations in Europe and since that time these responsibilities have been extended to cover all global territories, except for North America, as a Vice President of the International Bedding Business Unit.