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
Managing Director / CEO
Intercoil International

Hassan Al-Hazeem is the Managing Director / CEO of Intercoil International, a position he assumed in 1999, when he succeeded his late father Mr. Abbas Ali AI-Hazeem, the founder of the UAE based, family owned business.

Under his leadership the company has become a leading manufacturer, distributor and retailer of total sleep solutions in the MENA region, with presence in 23 countries and manufacturing and distribution rights to premium global brands Simmons and Therapedic. Developing and implementing a highly focused strategic growth plan, Mr. Al-Hazeem is overseeing the expansion of the business into new markets and new verticals. Most recently, he completed the first licensing agreement for Intercoil in Kenya, East Africa and opened a new state of the art manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah.

Mr Al-Hazeem’s vision for Intercoil International is to contribute to the growth of the manufacturing sector in the UAE and proudly promote “MADE in the UAE” mark.

Prior to his role at Intercoil International, Mr. Al-Hazeem worked for the Commercial Bank of Dubai for four years. His tenure with CBD helped him acquire comprehensive experience in finance and banking, and an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the banking and credit system in the UAE.

Mr. Al-Hazeem has been an active member of the UAE chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization, a global business network of 9,000+ business owners in 121 chapters and 40 countries, since 2004. He was the president of the EO UAE chapter for the FY 2012/2013 and is currently the Strategic Alliances Director for Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science (University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA), and an MBA degree in International Business Administration (American University in Dubai).Hassan Abbas Ali Al-Hazeem Managing Director / CEO of Int

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.