Manama, Bahrain – The new book, Family Business Unlocked: The Talent, Governance, and Leadership Guide for Middle Eastern Family Firms, co-authored by Alexander Campbell and Dr. John Mathew, was officially launched at the 2025 HRM Summit & Awards Bahrain, organised by Roshcomm. The launch event was also graced by H.E. Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, underscoring the book’s importance to the region’s evolving business and people landscape.
Drawing from decades of direct experience in family-owned enterprises across the Middle East, the authors present a practical and insightful guide to how these businesses can thrive across generations — by strengthening governance, developing leaders, and managing talent effectively while preserving family values.
The book addresses the most pressing challenges facing regional family firms today, including succession planning, nationalisation, and the impact of AI and technology on the workforce. It provides actionable models and tools that leaders can immediately apply to their organisations.
Global HR and Family Business thought leaders — Professor Dave Ulrich, Marc Effron, Doris Sims, Reg Athwal, and Erik van Vulpen — have endorsed the book, praising its balance of global best practices and deep understanding of Middle Eastern business culture.
With its blend of real-world case studies and practical insights, Family Business Unlocked serves as an essential resource for business owners, CEOs, HR leaders, and advisors navigating the future of family enterprises in the Gulf and beyond.
The book is now available in paperback and eBook formats on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTZ3HRRV
Author Profiles on the next page:
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 career began with Shell and progressed through management consulting in London to senior HR leadership roles at the Managing Director level in investment banking across Europe and Asia Pacific, including the position of Global Head of Talent Management at UBS.
As the first Group Director of HR at Al-Futtaim in Dubai, he was instrumental in establishing a modern, integrated HR function. He later brought this expertise to other family-owned businesses in the region, serving as Group Director of HR for GB Auto in Egypt and as Executive HR Consultant to Ebrahim K. Kanoo B.S.C. in Bahrain.
Dr. John Mathew is a highly experienced People & Culture leader with over 17 years of experience across the Middle East. He has held senior HR roles in seven family-owned businesses. He holds a Ph.D. in Management, an MBA, an Engineering degree, and multiple certifications in leadership, HR, talent coaching, occupational psychology, and AI policy and most recently a CHRO certification from Cornell University.
Currently serving as Head of People & Culture at Ebrahim K. Kanoo in Bahrain, John leads talent acquisition, total rewards, employee engagement, and nationalisation, while overseeing Bahrain’s largest automotive training centre. He previously held pivotal HR roles in several other family businesses, including Al-Futtaim Group in Dubai, where he contributed to award-winning leadership programs and talent initiatives across 25 automotive brands.
John’s expertise covers organisational development, succession planning, psychometric assessments, and HR technology. His work has earned multiple regional accolades, reflecting a career focused on inclusive leadership and transforming HR functions within complex, multi-generational business environments.