DUBAI, UAE [OCTOBER 26, 2026] – DHR Global, a leading global talent advisory firm, announces the appointment of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa, effective October 19.
Based in Dubai, Okumu-Ringa will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. He brings more than 14 years of experience living and working across the region, with deep expertise across financial services, technology, and digital assets.
“The Middle East and Africa represent an important growth opportunity for DHR, and Michael is exactly the kind of leader we want driving our expansion,” said Priya Taneja, CEO of DHR Global. “He brings deep industry expertise, strong relationships across the region, and a real understanding of the leadership challenges our clients face. His appointment strengthens our ability to serve clients locally while connecting them to the full breadth of DHR’s global capabilities.”
His appointment comes as organizations across the region reassess how they invest, operate, and connect to global markets. In the Gulf, the drive for resilience is sharpening the focus on trade corridors, energy security, and critical infrastructure. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is broadening the Kingdom’s economic base; Dubai’s D33 agenda aims to double its economy by 2033; and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030 place diversification and human capability at the center of long-term development. These ambitions are unfolding as artificial intelligence reshapes work, energy systems evolve, and businesses reconsider supply chains and the deployment of capital.
“The region’s ambitions will ultimately be realized through people: leaders who can make sound choices amid uncertainty, build organizations that perform and develop those who follow them,” said Okumu-Ringa. “Leaders shaped here are taking on wider mandates internationally, bringing that experience to new markets and challenges. Our responsibility is to help clients secure the leadership they need today while developing the capability and succession that will sustain them tomorrow. DHR’s family ownership brings a long-term perspective on stewardship that resonates with that task. Its global reach allows us to connect the region’s ambitions with talent wherever it is found, including leaders whose capabilities have been shaped here.”
Okumu-Ringa will work with boards and senior leaders across sovereign-backed organizations, financial institutions, investment platforms and technology businesses. His mandate combines building DHR’s regional presence with connecting clients to the firm’s global expertise and executive talent networks, including through its London presence.
Prior to joining DHR, Okumu-Ringa was a Partner at a global executive search firm, where he led its Financial Services and Technology practices across the Middle East and North Africa and the firm’s global digital assets coverage. Earlier in his career, he led senior leadership appointments at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, working with leadership teams across the fund and its portfolio companies during a period of significant institutional growth.
Okumu-Ringa’s appointment reflects DHR Global’s continued investment in expanding its international presence and strengthening its ability to serve clients in high-growth markets. His appointment will combine deep regional expertise and relationships with DHR’s global network spanning more than 60 markets across 22 countries, connecting clients throughout the Middle East and Africa with the firm’s executive search and leadership advisory capabilities.
About DHR Global
DHR Global is a premier talent advisory firm delivering executive search, leadership consulting, and emerging leader search services across 60+ markets in 22 countries. The firm brings expertise spanning 30+ industries and maintains an 83% repeat client rate, reflecting the strength of its long-term relationships. DHR partners with organizations to make critical leadership decisions, supported by consultants with deep, firsthand sector experience. Founded in 1989, DHR Global is part of the Hoffmann Family of Companies. Learn more at dhrglobal.com.