Dr. Nady Ghaly

Founder & CEO, BeBrand / Niche Magazine

Dr. Nady Ghaly is an entrepreneur, publisher and visionary leader dedicated to celebrating excellence through authentic storytelling and meaningful connections. He founded Niche Magazine and BeBrand Advertising Agency, transforming Niche from a regional publication into an international platform honouring entrepreneurs, creatives and changemakers. Following the acquisition of Niche UK in 2025, he united its UK and Middle Eastern operations under Niche Global, connecting voices, industries and cultures worldwide.

Jenny Cross

Marketing Strategist, Business Advisor and Entrepreneur

Jenny Cross is a respected marketing strategist, business advisor and entrepreneur with extensive experience in building, scaling and successfully exiting brands. She founded the Niche Business Awards and led the multi-award-winning Cross Productions marketing agency for over 12 years. Now Joint Founder of Vantage Marketing Group and Pro Chancellor at De Montfort University, Jenny brings valuable commercial insight, strategic expertise and leadership experience to the Niche Business Awards 2026 jury.

Sahar Behairy

Co-Founder, ART74 Visual Narratives

Sahar Behairy is a lecturer, curator, art economist and Co-Founder of ART74 Visual Narratives, working across Cairo, Milan and Riyadh. With over 26 years of experience, she specialises in African and Middle Eastern art and has curated exhibitions across Africa and Europe. She also serves on the Industry Advisory Board at the British University in Egypt and was appointed Curator of the Special Projects Pavilion at ReA! Art Fair in Milan.

Dr. Mervat Shafik Abou Oaf

Dean of the Faculty of Visual Arts and Creative Industries, ESLSCA University

Dr. Mervat Shafik Abou Oaf is Dean of the Faculty of Visual Arts and Creative Industries at ESLSCA University, following 30 years of academic experience at the American University in Cairo. A specialist in film, media and cultural policy, she is an academic consultant, published author and advisor to leading international film festivals. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to education, cultural diplomacy, empowerment and social change.

Ahmed Ashour

CEO, Archplan Developments

Ahmed Ashour is an Egyptian architect, master planner, entrepreneur and CEO of Archplan Developments. Holding a Master of Science in Architecture, with further studies at the University of East London, he combines architectural psychology, sustainability, heritage and modern technology to create human-centred developments across Egypt and the MENA region. His contributions to architecture and real estate have earned recognition from the Niche Awards and Landscape Middle East Awards.