The Board is responsible for the long-term success and sustainability of RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) for the benefit of its customers, now and in the future. It does this by providing clear leadership in setting strategy by overseeing management’s implementation of strategy within a prudent and effective governance structure and ensuring that the RAK ICC culture is aligned to our purpose, values and strategy.
Our Board Members
Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, a member of the ruling family of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), is a board member and the Managing Director of RAKEZ.
As part of his leadership role with the company, Sheikh Mohammed chairs the Audit Committee of the three entities’ Board of Directors.
Sheikh Mohammed envisions a vibrant and successful future for RAKEZ, one in which the free zone contributes to the sustainable development of Ras Al Khaimah’s rapidly growing economy.
Sheikh Mohammed holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the American University of Sharjah.
John Harris is a globally renowned leader in international finance and regulatory affairs, with over 40 years of experience that spans the world’s most significant financial hubs. As Non-Executive Director at RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC), John brings a wealth of expertise in corporate governance, regulatory strategy, and financial services. His career has seen him occupy high-profile leadership roles across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making him one of the most influential figures in shaping the global regulatory landscape.
John’s fame stems from his transformative 12-year leadership as Director General of the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC). Under his guidance, Jersey solidified its standing as one of the world’s top International Finance Centres, with John expertly navigating the complexities of the 2007/8 global financial crisis. His contributions to regulatory innovation and his ability to modernize large institutions have made him a key voice in international finance. His presence at global conferences and industry panels ensures his influence extends well beyond the jurisdictions in which he has worked.
John’s competitive advantage lies in his understanding of the Middle Eastern business environment & international financial best practices, combined with his extensive global regulatory expertise, uniquely positions him to advise and guide the region’s finance and corporate sectors. His leadership is key to positioning RAK ICC as a competitive player in the international financial landscape, driving innovation and ensuring the centre remains agile amidst global regulatory changes. His depth of knowledge in regulatory frameworks and governance gives RAK ICC a distinctive edge in offering robust, compliant, and efficient services to businesses worldwide.
He also serves as Chairman of Crestbridge Family Office Services Group and Non-Executive Director of Nedbank Private Wealth Limited, where he chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. He is an advisor to KYC 360, a pioneering RegTech firm, where he leads initiatives in risk evaluation and compliance technologies.
Named one of ePrivateclient’s 50 Most Influential professionals in 2020, John is celebrated not only for his strategic acumen but also for his commitment to mentoring emerging leaders. His passion for fostering talent and developing forward-thinking strategies continues to make him an invaluable asset to RAK ICC and the wider financial services community in the Middle East.
With over three decades of experience spanning corporate law and litigation, fiduciary services, and international business structuring, Warren Luyt is a seasoned executive and legal professional with a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and business growth.
Currently appointed as a Non- Executive Director of a category 4 Finance Company in the Abu Dhabi Global Market. Previously, appointed to over 90 Non-Executive Director appointments in his career in numerous commercial fields including finance, banking, insurance and global consumer companies. Prior to this, he spent 16 years at Trident Trust Group, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s presence in the MENA and Indian Ocean regions, leading multi-jurisdictional operations, and overseeing high-value private equity and fund administration services. His expertise extends to establishing and growing fiduciary services, CRM/ERP system development, and advising high-net-worth families on succession planning.
Earlier in his career, Warren Luyt was instrumental in the success of Federal International Limited’s Mauritius operations, serving as Managing Director and later joining the Board of Directors. His legal foundation was built in South Africa, where he practiced High Court Litigation, Commercial and Family law and co-founded a highly successful firm before transitioning to the international financial services sector.
A qualified attorney admitted to the High Court of South Africa, Warren holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of the Witwatersrand, Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Law (RAU) along with specialized certifications in trust and estate planning. He is a former Chairman of STEP Arabia and played a key role in launching the DIFC Wills & Probate Registry.
Beyond his corporate achievements, he is an endurance athlete with multiple Ironman finishes, elite cycling placements, and global adventure expeditions, demonstrating his commitment to perseverance and excellence in all aspects of life.
Yann is the Managing Partner of M/HQ. He chiefly focuses on private wealth and Intergenerational planning.
He has vast experience advising successful individuals and entrepreneurial families with Middle Eastern exposure on implementing intergenerational wealth transfer strategies and structuring their operational assets and global wealth through Family- and Group- Holdings, Single- and Multi- Family offices, Foundations and other asset consolidation/protection and legacy structures. He is regularly involved in the ongoing management of such structures – as a board member, council member, guardian, or protector. Strong practical experience of working with regulators.
A three-time WealthBriefing MENA Leading Individual awardee [2020, 2021 & 2024], Yann is recommended by all of Chambers & Partners Private wealth, Legal Week’s Private Client Global Elite and Who’s who legal private client. He was the Chair of STEP Arabia from 2015 to 2018.
Anas Hijjawi is the Chief Commercial Officer at RAKEZ. His role is to drive end-to-end commercial activities, customer experience, strategic business development, marketing and brand, lead management, and sales and agent channels.
He is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience and a track record in leading global growth policies, and has extensive knowledge of commercial and marketing strategies.
Prior to joining RAKEZ, Mr Hijjawi assumed several commercial leadership positions at Aramex including Group Chief Commercial Officer. He was also a member of the team that established the Oil & Gas vertical, which evolved to become one of the company’s fastest growing sectors, and an active member of the Aramex’s Global Executive Management team.
Mr Hijjawi is fluent in English and Arabic. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Jordan, and completed the Leadership Development Programme at Harvard Business School.