In the third episode of the Autofocus Podcast we have the opportunity to sit down with Shehab Gargash, CEO of the Gargash Group and Chairman of Daman Investments.

The Gargash Group sits at the forefront of the transformation of the automotive industry, with Gargash Enterprises, official distributor of leading luxury brand Mercedes-Benz, as well as Gargash Motors, official distributor of Alfa Romeo and GAC Motor.

In this episode, Shehab gives us a clear picture of the very real challenges facing the regional automotive industry and insight into what we need to do to adapt. People are moving on from owning a car to accessing it as and when they need it. And they are accessing and interacting with automotive brands differently. What has worked before will not work anymore.

This means a fundamental rethink of strategy, communication, and even mindsets and skillsets for the future of the industry.

On a lighter note, we speak on his participation in the Gumball 3000 Rally, his Instagram adventures, advice for the next generation of leaders and the story behind his personal collection of boarding passes.

Connect with Shehab Gargash on Instagram

The second episode of the Autofocus Podcast gets right into it with Dr Petar Stojanov, a Quantum Physicist turned Disruptive Innovation Expert, Futurist In Residence at Hyperloop Transportation Technologies and Managing Partner of Ebtikaar - an Innovation and Future Strategy Advisory.

Dr. Petar and his team have advised governments and leading organizations on future shaping, building innovation portfolios, and exploring the new meaning of mobility.

In this episode we discuss the impact of the adaptation of connected and autonomous vehicles and what it could mean for modern cities right the way down to the socio-economic impacts of the technology.

We go on to look at the science of innovation in the context of mobility: How is the value chain evolving? What do players in the automotive industry need to work on? How does one go about building a culture and mindset of innovation?

Connect with Dr. Petar on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Autofocus is a brand new podcast by AMENA Automotive Association featuring high-level players from within and outside the automotive industry in the MENA region.

The first episode of the Autofocus Podcast gets right into it with Samar ElMnhrawy, VP Human Resources, Nissan Motor Corporation AMI.

Samar has more than 20 years of experience in human resources and leadership around the world and is at the forefront of diversity and development in one of Nissan’s fastest growing markets globally.

In this episode, you will get some great perspectives on how the automotive industry has evolved and what companies can do to attract and empower women.

- More Episodes amenaauto.org/autofocus

- Connect with Samar linkedin.com/in/samar-elmnhrawy-53677a6