Welfare Group is proud to announce that its Chief People & Culture Officer, Carola Tibbe, has been named one of the MENA Top 100 HR Leaders, the flagship recognition of the MENA HR Leaders Awards. Hosted annually by Verve Management, the awards celebrate the most influential and impactful HR professionals shaping the future of work across the Middle East and North Africa.
The recognition acknowledges Carola's contribution to building a distinctive people and culture function at Welfare Group — one that places equal weight on performance and humanity, ambition and care. Since joining the firm as Chief People & Culture Officer, Carola has championed a leadership philosophy she calls Andthism: the discipline of refusing to choose between profit and people, drive and care, AIand human wisdom.
Reflecting on the recognition, Carola Tibbe said:
"Some moments remind you why you do the work. Being named one of the Top 100 HR Leaders in MENA is not about prestige; it is a confirmation that a different way of leading is finally coming alive."
"I believe in cultures where people grow because they are whole; where performance rises because leaders dare to choose to do it all. And-And."
"I call it Andthism. Don't look it up; the word didn't exist until I made it up. The future of business is asking for leaders who don't chose, but who are the best in both: profit and people, ambition and humanity, drive and care, AI and human wisdom. This is the next KPI of high performing leadership, and it is already here for those willing to evolve."
"Grateful for every founder, colleague, and challenger who has the courage to become both high performing and whole, and does the work. We are building something far bigger than an award — we are shaping what leadership becomes next."
Robin Ubaghs, Chairman and Co-Founder of Welfare Group, added:
"This recognition is a testament to Carola's tireless commitment to people and culture, and we couldn't be prouder. She has built an exceptional team at Welfare Group, and the Group is stronger for everything she's put into it."
The 2025 MENA HR Leaders Awards gala took place on 20 November at Grosvenor House Dubai, bringing together HR leaders, industry experts and corporate executives from across the region.