DP World names Essa Kazim chairman and Yuvraj Narayan CEO
On Friday, February 13, 2026, DP World announced major leadership changes. Essa Kazim becomes chairman of the board, and Yuvraj Narayan steps up as group chief executive officer. The company said the moves support sustainable growth and its global supply-chain strategy. The appointments follow the immediate resignation of Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem as group chairman and CEO.
What DP World announced today
In its statement, the board confirmed Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as group CEO with immediate effect. The company highlighted continued investment in ports, logistics and trade facilitation. A group CEO heads overall operations and strategy execution; the chairman leads the board and governance.
Why the change matters now
The governance reset comes as DP World manages complex trade routes and tighter partner expectations. Several international investors track board standards and reputation risk in global logistics. Context: major outlets reported pressure after disclosures involving former chief Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. Dubai authorities and the company acted to protect operations and partnerships.
Who are the new leaders?
Essa Kazim serves as Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre and chairs Borse Dubai. He is known for market development and regulatory expertise. Yuvraj Narayan joined DP World in 2004 and became CFO in 2005. He has led finance, transformation and expansion projects across key markets. Their profiles align with DP World’s focus on efficiency, capital discipline and end-to-end logistics.
Separate decree reshapes PCFC leadership
In a parallel move, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum appointed Abdulla bin Damithan as chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. Bin Damithan has overseen DP World’s Gulf operations, including ports, economic zones, marine services and trade solutions. This role covers assets such as Jebel Ali Port and Dubai’s free-zone ecosystem.
What to expect for supply chains
DP World is a key node for cargo flows between Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Leadership continuity on operations, paired with deeper financial oversight, signals a focus on network reliability, customer service levels and disciplined growth. In practice, shippers and logistics partners should see stable service while the new team executes on cost control, productivity and digital trade solutions. The company framed the changes as part of its long-term growth plan.
The day’s appointments clarify governance at one of the world’s largest port and logistics groups. With Essa Kazim at the board and Yuvraj Narayan as CEO—alongside Abdulla bin Damithan at PCFC—Dubai’s trade institutions move forward with a clear chain of command and an emphasis on operational stability.
