Based in Amsterdam as an active member of Egon Zehnder’s Technology & Communications, Digital, and Consumer practices, Gheed El Makkaoui is especially passionate about supporting founder-led companies. Convinced that a strong team culture is crucial for unlocking the potential of both individuals and groups, she is valued by clients for her ability to apply insights gained from hands-on personal experience and fuel the success of growth-stage businesses and their teams by helping them cultivate agility and creativity.
I’m inspired by the growth, energy, and deep connections that develop while working with people. I find passion contagious and enjoy working with driven individuals and teams.
Before joining Egon Zehnder, Gheed was the VP in charge of food delivery at Careem, a Dubai-based super app unicorn. She held multiple strategic, commercial, and operational roles during her time there, also including that of General Manager for the UAE. Earlier, Gheed was a strategy consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, working across the Persian Gulf, Middle East, and Asia.
Gheed earned a BA in economics from the American University of Beirut and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Alongside her consulting work, she is an active mentor and angel investor. Gheed loves spending time with her husband and young son, traveling to see family and friends, and practicing yoga and Pilates.
