Engineer Karim Malash, Chairman and CEO of M squared, Named Among CNBC Arabia’s Top 100 Business Leaders for 2026

CNBC Arabia has recognized Engineer Karim Malash, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of M squared, as one of the Top 100 Business Leaders for 2026, in acknowledgment of his impactful leadership and significant contributions to the real estate sector in Egypt and the wider Middle East.
The Top 100 Business Leaders list highlights the most influential figures shaping the region’s economic landscape. Carefully curated, the list spans key sectors including banking, investment, energy, utilities, technology, artificial intelligence, real estate, healthcare, retail, consumer goods, logistics, and trade. Rather than measuring popularity or media visibility, the list focuses on the tangible impact business leaders and their organizations have on regional economies and markets.
A Distinguished Career Path
Engineer Karim Malash brings 30 years of leadership experience across the oil & gas and real estate sectors. He has a strong track record in delivering innovative real estate projects that integrate sustainability, customer-centric design, and operational excellence.
He began his career in the oil and gas industry before transitioning to real estate development, leveraging his extensive leadership experience to drive growth. Since joining M squared in 2021, Malash has played a pivotal role in accelerating the company’s expansion within Egypt’s rapidly growing real estate market.
Prior to M squared, Malash built a distinguished and multifaceted career at Schlumberger, the global leader in oilfield services. Starting as a junior field engineer in 1996, he advanced to several senior leadership roles, including President of Testing Services Product Line, where he oversaw global operations, and Vice President for Global Supply Chain and Shared Services, where he led strategic initiatives across international networks.
Throughout his career, Malash has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing diverse teams, optimizing large-scale operations, and delivering strong results in complex and challenging environments. These experiences have shaped his comprehensive management approach, which continues to underpin his success in real estate development.
He is recognized for his ability to lead multidisciplinary projects and navigate complex organizational and market dynamics across regions. Under his leadership, M squared has strengthened its position as a leading developer of sustainable, customer-focused communities.
Malash holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Alexandria University and an Executive MBA from Erasmus University. He has also completed advanced executive education programs at Harvard University, IMD Business School, and the London School of Economics. This blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership has enabled him to drive the delivery of real estate solutions aligned with global standards.
Under his leadership, M squared continues to play a key role in shaping Egypt’s real estate landscape, with flagship developments such as “31 West,” designed to redefine upscale and sustainable living in 6th of October City.
CNBC Arabia’s Top 100 Business Leaders initiative is a leading platform that recognizes individuals shaping the region’s economic future. It features top executives, founders, and innovators driving the next generation of businesses.
All nominations are assessed against transparent, well-defined criteria, with a focus on measurable performance and demonstrated achievements.