The merger of Gulf Elite and Kerning to form Highphen represents a strategic consolidation in the Middle Eastern human resources consulting sector, creating a new entity positioned to address the region's evolving talent management needs. This combination brings together Gulf Elite's fifteen years of market expertise with Kerning's innovative approaches to executive search and leadership consulting, finalized in 2023 to serve both public and private sector organizations across the Middle East and GCC.
Gulf Elite, established in 2009 by Khalid AlKhudairi, contributes deep regional knowledge and a reputation built on core values of caring, communication, ownership, and trust. The company has specialized in filling critical leadership roles and implementing transformational strategies for businesses throughout the region. Kerning, founded in 2021 by George Aoun, brings fresh methodologies and technological innovation to the partnership, with particular expertise in industries including FMCG, healthcare, construction, and hospitality.
The formation of Highphen enables the combined entity to leverage Gulf Elite's extensive market knowledge alongside Kerning's innovative talent management approaches. This synergy enhances the firm's ability to meet the changing requirements of regional businesses while expanding its global reach through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Beaumont Group and Odgers Berndtson. These alliances position Highphen to offer comprehensive solutions that bridge local expertise with international best practices.
In 2024, Highphen launched Recruitment Process Outsourcing services, providing clients with custom recruitment solutions designed to streamline hiring processes and improve operational efficiency. The company's partnership with the Top Employers Institute in Saudi Arabia further reinforces its commitment to delivering world-class recruitment services throughout the Middle East. These developments reflect Highphen's strategic approach to addressing the region's growing demand for sophisticated talent acquisition solutions.
Highphen has also initiated sustainability hiring projects, aligning recruitment processes with the increasing emphasis on environmentally responsible business practices. This forward-thinking initiative demonstrates the company's recognition of sustainability as a growing priority for organizations across the region and positions Highphen to help clients integrate environmental considerations into their talent strategies.
The leadership team combines AlKhudairi's operational excellence and people-centered leadership with Aoun's expertise in talent supply chain management and organizational transformation. AlKhudairi's Executive MBA from IE Business School and extensive board experience complement Aoun's diverse industry background, creating a leadership foundation capable of advising top executives across multiple sectors.
For HR vendors serving the Middle Eastern market, Highphen's emergence signals increased competition and potentially higher service standards in executive search and talent management. The merger creates a formidable competitor with both deep regional roots and innovative capabilities, potentially raising expectations among clients for integrated solutions that combine local market intelligence with technological sophistication. Vendors may need to reassess their own service offerings and partnerships to remain competitive in a landscape now featuring this consolidated entity.
The formation of Highphen represents a significant development in the Middle Eastern HR consulting industry, combining decades of expertise with cutting-edge approaches to create a comprehensive platform for executive search and recruitment. As organizations throughout the region seek top-tier talent to drive growth and transformation strategies, Highphen's blended capabilities position it to play a crucial role in shaping the future of talent acquisition across the Middle East and GCC.
