Burjeel Holdings appoints Shamsheer Vayalil as CEO

Burjeel Holdings announced that its board of directors has approved the appointment of Dr Shamsheer Vayalil as chief executive officer, in addition to his current role as founder and chairman of the board, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The decision reflects the board’s assessment that the group has reached a stage of scale and maturity where closer alignment between strategic leadership and operational oversight will support clinical excellence, disciplined growth and long-term value creation across the business.

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, chairman and chief executive officer of Burjeel Holdings said, “Burjeel Holdings has built a strong clinical and operational platform across our core markets. My focus as Chief Executive Officer will be on disciplined execution, strengthening complex and specialised care, improving utilization across our network, and supporting our leadership teams as we continue to grow in alignment with national healthcare priorities and long-term value creation.”

The board approved the steps required to formalise and implement the appointment, including seeking shareholder approval through a general assembly meeting, as required. It also determined that the leadership evolution would be accompanied by strengthened independent oversight through the board and a governance committee to ensure robust accountability and protection of shareholder interests.

The board approved the conclusion of John Sunil’s role as chief executive officer and Safeer Ahamed’s role as co-chief executive officer and expressed its appreciation for their leadership and contributions to the development and performance of Burjeel Holdings.

Burjeel Holdings will continue to execute its strategy focused on leadership in complex and specialised care, anchored by Abu Dhabi as a regional referral hub while pursuing disciplined expansion in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and capital-light operating partnerships.

The group remains focused on improving utilisation across its existing asset base, supported by continued investment in clinical talent, digital and AI-enabled care delivery and research, with an emphasis on quality outcomes and sustainable growth.

The board also approved the budget for the 2026 financial year, the highest annual budget to date.