Al-Futtaim, one of the Middle East's largest diversified conglomerates, appointed Jorge Navea as president of its automotive division effective immediately in early February 2026, marking a strategic leadership shift as the company accelerates growth in the rapidly transforming global automotive sector. The Spanish-born executive, most recently CEO of Astara, a leading global mobility platform operating across 19 countries in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia, brings over 30 years of international automotive expertise spanning original equipment manufacturers, distribution networks and mobility services. His arrival underscores Al-Futtaim's commitment to reshaping the future of mobility through technology-enabled solutions and customer-centric innovation.
Omar Abdulla Al Futtaim, vice chairman and CEO of the parent group, welcomed Navea by highlighting his proven track record in transforming automotive businesses into technology-enabled mobility leaders during a period of significant industry evolution. The appointment involved no external search firm, appearing instead to reflect Al-Futtaim's direct recruitment of an executive already known in regional and global mobility circles. In his new role, Navea will lead the division's strategic growth agenda with particular focus on market expansion, next-generation customer and aftersales excellence, and strategic investments across the automotive portfolio. His mandate includes advancing the shift toward low-carbon and electrified transportation, building intelligent and connected infrastructure, and placing customers at the centre of every interaction.
Navea's career spans several transformative positions across the automotive and mobility landscape. Before joining Al-Futtaim, he served as CEO of Astara, where he led the company's evolution into a global, technology-enabled mobility group. Previously, he was CEO of Berge Auto, where he drove the transformation of a family-owned Spanish automotive distributor into a global mobility group with operations across Europe and Latin America and annual turnover exceeding 5 billion euros. His earlier roles included senior management positions at Kia Motors Europe and Toyota Motor Europe, and he founded and led Aulatina.com, an e-learning startup. Navea holds a bachelor's degree in law and business administration from Deusto University in Spain and is an active member of the Young Presidents' Organization and World Presidents' Organization. In October 2025, he also joined the board of OK Mobility as an independent director.
Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified family businesses in the Middle East, operating for over 90 years with headquarters in Dubai. The automotive division, established in 1955, represents a cornerstone of the conglomerate's portfolio, operating as a fully integrated mobility powerhouse across eight countries in the GCC and Asia. The division distributes world-leading brands including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Volvo, and BYD, reflecting a strategic commitment to new energy vehicles. Al-Futtaim employs over 44,000 people across eight divisions spanning automotive, electronics, insurance, services, real estate, retail, industries and overseas operations, with presence in more than 20 countries.
The appointment signals Al-Futtaim's intent to position its automotive division as a leader in the region's mobility transformation at a time when electrification, artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies are reshaping the sector. By installing an executive with significant global transformation experience, the company appears to be betting that external expertise will accelerate its competitive positioning, particularly as it scales platforms across markets and emphasizes customer centricity and technology integration. Some industry observers might infer that the timing reflects Al-Futtaim's recognition that legacy automotive distribution models require fundamental reimagining to capture value in subscription, leasing and software-enabled mobility services, areas where Navea's background at Astara provides direct strategic insight. The appointment also represents a pattern of regional conglomerates recruiting global talent into senior roles amid rapid technological disruption.
