John Hadden is CEO of Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators.
A dynamic multi-national business and family-owned enterprise with a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya has been a pioneering force in brand franchising for over 40 years, building a portfolio that extends across MENA, Türkiye and Europe.
Reporting to Alshaya Group’s Executive Chairman, Mohammed Alshaya, John has overall responsibility for Alshaya Group’s performance and growth.
Operating across multiple sectors, John leads diverse and skilled teams who together drive the performance of thousands of retail stores, cafes, restaurants, and a strong online and digital business, focused on delivering great customer experiences.
Alshaya partners with an unparalleled range of brands including Starbucks, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle Outfitters, Footlocker, Shake Shack, Raising Cane’s, Chipotle, Charlotte Tilbury and Bath and Body Works. Alshaya Group will open its first stores of its newest franchise partners – Primark and Ulta Beauty – in late 2025.
John has extensive experience in the retail sector and has been part of Alshaya’s leadership team for many years. Having started his career at Debenhams in the UK, he joined Alshaya in 1997 as Property Director.
From 2003 to 2005 he led the Starbucks European management team in Amsterdam, returning to Alshaya as Senior Vice President of Property in 2005. In this role, John supported the major expansion plans for the Alshaya Group as the business opened new stores, new brands and entered new markets.
He was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in late 2017 and became Chief Executive Officer in October 2019.
John holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Business Management from Reading University in the UK.