Sima Ganwani Ved is the visionary Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group, a multi-billion-dollar retail enterprise based in the UAE, managing over 85 prestigious brands across 2,300 stores in 14 countries with a workforce of over 24,000. Under her leadership, Apparel Group has become a dominant force in the Middle East’s retail sector. Sima’s exemplary leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen and Arabian Business’s Most Powerful Indians in the Middle East.
Born in Africa, Sima moved to Dubai in the 1970s and later pursued her education in the UK, earning a bachelor’s degree from King’s College London and an MBA in Business Management. At 20, she began her career as a Department Manager in her father’s shopping mall, which shaped her business acumen.
Sima is deeply involved in nurturing young talent, mentoring her daughter Sarisha Ved in launching F5 Global, an athleisure brand, and guiding her eldest daughter Selina Ved in creating Nysaa, a beauty omnichannel marketplace. Additionally, she actively participates in global organizations like YPO and CEO.
Her early 2000s creative pursuits included writing a newspaper column, acting in plays, and hosting the TV show “Hi Tea with Sima Ved.” Through her entrepreneurial journey and philanthropic endeavors, Sima continues to inspire as a multifaceted leader in the international business community.