Name: Sima Ved
Designation: Founder and Chairwoman
Company: Apparel Group
Sima Ved is the visionary Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group, one of the largest retail and fashion conglomerates in the Middle East. Established in 1996, the group represents over 85 international brands, operating more than 2,300 stores across 14 countries with a workforce exceeding 27,000 employees.
Under her leadership, Apparel Group has become synonymous with quality and trends, playing a pivotal role in shaping the retail landscape of the UAE and the wider GCC region. Sima’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age when she started managing a department store in her father’s shopping mall. This early experience fostered her business acumen and passion for retail. Educated at King’s College London, where she earned a BA followed by an MBA in Business Management, Sima leveraged her academic foundation to expand Apparel Group into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
She is widely recognized for her innovative approach, including adopting omni-channel retail strategies and driving digital transformation amidst rapidly evolving consumer behaviours.
Beyond business, Sima Ved is a committed philanthropist and advocate for women’s empowerment. She was the first female member of YPO to establish a regional chapter (YPO MENA STAR), promoting gender equality, which now boasts the highest female membership globally at 52%. She also mentors young entrepreneurs, encouraging social impact through initiatives like her daughter’s athleisure brand that supports education for underprivileged children. Her longstanding commitment to community development underscores her holistic approach to leadership. Her inspiring story motivates budding entrepreneurs and highlights her as a trailblazing figure in the global retail and fashion industry.
