Highphen Emerges as Middle East's Premier Executive Search Firm Following Gulf Elite and Kerning Merger

In a significant development for the Middle Eastern business landscape, Gulf Elite and Kerning have merged to form Highphen, a new powerhouse in executive search and recruitment. This strategic union, finalized in 2023, brings together Gulf Elite's decade-long market expertise and Kerning's innovative talent management approaches, positioning Highphen as a formidable player in both public and private sector recruitment across the Middle East and GCC regions.

The merger represents a pivotal moment in the region's HR industry, as it combines Gulf Elite's established reputation since 2009 with Kerning's fresh perspective introduced in 2021. Gulf Elite, founded by Khalid AlKhudairi, has been renowned for its deep local market understanding and values centered on care, communication, ownership, and trust. Kerning, under the leadership of George Aoun, quickly made its mark by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and focusing on organizational transformation.

Highphen's formation is particularly noteworthy as it addresses the evolving needs of businesses in the region. The company's comprehensive approach encompasses not only executive search but also extends to talent management solutions, organizational transformation, and innovative recruitment methodologies. This holistic service offering is crucial for companies navigating the complex and rapidly changing business environment of the Middle East and GCC.

The launch of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) services by Highphen in 2024 marks a significant step forward in streamlining hiring processes and improving operational efficiency for its clients. This move reflects the company's commitment to adapting to market demands and providing value-added services beyond traditional executive search.

Highphen's partnership with the Top Employers Institute in Saudi Arabia further solidifies its position as a leader in recruitment services. This collaboration ensures that Highphen's practices align with global standards, providing clients with world-class recruitment solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Middle Eastern market.

The company's focus on sustainability hiring projects is particularly relevant in today's business climate. As organizations increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility, Highphen's expertise in this area positions it as a valuable partner for companies looking to align their workforce with sustainable practices.

Highphen's global reach, enhanced through strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Beaumont Group and Odgers Berndtson, offers clients access to an extensive network of talent and resources. This international perspective, combined with deep local knowledge, enables Highphen to provide unparalleled insights and solutions to its clients.

The leadership of Khalid AlKhudairi and George Aoun brings a wealth of experience to Highphen. AlKhudairi's background in transformational projects and operational excellence, coupled with Aoun's expertise in talent supply chain management and organizational transformation, creates a powerful synergy that drives the company's strategic direction.

As businesses in the Middle East and GCC continue to face challenges in talent acquisition and management, Highphen's emergence as a comprehensive HR solutions provider is timely. The company's commitment to embracing new technologies and methodologies positions it well to address the future needs of the region's evolving business landscape.

The formation of Highphen through this merger represents more than just a business transaction; it signifies a new era in executive search and recruitment for the Middle East. As organizations in the region strive for growth and transformation, Highphen's unique blend of local expertise, global reach, and innovative approaches makes it a crucial partner in achieving these objectives.