Yuvraj Narayan’s appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer of DP World marks a significant moment for one of the world’s most important trade and logistics companies. His elevation follows a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The same decree named Essa Kazim as chairman of the board of DP World and appointed Abdulla bin Damithan as chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, reinforcing a coordinated leadership structure across Dubai’s key trade institutions.
From Chartered Accountant to DP World’s Top Job
A qualified Chartered Accountant, Narayan brings long experience in financial management, corporate finance, supply chains and global trade. He joined DP World in 2004 and quickly became central to the company’s strategic direction. In 2005 he was appointed Group Chief Financial Officer, a role in which he shaped the organisation’s financial strategy, corporate finance activities and core business operations. From this position, he helped build the foundations that now support DP World’s global supply chain solutions and container trade management.
Over the years, Narayan has led a series of strategic and transformational initiatives that strengthened DP World’s financial resilience and operational efficiency. His background in ports and international banking helped him to approach investment, risk and capital allocation with a long‑term view. Before joining DP World, he held senior roles with ANZ Group as Head of Corporate and Project Finance for South Asia and served as Chief Financial Officer at Salalah Port Services in Oman, experience that gave him a strong understanding of both regional ports and global finance.
Driving Global Expansion and End‑to‑End Supply Chain Solutions
Under Narayan’s financial and strategic leadership, DP World has moved from being largely a regional port operator to an integrated, global provider of end to end supply chain solutions. The company now operates in 79 countries and handles around 10% of global container trade. Its business has grown to more than 430 entities, employing over 115,000 people worldwide. This expansion has taken place across different economic cycles, where Narayan’s focus on disciplined execution and sound financial structures has helped maintain DP World’s competitiveness.
In his new role as Group CEO, Narayan continues to oversee financial strategy, corporate finance and business operations, ensuring that these capabilities support DP World’s wider ambitions. His leadership has been central to the company’s ability to position itself not just as a port operator, but as a partner offering intelligent logistics solutions that connect producers, markets and communities across continents.
Awards, Board Roles and Regional Influence
Narayan’s contributions have been recognised repeatedly within the business and financial community. He has been named Middle East and North Africa CFO of the Year four times, a reflection of his standing among regional peers. In 2015, DP World’s finance team received the Finance Team of the Year award under his leadership, highlighting the strength of the people and systems he has built around him.
Beyond his executive responsibilities at DP World, Narayan serves on the boards of HDFC International Life and Re Company Limited and Dubai Financial Market. These roles extend his influence into regional and international financial markets and underline the trust placed in his judgement. He remains committed to growing DP World in a sustainable way, focusing on logistics solutions that support global businesses while delivering benefits to the communities the company serves.
With his appointment as Group CEO, alongside Essa Kazim’s role as chairman of the board and Abdulla bin Damithan’s leadership at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Dubai has placed experienced, proven figures at the helm of its trade and logistics ecosystem. Narayan’s track record at DP World suggests that this new chapter will continue to build on a foundation of financial strength, operational discipline and long‑term vision.
