Sima Ganwani Ved (YPO MENA Star) is the Founder and Chairwoman of the Apparel Group, one of the largest retailers in the Middle East. The multi-billion dollar company is home to 75+ brands with over 1750 stores in 14 countries with 16,000+ employees. Over the years, Sima has been the recipient of many awards professionally and personally, some of which are The Philanthropreneur of the year, Retailer of the Year, Great Place to Work, Great Women’s Award and Emirates Woman of the Year. Originally Indian, Sima grew up in Dubai, but left for Kings College London to get her Bachelors degree and subsequently an MBA in business management. She began her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 23, and has won many awards professionally and personally. Empowerment of women, mentoring and education for underprivileged children are all causes that are dear to Sima. She strives to be a new age ‘philanthrepreneur’ donating time and money. Fondly known as the heart of the company at the Apparel Group, Sima has championed many causes for employee growth and welfare across all levels. Her impassioned efforts to ensure transparency and accessibility, have consistently won the Apparel Group The Great Place to Work award. Sima is an active member of YPO, having served many officer positions and championed numerous global events. She is also the first female member in YPO to set up a regional chapter, YPO MENA Star, that has a vision of gender equality for its membership base. Apart from this, Sima has been a Regional Family Officer and a Regional Learning Officer on the MENA Board. She is currently exiting her Chapter Chair role into the Women's Business Network's role as Engagement Officer. Sima attributes her ability to juggle business, personal and YPO to her ‘can and will’ do attitude. She lives in Dubai with her husband, Nilesh and their 3 kids.