Chairman of one of the Middle East's oldest and largest family trading firms, MA Kharafi & Sons. Massive conglomerate encompasses over 100 businesses operating throughout the Mideast, Africa and eastern Europe in hospitality, construction, manufacturing and marketing. Recently announced plans to sell African assets owned by family's Kuwaiti telecom, Zain, to India's Bharti Airtel for $10.7 billion. Food division Americana responsible for introducing iconic food brands KFC, Pizza Hut, TGI Fridays to the Gulf. Family's wide investment portfolio includes stakes in Krispy Kreme, U.K. construction firm Costain and National Bank of Kuwait. Repeatedly rumored in British press to be eyeing a bid for Premier League football club Liverpool. Family denies any plans for a takeover.
