Ron Thomas

Ron Thomas is the Managing Director of Strategy Focused Group, a leading international consulting firm headquartered in Dubai, specializing in human capital strategy, leadership development, and workforce transformation.

He is a Visiting Professor at the Global Human Resources Leadership Institute at Howard University School of Business in Washington, D.C., and serves as Senior Faculty Member with the Human Capital Institute (HCI), where he leads programs across the MENA, Asia Pacific, and Africa regions.

Previously, Ron was the CEO of Great Place to Work Gulf and CHRO of Al Raha Group in Riyadh. He holds multiple professional certifications, including Global Human Capital Strategist (GHCS), Master Human Capital Strategist (MHCS), and Strategic Workforce Planner (SWP) from HCI, along with advanced training from New York University.

Recognized among the Top 5 HR and Leadership Thinkers in the Middle East by CIPD, Ron has received several global accolades, including the Outstanding Leadership Award for Global HR Excellence at the World HRD Congress in Mumbai and recognition as one of the 50 Most Talented Global HR Leaders in Asia.

Ron’s insights on HR, talent management, and organizational leadership have been featured in global publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, Workforce Management, and top HR magazines across Africa, India, and the Middle East. He also contributes as a columnist to platforms including Insight Magazine, HR People of Africa, SHRM, and CEO.com.

As an author and thought leader, Ron has contributed to several books, including:

  •  It’s Time for High-Performance Government by Howard Risher

  •  Learning to Lead: Lessons in Leadership for People of Faith by Rev. Willard Ashley

  •  Effective Onboarding Programs by Doris Sims

As a consultant and executive educator, Ron has partnered with leading organizations such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, MTN Iran, King Faisal Hospital, Saudi Electric Company, Dubai Tourism, American Hospital of Dubai, Dar Al Riyadh, Gulf Bank Kuwait, CIMB Bank Malaysia, and the Singapore Government Civil Service.

Before founding his consultancy, Ron held senior leadership roles at IBM, Martha Stewart Living, and Xerox HR Services in the United States.

He also serves on global boards including the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, McKinsey Quarterly Executive Panel, and HCI’s Expert Advisory Council on Talent Management Strategy.

A sought-after keynote speaker and executive advisor, Ron regularly speaks across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, helping leaders and organizations build future-ready talent strategies, resilient leadership cultures, and sustainable workforce models.