Sophiya Faizal is the Director and second-generation leader of KEF Holdings, a privately-owned family company, steeped in more than 25 years of innovation and shaped by a mission to be different and make a difference. In addition to heading the corporate strategy function of the company, Sophiya is spearheading a new chapter of industry-agnostic innovation at KEF Holdings, with a new energy, new initiatives, and the same signature disruptive spirit.

As the eldest daughter of founders Faizal and Shabana, she became actively involved in KEF Holdings from an early age. Through regular conversations in the family home, countless weekends spent at KEF’s world-class foundry, Emirates Techno Casting (ETC), and annual summer internships since the age of 13 – her fascination with the family business was ignited.

Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then spent a year working with the Kauffman Fellows in the USA. Sophiya went on to earn a master’s degree in International Business Law in 2019.

Sophia officially began her career with KEF Holdings in 2016. The more the ambitious young entrepreneur has become immersed in her role with KEF Holdings, the more she has embraced every aspect of carrying the legacy of the company forward. Sophiya is deeply involved in the strategy for the next phase of KEF Healthcare. 

Her interest in the world of health and wellness has also spilled over into her professional life. Regardless of what the future brings for Sophiya in her personal or professional life, she will continue to strive to be different and make a difference in everything she does.