The merger of Gulf Elite and Kerning into Highphen signifies a landmark development in the Middle Eastern recruitment industry, creating a new leader in executive search and talent management. This strategic alliance, finalized in 2023, leverages Gulf Elite's decade-long expertise in the local market with Kerning's innovative approaches to HR consulting, setting a new standard for services in the region.
Highphen emerges as a formidable entity, promising to enhance the recruitment landscape for both public and private sector organizations across the Middle East and GCC. The merger combines Gulf Elite's established reputation for caring, communication, ownership, and trust with Kerning's focus on cutting-edge technologies and talent management, offering clients unparalleled value and innovative solutions.
With the launch of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) services in 2024, Highphen is poised to streamline hiring processes and improve operational efficiency for its clients. The company's partnership with the Top Employers Institute in Saudi Arabia further underscores its commitment to delivering excellence in recruitment services. Additionally, Highphen's sustainability hiring projects reflect its dedication to aligning recruitment practices with the growing demand for environmentally responsible business operations.
The leadership of Highphen, comprising Khalid AlKhudairi and George Aoun, brings together a wealth of experience and a shared vision for transforming the talent acquisition landscape. Their combined expertise in operational excellence, people-centered leadership, and innovative talent management strategies positions Highphen as a key player in addressing the evolving needs of businesses in the region.
As Highphen moves forward, its focus on embracing new technologies and methodologies will be instrumental in shaping the future of executive search and recruitment in the Middle East and GCC. This merger not only represents a significant milestone for the HR consulting industry but also highlights the potential for innovative approaches to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment.


