Sima Ganwani Ved is a name that resonates across shopping malls, boardrooms, and Forbes power lists. As the Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group, she leads one of the biggest retail powerhouses in the Middle East, with a portfolio that spans over 80+ brands in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
From global fashion labels to everyday consumer favorites, Sima’s empire is everywhere — and it all started with a vision to bring world-class retail experiences to the Gulf region.
Headquartered in the UAE, Apparel Group didn’t become a retail giant overnight. Under Sima’s leadership, the company expanded rapidly, striking partnerships with global brands and launching them across the GCC.
Whether it’s high-end fashion, fast retail, or beauty products, chances are you’ve stepped into an Apparel Group store without even realizing it. Brands like Aldo, Charles & Keith, R&B, Skechers, and Rituals are just a few in their massive portfolio.
More than just quantity, the group thrives on quality experiences — blending international trends with regional tastes.
It’s no small feat to lead thousands of employees across hundreds of stores. But Sima Ganwani Ved does it with strategic clarity and bold leadership. That’s why she’s been named one of the Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East by Forbes — not once, but two years in a row (2024 and 2025).
Her presence in these rankings highlights her consistency, influence, and role in shaping the region’s modern retail landscape.
Sima’s leadership style is both visionary and grounded. She believes in empowering women, fostering innovation, and staying customer-obsessed. Internally, she’s known for encouraging entrepreneurship within the organization — creating a culture where new ideas thrive.
She also takes retail beyond business. Sima is actively involved in social causes, youth mentorship, and sustainability efforts — proving that big business and big impact can go hand in hand.
With e-commerce booming and consumer behavior shifting, Sima is already steering the group toward a tech-driven future. From digital storefronts to loyalty ecosystems, Apparel Group is evolving into a multi-channel retail leader — all while keeping customer experience at its core.
Expansion plans continue, with new markets and new partnerships in the pipeline. And with Sima at the helm, the group shows no signs of slowing down.
Sima Ganwani Ved isn’t just building a business — she’s shaping the future of retail in the Middle East. Her ability to lead with both strategy and soul has turned Apparel Group into a regional giant and earned her a place among the world’s top business leaders.
As global brands look to the Middle East, one thing is clear: Sima isn’t just keeping pace with retail trends — she’s setting them.
Q1: Who is Sima Ganwani Ved?
Sima Ganwani Ved is the Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group, one of the Middle East’s largest retail companies.
Q2: What brands are under Apparel Group?
The group manages 80+ global brands including Aldo, R&B, Charles & Keith, Skechers, and many more.
Q3: Why is Sima considered influential?
She’s been named among Forbes Middle East’s Most Powerful Businesswomen in 2024 and 2025 for her leadership and business impact.
Q4: Where is Apparel Group based?
The company is headquartered in the UAE with retail operations across the GCC, India, and Southeast Asia.
Q5: What’s next for Sima and Apparel Group?
The focus is on tech-enabled retail, expansion into new markets, and continued innovation in customer experience.
