Spotlight shines on the Emirates Group’s brightest stars
Heroes of the workplace – including life savers and employees who have shown either extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit or commitment – were today presented with prestigious awards by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, the Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.
Sheikh Ahmed congratulated five of the company’s most exceptional employees at a grand ceremony which was watched by hundreds of the winners’ families, friends and colleagues.
The annual Najm Chairman’s Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of Emirates staff and this year Sheikh Ahmed had a particularly tough job of selecting the winners, who each received a spectacular crystal trophy, a framed certificate and Dhs 15,000.
Hundreds of brilliant employees were nominated for a coveted Najm Chairman’s Award, and after a comprehensive selection process – which included a new voting system introduced to reflect the views of all senior management – Sheikh Ahmed named the winning candidates.
Presenting the awards at the Emirates Group Headquarters, he said: “The success of Emirates has been built on the strength of our employees.
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“They are our greatest asset and always will be so it gives me satisfaction to be here today to recognise their achievements.
“My warmest congratulations to the winners – they have all shown inspirational qualities to be able to shine the brightest from a long list of tremendous nominations.”
Cabin crew member Claire Gascoigne, 27, from the UK, resuscitated a baby on board and almost certainly saved the child’s life; and New Zealander Andrew Shepherd, 54 – a Lounge Agent at Auckland Airport - prevented an elderly passenger from suffering a serious cardiac incident by carrying out an emergency medical manoeuvre to help her breathe properly.
In addition, Transport Supervisor Rupesh Vyas, 36, from India, implemented a number of cost-saving procedures at Emirates’ destination management company Arabian Adventures; Syed Sami Ur Rehman, 33 – a Pakistani Senior Airport Services Agent at Houston, USA - prevented a costly flight delay by volunteering to assist a diverted aircraft while he was on holiday in New Orleans; and K Soman, 52, from India – a member of the Ramp Services team at Dnata Airport Operations - displayed extreme diligence in following the company’s safety policies.
Sheikh Ahmed added: “The winners serve as role models; they are people with remarkable character who have shown the very qualities required to build great companies, such as initiative, leadership, ingenuity, bravery, dedication and commitment.
“These are the very attributes which have driven the growth of the Emirates Group and it is wonderful to know that they remain ingrained in the fabric of our workforce as we enter the new decade.”