APAC CEO of the Year 2025 | 4 A third-generation entrepreneur, Ayub Khan Zakori has built upon the legacy of Zakori Industries with a vision that extends far beyond its foundations. While many might struggle under the weight of such a responsibility, Ayub embraced the challenge, steadily growing it into what is now Zakori Group. A CEO committed to exploring the unknown and redefining leadership in this space, he has done more than just uphold his father’s legacy—he has expanded it into an empire. We had the pleasure of speaking with Ayub to learn more. Diversified Conglomerate CEO of the Year 2025 Celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, Zakori Group was founded in 1985, with its initial focus being on the introduction of adhesive tape manufacturing, ZIL tapes. Over the past four decades, successful diversification efforts positioned Zakori Group as a multifaceted and results-driven conglomerate – one striving to attain regional excellence throughout all the business ventures it takes on. Since Ayub Khan Zakori took the helm, the desire to expand and evolve has only been doubled down upon. “I always believed in expanding beyond limitations. Instead of being confined to one industry, I saw opportunities in diversification.” The ventures Ayub is involved in today, spans around manufacturing, hospitality, energy, construction, e-commerce, and IT solutions. With a grand total of nine businesses to its name and two successful exits, Zakori Group has established itself as a thriving enterprise both in Pakistan and beyond. Not only is it highly successful in its own right, but it is also contributing to a stronger, more dynamic business community in the region and across borders, navigating today’s unforgiving business climate with ease and setting in motion impactful and transformative development journeys. Despite his active leadership across nine businesses, Ayub regards it as an honor to uphold his late father’s legacy of offering guidance and counsel to the public sector in the region. His commitment to these advisory roles reflects his deep sense of responsibility and dedication to meaningful civic engagement. Moreover, Ayub told us: “Apart from having served as the advisor to the finance minister, I have also served as a core member of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and am currently the President of the Industrialists’ Association of Peshawar. I am also one of the pioneers revamping the VC domain of Pakistan by investing in a unicorn startup and have carried out duties such as the Chairman of the National Incubation Centre Advisory Board.” In addition to his current roles, Ayub has previously served as Co-Chairman of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company’s Board of Management Industrial Estates. He now Chairs its Zonal Facilitation Centres division, where he continues to provide essential guidance to international stakeholders looking to invest in the region. Apart from these, he is actively involved as WBAF Senator Pakistan, a member of the CEO Club by World CEO Forum, Advisory Board Member to a Higher Education Institute COMSATS, and a Senate Member to another Higher Education Institute SBBWU in Pakistan. Through these efforts, he has played a significant role in shaping the region’s business and educational landscape. He has recently been awarded the CEO of the year for the Year 2023 and 2024 by Brands Foundation, a globally acclaimed and recognized awarding entity. He has remained a core member on several advisory boards for different local and regional offices. Ayub’s greatest impact can be seen in the family business, where he envisions its future as a leading force both nationally and internationally. His focus remains on sustainability, innovation, and market diversification, aiming to position the company at the forefront of these areas. Blending this aim with his own personal values of perseverance, integrity, and gratitude, Ayub has devised the growth strategy of Zakori Group around the pillars of sustainable expansion, new initiatives/ social impact, and ongoing diversification/innovation. Leveraging skills such as strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset, operational expertise, and keen technological insights, Ayub has been able to work effectively with everything from F&B businesses like Ranchers, Piyali and Mr. Cod to IT solutions companies such as Codistan Ventures. All of this has paved the way for a leadership style that sees a meticulous blend of strategy and leading by example, with Ayub inspiring his team to move the needle whilst also ensuring that every action aligns with Zakori Group’s wider focus. Treading this path has not always been easy, and Ayub detailed one of the defining moments of his career as being a falling out with his brother over the future of their late father’s business. “We had differing visions for the future of the company, and when our paths could no longer align, it led to a painful but necessary separation. I knew that if Zakori Group was to thrive, it needed clarity, unified leadership, and a bold approach to expansion. Eventually, I made the difficult but crucial move of buying out his shares.” Such a tough decision certainly paid off, with the challenges that Zakori Group has overcome all serving as stepping stones to something greater. Carrying with him the lessons of this past, award-winning CEO Ayub Khan Zakori signed off by saying: “What once seemed like hurdles now feel like necessary battles that made the journey sweeter, the victories more meaningful, and the vision clearer than ever before.” Contact: Ayub Khan Zakori Company: Zakori Group Web Address: https://zakorigroup.com/ Personal Web Address: Home - Ayub Zakori Feb25170
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