Mauritius: Top 10 Leaders in Business

1. Arnaud Lagesse
Sector: Conglomerates
Arnaud Lagesse is the Group CEO of IBL Ltd, the largest business conglomerate in Mauritius. Under his leadership, IBL Ltd has diversified its operations into sectors like financial services, retail, and healthcare, solidifying its status as a key player in the Indian Ocean region. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including sustainability-driven projects and regional expansion strategies. Additionally, he has worked on strengthening corporate governance and digital transformation initiatives to position IBL as a future-ready enterprise.

2. Raoul Gufflet
Sector: Finance and Investments
Raoul Gufflet is the CEO of MCB Group, the largest banking institution in Mauritius. With extensive experience in the banking sector, he has played a crucial role in modernizing banking services and driving digital transformation initiatives. Gufflet is a strong advocate for financial inclusion and has worked on expanding MCB’s presence in regional and international markets. His leadership is focused on sustainable banking solutions and fostering economic growth in Mauritius.

3. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
Sector: Science and Business Development
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, a former President of Mauritius, is an entrepreneur and scientist who champions innovation in biotech and sustainable development. Her work bridges science and business, opening doors for new industries in Mauritius. She is also involved in international collaborations to boost research funding. Gurib-Fakim has been an advocate for women in STEM and continues to influence policymaking for sustainable economic growth, particularly in biotechnology and alternative medicine.

4. Thierry Sauzier
Sector: Property Development and Agriculture
As the CEO of Medine Group, Thierry Sauzier oversees one of Mauritius’s most prominent enterprises. The group’s focus on real estate, agriculture, and education has played a significant role in shaping the nation’s modern economy. His leadership has driven innovative urban planning projects. Under his stewardship, Medine Group has launched smart city projects and green energy initiatives that align with Mauritius’s sustainability goals.

5. Jason Harel
Sector: Legal and Corporate Services
Jason is the Chairman and Co-Founding Partner at BLC Robert & Associates. The Company  has become the leading independent business law firm in Mauritius and is ranked as a Tier One firm by legal directories such as Legal500, Chambers and Partners, and IFLR1000.

Jason leads the Corporate and Commercial department of the firm and is consistently identified as a ‘leading practitioner’ in his field by the main worldwide legal directories. He has a broadbase corporate advisory and transactional practice focused on real estate (including hospitality), corporate M&A, workouts and corporate re-structuring, as well as projects.

6. Jean-Pierre Dalais
Sector: Diversified Industries
Jean-Pierre Dalais is the CEO of CIEL Group, a diversified investment group operating across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and more. His leadership has expanded CIEL’s influence regionally and internationally. His strategic vision has made CIEL one of the fastest-growing companies in Mauritius. Under his leadership, CIEL has expanded into new markets, fostering innovation in sustainable business practices and cross-sector collaborations.

7. Dev Chamroo
Sector: Trade and Exports
Dev Chamroo, the former CEO of Enterprise Mauritius, has been a driving force in promoting Mauritian exports globally. His initiatives have strengthened the nation’s textile, sugar, and seafood industries. He continues to advise on trade policy and export growth strategies. Chamroo has also played a pivotal role in creating partnerships with African and Asian markets, expanding Mauritius’s footprint in international trade.

8. Xavier-Luc Duval
Sector: Finance and Economic Policy
Xavier-Luc Duval is a prominent figure in Mauritius’s economic and political landscape. As a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, he played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s economic policies and driving financial sector reforms. Duval has been instrumental in fostering economic growth, strengthening Mauritius’s position as a global financial center, and advocating for social and economic inclusivity. His leadership in both the private and public sectors continues to impact the country’s economic trajectory.

9. Sanjiv Bhasin
Sector: Banking and Financial Services
As the CEO of AfrAsia Bank, Sanjiv Bhasin has steered the bank to become one of Mauritius’s most innovative financial institutions, focusing on wealth management and cross-border banking solutions. His digital banking initiatives have set new industry benchmarks. Bhasin has also been a thought leader in sustainable banking, advocating for responsible investment strategies and green financing solutions.

10. Christine Marot
Sector: Construction and Real Estate
Christine Marot, the CEO of ENL Property, has been instrumental in developing iconic real estate projects in Mauritius. Her work emphasizes sustainable urban development and economic diversification. She is at the forefront of eco-friendly construction and smart city development. Marot has also launched initiatives to integrate digital infrastructure into real estate developments, paving the way for smart communities in Mauritius.

These leaders exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that drive Mauritius’s economy. Their contributions extend beyond the borders of the island, positioning Mauritius as a global hub for business and investment. Through their efforts, Mauritius continues to evolve into a competitive and forward-thinking economic player in the region and beyond.