Paul Cairnie
Founder & Chairman
Meet the Team - Our Expert Franchise Group Founders
Paul has over 25 years international franchise experience covering Franchise Development Services UK, World Franchise Solutions New York, founding World Franchise Associates Ltd. in London in 2007 and today CEO at Gulf Franchise Group, a company specializing in inbound and outbound franchising of high quality franchised brands, mostly in the restaurant segment.
Louay Ghandour
Founder & Group CEO, Dubai Office
Louay Ghandour is an accomplished foodservice CEO with extensive global blue-chip and F&B (Five Guys, Wendy’s, Zatar w Zeit, Cinnabon, Seatle’s Best etc.) experience across the Middle East, expert in operational transformation and turnaround strategies to drive sustainable, profitable growth. Through the Gulf Franchise platform Louay is providing advisory and development services to the regional market.
Hesham Mourad
Founder & Qatar Office
Hesham is a franchising specialist consultant covering two decades of Management, Business Development and International Trade experience. His direct franchising experiences boasts launching and operating the only Real Madrid Official Stores in the Middle East among others. Currently Hesham offers his experience in Franchise Brokerage & Development to local Brands and companies.
Yousif Abdulghani
Founder & Bahrain Office
Yousif Abdulghani, former Managing Director of McDonald’s Middle East, is a seasoned professional in the retail foodservice sector, with over three decades of expertise spanning quick-service and casual dining restaurants and cafés. His career is defined by a consistent track record of driving financial performance, operational excellence, and elevated customer experiences across diverse markets.
Hassan Jawad
Founder & Advisory
Hassan Jawad is a franchise professional whose background in the foodservice industry covers many F&B segments including Coffee and QSR, Bakery, Pizza and Food Retail. Hassan is a board and audit committee member in the family business. Hassan manages operations in 5 markets and recruits over 2,000 domestic and international professionals.
Jake Kidde-Hansen
Technology Director