IAM Asset Management Excellence Awards 2026

The IAM Excellence Awards 2026 were held on Wednesday 17 June, in London, following the first day of the IAM Global Conference. Well done to all the individuals and organisations shortlisted – and congratulations to the winners! Enjoy exploring their stories below

When did you start working in asset management?

I've had the privilege of being part of Etihad Water and Electricity for almost nine years. My journey began in project management, by developing a strong engineering foundation and delivering major projects. Around two years ago, I moved into asset management and it opened up a whole new perspective for me. It shifted my focus from delivering assets to creating long-term value from them. Since then, I've been fortunate to contribute to the development of our asset management system (AMS) and support the organisation's asset management transformation journey.

Which professional achievement are you most proud of, and why?

Playing a key role in the development and implementation of Etihad Water and Electricity's AMS, which contributed to the organisation's successful achievement of ISO 55001:2024 certification.

What makes this achievement especially meaningful is that it was delivered through our own internal capabilities. With the vision, trust and continuous encouragement of our leadership, together with the dedication and collaboration of our cross-functional teams, we were able to design, develop and implement a comprehensive AMS tailored to our organisation's needs.

For me, the certification was never just about meeting a standard; it was about embedding a culture of value-based decision-making, continuous improvement and long-term sustainability across the organisation. Being part of that transformation has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

What advice would you give to other young people looking to progress in the profession?

Stay curious, keep learning and never underestimate the value of stepping outside your comfort zone. Every new challenge is an opportunity to grow, even if it feels unfamiliar at first.

Invest in developing both your technical and personal skills, seek guidance from people around you, and don't be afraid to ask questions or take on responsibilities that stretch your abilities.

Most importantly, be patient with your journey. Success doesn't happen overnight; it is built through consistency, perseverance and a genuine passion for making a positive impact. Every experience, whether it's a success or a setback, contributes to your growth.

How did you feel when you were announced as the winner of the NxtGen Award?

It was a truly unforgettable moment. I felt honoured, grateful and incredibly proud.

Representing my organisation, Etihad Water and Electricity, as well as receiving such international recognition from the IAM was humbling and inspiring. While the award carries my name, I see it as a reflection of everyone who has supported my journey – my organisation, leaders, colleagues and family. Their trust, encouragement and belief in my potential have played a significant role in every achievement along the way.

Furthermore, winning the NxtGen Award has motivated me even more to continue learning, and to inspire other young professionals to believe that, with dedication and the right support, anything is possible.

Which three people have had the most influence on your career?

The first would be my leaders and managers, who believed in my potential from an early stage, entrusted me with meaningful responsibilities, and continuously challenged me to grow, professionally and personally.

The second would be my colleagues and teammates. Working with passionate and knowledgeable people has taught me that great achievements are never the result of individual effort alone – they come from collaboration, mutual support and learning from one another.

Finally, my family has been my greatest source of encouragement throughout my journey. Their constant support, belief in my abilities and encouragement to pursue my ambitions have given me the confidence to continue learning, embrace new challenges and strive for excellence.