Our Leaders
At Al Thuraya Holdings, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our leaders are dedicated to investing their time, energy, and extensive experience to empower each of our companies to excel and deliver exceptional value to our customers.
Our unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration is reflected in the approach of Al Thuraya Holdings’ leaders. They prioritize facilitating the exchange of knowledge both within and between our groups, ensuring that our teams have access to the necessary support and resources to maintain their positions as leaders in their respective industries. Through their unwavering support, stability, and guidance, our leaders continue to drive the success of our companies.
Michael J. Padilla Pagan Payano
Chairman and Chief Executive officer
Michael J. Padilla Pagan Payano is the dynamic Chairman and CEO of Al Thuraya Holdings, overseeing a diverse portfolio of 18 companies globally. Michael has focused on bringing his Special Operations experience and expertise in cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and decision making with large corporations facing similar challenges.
Michael expertise spans industries from rebuilding and development work, Risk Management, Events, Sports, and Transportation to Development and Extraction. Under Michael’s visionary leadership, Al Thuraya Holdings achieved remarkable growth in 2023.
With over three decades of executive experience driving sustainable, profitable global businesses, Michael’s focus lies in understand and watching social risk, being customer-centric innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Michael founded Al Thuraya Consultancy in the UAE in 2006, and now leads the parent company Al Thuraya Holdings based in Madrid, Spain. As the Group’s CEO, he has expanded its reach to support multi-sector businesses and premium clients across the globe.
Armed with two master’s degrees in business administration and EE/IS Telecommunications, along with a keen understanding of board-level governance and compliance, Michael’s primary mission is to seize opportunities while contributing to the Group’s enduring success.
In 2024, Gulf Entrepreneur Magazine named Michael as the top Maverick CEO in the UAE, cementing his position as a visionary leader in the region’s business landscape
Miriam Droppova
Special Project Manager | Office of the CEO
As the Special Project Manager, Miriam is dedicated to leading significant initiatives directly under the CEO’s guidance. Her role involves managing pivotal programs, offering technical expertise, and ensuring their success through strategic leadership. She excels in identifying challenges within the program’s scope and implementing effective solutions.
Miriam works collaboratively with both internal and external partners to secure program success, overseeing the recruitment of experts and the supervision of program execution.
Value to the Company: Miriam brings exceptional organizational skills, adept time management, and a keen eye for detail. These strengths significantly enhance program efficiency and effectiveness.
Professional Background: In her previous position, Miriam spearheaded various innovative projects aimed at enhancing teamwork and communication within the organization. Her initiatives and leadership were instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment, demonstrating her ability to positively influence team dynamics and drive successful outcomes.
Alain Couture
Vice-President (VP) of Corporate Quality and Center of Excellence
Alain Couture (Al) is an experienced executive and solution finder in business administration, specializing in the travel and human risk management services industry. With a career spanning several years, Al has gained valuable experience in roles involving negotiation, sales, strategic planning, electrical engineering, quality management, and training. Since joining the Al Thuraya Holdings group in 2016, Al has contributed significantly to the organization, currently serving as the VP of the Center of Excellence and Corporate Quality.
With a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) focused on Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Manitoba, Alain Couture brings a blend of technical knowledge and strategic thinking to his role. His experience includes developing business strategies, optimizing operational processes, and focusing on continuous improvement in quality management and customer satisfaction.
Throughout his career, Al has consistently led by example, showcasing a collaborative approach, strong team-building skills, and a commitment to driving innovation in business practices, all underscored by his dedication to achieving goals and passion for excellence.