Most Innovative Tech Leaders to Watch for in 2026
Every technology leader today has access to roughly the same tools, AI models, cloud infrastructure, and talent pool as everyone else. What separates those actually changing their industry from those simply keeping pace is not access to better technology; it is what they choose to build with it before the rest of the market catches on. The Portfolio’s latest edition, “Most Innovative Tech Leaders to Watch for in 2026,” profiles ten technologists who have moved past deploying what already exists and are now architecting what their industries will run on next.
Building this edition meant talking to CTOs, founders, engineering heads, and product leaders across sectors from fintech to healthcare to enterprise infrastructure. One pattern surfaced again and again in those conversations: the leaders who stood out weren’t the ones with the most polished roadmap slides; they were the ones who had already shipped something built on a bet nobody else was confident enough to make yet.
Inside this edition are unfiltered conversations, technical decisions explained in plain language, and the kind of hard-won lessons that rarely survive a press release. Also, do read our ‘What Matters’ on why physical AI is the next big technology shift.
Sulaiman Mugalasi
Head of Information Technology, CIO
Airtel Money Uganda
With more than 15 years of experience across telecommunications, banking, fintech, infrastructure, and IT operations, Sulaiman Mugalasi has developed deep expertise in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and technology strategy. As Head of Information Technology and CIO at Airtel Money Uganda, he leads technology initiatives supporting large-scale digital financial services, focusing on resilience, innovation, regulatory compliance, and customer-driven technology delivery.
Abdulmalik Iliyasu
Head of Information Technology
Veritas Kapital Assurance PLC
With more than a decade of experience across insurance, fintech, power and utilities, oil and gas, and the public sector, Abdulmalik Iliyasu has built expertise in enterprise technology, digital transformation, automation, AI, cybersecurity, and business process innovation. As Head of Information Technology at Veritas Kapital Assurance, he leads initiatives that strengthen digital operations, customer experience, compliance, and technology-driven business growth.
Eyad Mohamed Al Qudsi
CTO
Emirates Face Recognition
With more than two decades of experience in digital banking, technology, and alternative delivery channels, Eyad Mohamed Al Qudsi has led the development and deployment of digital platforms across the Middle East. As CTO of Emirates Face Recognition, he combines strategic technology leadership with expertise in AI, digital banking, mobile services, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation to build scalable, technology-driven solutions.
Görkem Köseoğlu
Group Chief Customer & AI Officer
Network International
With more than 20 years of global leadership experience across banking, insurance, and technology, Görkem Köseoğlu has led complex digital, customer, product, and AI transformations. As Group Chief Customer & AI Officer at Network International, he brings together technology, customer experience, operations, and artificial intelligence to drive innovation and business performance across markets, and he contributes to discussions on responsible AI policy in Europe.
Jennifer Holmgren
CEO
LanzaTech
With more than two decades of experience in renewable energy, chemicals, research, and clean technology, Jennifer Holmgren has built a career focused on developing solutions for a lower-carbon future. As CEO of LanzaTech, she leads the company’s work in transforming waste carbon into useful materials and fuels, drawing on extensive experience in renewable energy innovation and technology development.