
Global Innovative Health are embarking on an exciting and ambitious journey as we support the entry of the most promising digital health solution providers into the GCC market. Our driving force is a close collaboration with governmental bodies, regulators, and private providers to enhance the well-being of communities throughout the GCC region.
The GCC markets offer immense opportunities for digital health solution providers to deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders. Working with our partner AL Fahim Healthcare Solutions, our ultimate objective is to make a substantial contribution to the growth and development of the digital health industry in the GCC region, thereby improving health outcomes for individuals and communities. We take great pride in our commitment to advancing healthcare, and creating a positive impact on society.
The Team
Meet the Co-Founders
Ben Standeven
Ben has over 13 years of experience in leadership, strategic partnerships, and international business expansion and has a broad international network. He has been instrumental in the growth and success of several digital health and HealthTech companies internationally. Ben has a deep understanding of, and empathetic approach to internationalising digital health solutions. Ben helps digital health companies from around the world enter, develop, and expand in the GCC region. His expertise lies in international expansion and growth, marketing and sales, commercial strategy, business development and partnership strategy, and innovation adoption.
Throughout his career he has been responsible for managing key national corporate contracts, delivering strategic partnerships, negotiating and creating contracts to win and maintain business, and project managing and supervising all marketing processes. A results-oriented professional with a track record of delivering high-quality work, a deep understanding of digital health and HealthTech and a broad international experience.
Ben is a Trustee of an orphanage and children's home in India, supporting the children of people living with leprosy. Ben is an active member of his local PTA and also supports his local blood-biking group to deliver blood, breast milk and other necessary products.
Aileen Culligan
Aileen Culligan is a seasoned professional boasting a wealth of experience and an expansive network within the healthcare industry globally. She brings an understanding of the Middle East market with extensive expertise spanning business development, events, marketing, public affairs and relations. A resident of the region for over 25 years, she has developed a considerable network within both the public and private sectors.
Prior to GIH, she held roles as the regional director with EIDO Healthcare and the Programme Director with The Economist Group where she worked on integrated programmes with a focus on healthcare across Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
During her career she has consulted with a number of NHS trusts, and has held positions with HCA International as the UAE Country Manager, as a Strategic Advisor for the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (now the Ministry of Investment), Middle East Healthcare Practice Director for Asda’a Edelman and Congress Manager at Informa, where she developed and launched the Arab Health conference portfolio.
Aileen is a founding member of the Little Wings Foundation, a registered charity in the United Kingdom and Wales. Her dedication to making a positive impact in the community further complements her illustrious career in the healthcare industry.
Ben Standeven
Ben has over 13 years of experience in leadership, strategic partnerships, and international business expansion and has a broad international network. He has been instrumental in the growth and success of several digital health and HealthTech companies internationally. Ben has a deep understanding of, and empathetic approach to internationalising digital health solutions. Ben helps digital health companies from around the world enter, develop, and expand in the GCC region. His expertise lies in international expansion and growth, marketing and sales, commercial strategy, business development and partnership strategy, and innovation adoption.
Throughout his career he has been responsible for managing key national corporate contracts, delivering strategic partnerships, negotiating and creating contracts to win and maintain business, and project managing and supervising all marketing processes. A results-oriented professional with a track record of delivering high-quality work, a deep understanding of digital health and HealthTech and a broad international experience.
Ben is a Trustee of an orphanage and children's home in India, supporting the children of people living with leprosy. Ben is an active member of his local PTA and also supports his local blood-biking group to deliver blood, breast milk and other necessary products.
Aileen Culligan
Aileen Culligan is a seasoned professional boasting a wealth of experience and an expansive network within the healthcare industry globally. She brings an understanding of the Middle East market with extensive expertise spanning business development, events, marketing, public affairs and relations. A resident of the region for over 25 years, she has developed a considerable network within both the public and private sectors.
Prior to GIH, she held roles as the regional director with EIDO Healthcare and the Programme Director with The Economist Group where she worked on integrated programmes with a focus on healthcare across Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
During her career she has consulted with a number of NHS trusts, and has held positions with HCA International as the UAE Country Manager, as a Strategic Advisor for the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (now the Ministry of Investment), Middle East Healthcare Practice Director for Asda’a Edelman and Congress Manager at Informa, where she developed and launched the Arab Health conference portfolio.
Aileen is a founding member of the Little Wings Foundation, a registered charity in the United Kingdom and Wales. Her dedication to making a positive impact in the community further complements her illustrious career in the healthcare industry.
Meet our Advisory Board
Advisory Board Member
Isabel Arango
Isabel is a subject matter expert bringing over 30 years of diverse experience to her current role as Global External Advisor to McKinsey & Co. and as a Director of Global Health Services, for an NHS trust.
Her career is marked by significant contributions to operations management and consultancy, having worked with over 60 acute care centers, 600 outpatient facilities, and various other healthcare entities including specialty clinics, senior living facilities, home health agencies, wellness centers, and rehabilitation centers. Isabel's expertise lies in the integration of healthcare systems, where she serves as a subject matter expert.
In the MENA region and International Markets, Isabel has provided and led strategic planning, operational and advisory consultancy services for the development and operation of medical cities and complexes, acute and outpatient facility assessment, quality and risk management, operational efficiency and transformation, standardization of services, feasibility studies, public private partnership development, value-based healthcare, accreditation, facility management, clinical & non-clinical policy & standards development, patient experience, commissioning and investor opportunities in specialized services.
In the United States, Isabel's leadership extended to serving as the regional director for two of the country's largest for-profit hospital organizations and a significant non-profit hospital entity in the Southern United States. Additionally, she excelled as the regional head of Physician Services and Compliance Officer within one of these for-profit organizations.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Najat Rashid
Dr. Najat Rashid, is an eminent Emirati clinical chemist who has held significant roles at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE, notably as Director of the Federal Medical Laboratories. She has also held roles previously within the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, UAE, she served as Chief of Laboratory Medicine for over five years until January 2022. Dr. Rashid's educational journey includes a MSc & PhD in Clinical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Surrey, a Leadership in Healthcare Program Diploma from the American University of Beirut, and a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from Jordan University of Science and Technology in 1992.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Mansour Al Zarouni
Dr. Mansour Al Zarouni, the Chairman of Al Fahim Healthcare Solutions, is a distinguished Emirati Medical and Molecular Microbiologist with a proven track record in healthcare leadership. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, he served as the Executive Director at EML Diagnostics, spearheading innovative medical solutions for nearly four years. Previously, he was the Director of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the Ministry of Health, UAE, where his expertise and dedication unfolded across two decades, significantly impacting Al-Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah. Dr. Al Zarouni holds a PhD in Medical & Molecular Microbiology from the University of Surrey, UK, earned between 1995 and 2000.
Advisory Board Member
John O’Connell
John O'Connell boasts a strong achievement record as a healthcare professional, in healthcare management with a proven track record of commercial success. He brings a varied, in-depth experience in healthcare, strategic partner management (B2B & B2G), communications and project and commercial management in both upstream and downstream product development.
John brings a career spanning 30 years including pivotal roles at GE Healthcare, as General Manager he successfully delivered on sustained growth to 82 countries across the EAGM. He has held positions at Riyadh Al-Kharj Military Hospital in Saudi Arabia, Milton Keynes General Hospital, Southend General Hospital amongst several other NHS trusts. He has also contributed significantly to healthcare institutions in South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Iraq France, Iran, Jordan and Pakistan. His global professional footprint, coupled with an enduring commitment to healthcare advancement, defines O'Connell's illustrious career.
His career is underscored by a robust educational foundation. He holds a BSc in Health Sciences – Radiography, an Executive MBA in Strategic Management, an MSc in Medical Physics, Postgrad Certificate in Health Economics, and an MSc in Physician Associate Studies. He is certified in 6 Sigma Quality Management (DMAIC), Lean Six Sigma, and PRINCE2® Project Management.
John has interests in use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in data mining, subtle diagnostic and big data analysis in trend analysis of individual or patient groups in identifying path-demographics of disease processes in sub-clinical or clinical patient groups.
Advisory Board Member
Russell Mayne
Russell Mayne is a healthcare business transformation expert and is responsible for the execution of Dell Technologies’ healthcare strategy for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa regions.
He brings on board extensive global experience in sales and project management, having worked on key projects across the UK and the Middle East. He has a successful track record of delivering change and transformation solutions across challenging healthcare environments.
Russell has 20 years of experience within private and public healthcare settings, with an acute understanding of the market. A resident of Dubai for the last 10 years he has established a considerable network across the Middle East's Health Information Technology sector. He is committed to supporting patient safety and quality improvement, with specific expertise in Healthcare Informatics. Russell is also a Fellow of the Faculty of Clinical Informatics.
Prior to joining Dell Technologies, Russell held the role of General Manager and Optimization Lead at Ideal Middle East, where he incorporated the business, established partnership agreements, developed strategic reseller agreements with key UK software vendors, maintained sales pipelines, and led HIMSS accreditations and optimization projects across the region.
Russell holds a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Cape Town, and a MSc in Pain Science from King’s College London. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from University of Westminster, UK.
Russell contributes to the Dubai College Diversity and Inclusion Committee and mentors founders

Advisory Board Member
Isabel Arango
Isabel is a subject matter expert bringing over 30 years of diverse experience to her current role as Global External Advisor to McKinsey & Co. and as a Director of Global Health Services, for an NHS trust.
Her career is marked by significant contributions to operations management and consultancy, having worked with over 60 acute care centers, 600 outpatient facilities, and various other healthcare entities including specialty clinics, senior living facilities, home health agencies, wellness centers, and rehabilitation centers. Isabel's expertise lies in the integration of healthcare systems, where she serves as a subject matter expert.
In the MENA region and International Markets, Isabel has provided and led strategic planning, operational and advisory consultancy services for the development and operation of medical cities and complexes, acute and outpatient facility assessment, quality and risk management, operational efficiency and transformation, standardization of services, feasibility studies, public private partnership development, value-based healthcare, accreditation, facility management, clinical & non-clinical policy & standards development, patient experience, commissioning and investor opportunities in specialized services.
In the United States, Isabel's leadership extended to serving as the regional director for two of the country's largest for-profit hospital organizations and a significant non-profit hospital entity in the Southern United States. Additionally, she excelled as the regional head of Physician Services and Compliance Officer within one of these for-profit organizations.

Advisory Board Member
Dr. Najat Rashid
Dr. Najat Rashid, is an eminent Emirati clinical chemist who has held significant roles at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE, notably as Director of the Federal Medical Laboratories. She has also held roles previously within the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, UAE, she served as Chief of Laboratory Medicine for over five years until January 2022. Dr. Rashid's educational journey includes a MSc & PhD in Clinical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Surrey, a Leadership in Healthcare Program Diploma from the American University of Beirut, and a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from Jordan University of Science and Technology in 1992.

Advisory Board Member
Dr. Mansour Al Zarouni
Dr. Mansour Al Zarouni, the Chairman of Al Fahim Healthcare Solutions, is a distinguished Emirati Medical and Molecular Microbiologist with a proven track record in healthcare leadership. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, he served as the Executive Director at EML Diagnostics, spearheading innovative medical solutions for nearly four years. Previously, he was the Director of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the Ministry of Health, UAE, where his expertise and dedication unfolded across two decades, significantly impacting Al-Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah. Dr. Al Zarouni holds a PhD in Medical & Molecular Microbiology from the University of Surrey, UK, earned between 1995 and 2000.

Advisory Board Member
John O’Connell
John O'Connell boasts a strong achievement record as a healthcare professional, in healthcare management with a proven track record of commercial success. He brings a varied, in-depth experience in healthcare, strategic partner management (B2B & B2G), communications and project and commercial management in both upstream and downstream product development.
John brings a career spanning 30 years including pivotal roles at GE Healthcare, as General Manager he successfully delivered on sustained growth to 82 countries across the EAGM. He has held positions at Riyadh Al-Kharj Military Hospital in Saudi Arabia, Milton Keynes General Hospital, Southend General Hospital amongst several other NHS trusts. He has also contributed significantly to healthcare institutions in South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Iraq France, Iran, Jordan and Pakistan. His global professional footprint, coupled with an enduring commitment to healthcare advancement, defines O'Connell's illustrious career.
His career is underscored by a robust educational foundation. He holds a BSc in Health Sciences – Radiography, an Executive MBA in Strategic Management, an MSc in Medical Physics, Postgrad Certificate in Health Economics, and an MSc in Physician Associate Studies. He is certified in 6 Sigma Quality Management (DMAIC), Lean Six Sigma, and PRINCE2® Project Management.
John has interests in use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in data mining, subtle diagnostic and big data analysis in trend analysis of individual or patient groups in identifying path-demographics of disease processes in sub-clinical or clinical patient groups.

Advisory Board Member
Russell Mayne
Russell Mayne is a healthcare business transformation expert and is responsible for the execution of Dell Technologies’ healthcare strategy for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa regions.
He brings on board extensive global experience in sales and project management, having worked on key projects across the UK and the Middle East. He has a successful track record of delivering change and transformation solutions across challenging healthcare environments.
Russell has 20 years of experience within private and public healthcare settings, with an acute understanding of the market. A resident of Dubai for the last 10 years he has established a considerable network across the Middle East's Health Information Technology sector. He is committed to supporting patient safety and quality improvement, with specific expertise in Healthcare Informatics. Russell is also a Fellow of the Faculty of Clinical Informatics.
Prior to joining Dell Technologies, Russell held the role of General Manager and Optimization Lead at Ideal Middle East, where he incorporated the business, established partnership agreements, developed strategic reseller agreements with key UK software vendors, maintained sales pipelines, and led HIMSS accreditations and optimization projects across the region.
Russell holds a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Cape Town, and a MSc in Pain Science from King’s College London. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from University of Westminster, UK.
Russell contributes to the Dubai College Diversity and Inclusion Committee and mentors founders