
GIU Honors Walid Fathi Salem with an Honorary Doctorate in Information Systems
Graham International University (GIU) is proud to announce that Mr. Walid Fathi Salem has been conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Hon.Ph.D.) in Information Systems, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of information technology and digital transformation leadership.
With over two decades of experience in the ever-evolving landscape of IT solutions, Dr. (h.c.) Salem has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to using technology as a tool to enhance human experiences. His career journey has spanned both public and private sectors — from developing learning management systems for government initiatives to leading transformative IT programs for global corporations such as Zurich Insurance.

Dr. Salem’s leadership and innovation have earned him recognition as one of the Top 200 Next Generation CIOs for 2023 and 2024, a testament to his vision, expertise, and impact in shaping the future of information systems. At Zurich Insurance, he has successfully defined strategies that elevate customer experiences while strengthening collaboration across regional teams. Among his notable achievements is the rollout of critical applications across the Middle East, ensuring seamless integration between local operations and global standards.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Salem has spearheaded initiatives that bridge business objectives and technological advancements. His work at institutions like ADNIC and Zurich Insurance has consistently delivered measurable outcomes—such as improving operational efficiency by more than 30% through strategic innovation and process optimization.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Salem is passionate about sharing knowledge and inspiring the next generation of IT professionals. Through public speaking engagements and mentorship programs, he continues to promote innovation, education, and ethical leadership in the tech industry.
The conferment of this honorary doctorate celebrates Dr. Salem’s exemplary leadership, professional excellence, and lifelong dedication to advancing information systems. GIU proudly recognizes his contributions as a model of how technology can be harnessed to create meaningful, lasting change in organizations and communities around the world.