What is your role at MRG?
I am a Business Director at MRG, covering the Middle East across real estate, construction, and infrastructure. Based between Dubai and Riyadh, I partner with developers, investment groups, and government-backed organisations to deliver executive search and leadership hiring solutions across the region.
What are you most proud about that you have achieved in your career to date?
Helping to establish and grow a Saudi Arabia-focused practice has been a career highlight. Being trusted to support some of the Kingdom’s most ambitious projects and successfully placing leaders who have gone on to make a real impact is something I’m incredibly proud of.
How did you get into recruitment, and why?
I initially wanted to run my own business, and recruitment appealed to me because it offers many of the same qualities, building relationships, creating opportunities, and taking ownership of your success. I quickly realised that recruitment is fundamentally a people business, and that played to my strengths. I enjoy connecting with people, understanding what drives them, and helping them make career decisions that can have a lasting impact. That combination of entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and relationships is what attracted me to the industry and has kept me motivated throughout my career.
What energises you about working in this sector?
I’ve always had a passion for real estate and the built environment. Having previously run my own real estate development business in London, I understand the sector from both a client and operator perspective. That market knowledge, combined with the scale and ambition of projects across the Middle East, makes the work particularly rewarding.
What’s the biggest thing that’s changed in recruitment since you started?
Recruitment has become far more strategic. Clients increasingly want market intelligence, talent mapping, succession planning, and leadership advice.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
Outside of recruitment, I’m a DJ and have played at events and venues around the world, including the UK, Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, Brazil, Guatemala, and Mexico. It’s a passion that has allowed me to travel extensively, connect with different cultures, and perform in front of diverse audiences.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Always take the opportunity to travel and see the world when you’re given one. Experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and stepping outside your comfort zone gives you a broader perspective on both business and life. It’s advice I’ve followed throughout my career and something that has shaped who I am today.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
Driven, authentic, and resilient.
And finally, who would play you in the movie about your life?
Jason Statham. He’s British, has travelled everywhere, and always looks like he’s got a plan—even when he probably hasn’t. I can relate to at least two of those things. 😄
Get in touch with Jags Bal for an informal chat about how he can help you and your recruitment needs.