General Manager · Speaker · Advisor

Otto Korpela

Transforming Organizations Through AI, Education & Purposeful Leadership

MEA·APAC·Global

A Leader at the Intersection of Technology & Human Potential

With over 15 years of executive leadership experience spanning Finland and the Middle East, I have built a career at the crossroads of technology, education, and organizational transformation. Having held senior roles at world-class companies including Microsoft, Fazer, and Cramo, I now serve as General Manager at Sulava MEA Qatar — where I lead digital transformation initiatives and oversee education programs across the Middle East & Africa region.

My passion lies in harnessing the power of AI to reshape how organizations learn, grow, and evolve — and in developing leaders who inspire lasting change across cultures and industries.

15+Years of Experience
4Major Global Companies
2Key Global Regions

Areas of Expertise

Combining global executive experience with deep domain knowledge to drive meaningful impact for organizations and leaders worldwide.

AI & Innovation

Harnessing artificial intelligence to drive competitive advantage and operational excellence. I help organizations navigate the AI landscape with clarity — from strategy through implementation.

Teaching & Learning

Designing transformative learning experiences that build capability at scale. I bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application, with deep expertise in educational program development across MEA.

Change Management

Guiding organizations through complex transformations with proven methodologies. I ensure that change initiatives deliver lasting results by focusing equally on people, process, and culture.

Executive Leadership

Developing leaders who inspire, align, and execute with clarity. Drawing on global executive experience across diverse industries and cultures, I help leadership teams unlock their full collective potential.

Sales Leadership

Building high-performance sales cultures that deliver consistent, sustainable revenue growth. With a track record spanning multiple industries and markets, I know what it takes to win in competitive environments.

Organizational Transformation

Reshaping organizations to thrive in a rapidly changing world. From structure to strategy, I provide the frameworks, tools, and leadership presence needed to make transformation stick.

Professional Experience

A track record built across world-class organizations, industries, and continents.

Sulava MEA Qatar

Current
2022 — Present

General Manager | Education Lead, MEA

  • Leading digital transformation and AI adoption initiatives across the Middle East & Africa region
  • Responsible for education strategy and program development across MEA
  • Building strategic partnerships with governments, universities, and enterprise clients
  • Driving Sulava's growth and market presence in the GCC and broader MEA corridor

Microsoft

2018 — 2022

Education Lead | Sales Manager WE & CEE | Business Productivity Lead, EMEA

Senior leadership roles across education, sales and business productivity at one of the world's leading technology companies, operating at WE, CEE and EMEA level.

Cramo

2013 — 2018

IT Director & Management

Senior IT and management leadership at one of Europe's leading equipment rental companies.

Fazer

2008 — 2013

IT Director & Management

Senior IT and management leadership at one of Finland's most iconic and internationally recognised food and consumer brands.

Speaker & Thought Leader

I bring real-world executive perspective to stages around the world — blending strategic insight with practical, actionable content that resonates with leaders at every level.

  • AI & The Future of Work
  • Digital Transformation Strategy
  • Education in the Digital Age
  • Change Management & Organizational Culture
  • Building High-Performance Leadership Teams
  • MEA & APAC Market Opportunities
CorporatesGovernmentsUniversitiesConferencesLeadership Summits

“Otto brings a rare combination of global executive experience and genuine passion for education and transformation. His sessions consistently receive the highest ratings — insightful, practical, and inspiring.”

— Event OrganizerInternational Leadership Conference
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International Reach & Presence

Operating at the heart of two of the world's most dynamic and fast-growing regions.

Middle East & Africa

Based in Qatar and leading transformation across the MEA corridor — from the Gulf states to East and Southern Africa, working with governments, enterprises, and universities.

  • Qatar
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kenya
  • Egypt
  • South Africa

Asia Pacific

Supporting organizational transformation and delivering keynote engagements across the Asia Pacific region's most dynamic and rapidly evolving markets.

  • Singapore
  • Australia
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Malaysia
20+Countries Reached
100+Organizations Served
50+Speaking Engagements

Content & Media

Insights on AI, leadership, and transformation — straight from the field.

YouTube Channel

@OttokorpelaTap the button below to watch on YouTube

Deep dives into AI strategy, leadership insights, and transformation stories from the MEA region and beyond. Subscribe for weekly content.

Watch on YouTube

TikTok

@ottoko76

Short-form insights on leadership, AI, and life across MEA. Follow for daily inspiration.

Quick, actionable insights on leadership, AI trends, and organizational transformation — perfect for leaders on the go.

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Let's Connect

Whether you're looking for a speaker, a consultant, or a strategic partner — I'd love to hear from you.

Based InDoha, Qatar · MEA Region
Response TimeWithin 24 hours
AvailabilityOpen to speaking & consulting globally