A visionary entrepreneur and one of the most influential figures in global retail, is the Founder and Chairman of AppCorp Holding Global. From humble beginnings in Dubai with a single store, Ved has transformed AppCorp into a multi-billion-dollar global powerhouse with a presence in 14 countries. The group’s success is anchored by its flagship company, Apparel Group, a globally recognized name operating over 2,300 stores, representing more than 85 brands, and employing a workforce exceeding 24,000 employees.
Apparel Group’s achievements have been recognized globally, earning accolades such as the MENA Retail Partner of the Year and MENA Sustainable Retailer of the Year at the RLI MENA Awards. The company also received the prestigious 5-Star Award from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and was named among Seramount’s Top 10 Best Companies for Women in the GCC and the Top 25 Best Workplaces for Women in the GCC for 2024. Further cementing its reputation, Apparel Group won the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2024 for best workplace and HR practices.
Apparel Group’s diverse portfolio includes iconic international brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Skechers, Charles & Keith, Levi’s, and Rituals, alongside homegrown labels like F5 Global, R&B, and Athletes Co. Under Ved’s leadership, Apparel Group has become a symbol of retail innovation, introducing pioneering initiatives such as the Club Apparel loyalty program in 2010 and the e-commerce platform 6thStreet.com in 2016. In 2022, the company unveiled the GCC’s first-ever phygital store, blending online and offline experiences to serve customers across 1,200 brands with seamless integration from over 1,300 stores.
Born in Mumbai, India, and raised in Oman and the UAE, Ved graduated from Boston University with a degree in Science and Business Administration. His fascination with Western fashion and retail during his travels inspired him to bring global brands to the Middle East, fulfilling a significant market gap. This vision led to the founding of Apparel Group in 1996, which now thrives in the cosmopolitan environment of Dubai, leveraging the city’s position as a global hub for commerce and innovation.
Beyond retail, Ved’s leadership extends into logistics, production, and diverse sectors such as food and beverage, healthcare, real estate, and financial services. Through ventures like Shopfit Interiors, Speedex, and Konnect Logistics, he has ensured that every facet of the business aligns with his commitment to excellence. His foresight also enabled early entry into the Indian market, establishing Apparel Group India Pvt. Ltd. in 2001. With over 246 stores and 16+ international brands like Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret, the group solidified its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Apparel Group’s achievements have been recognized globally, earning accolades such as the MENA Retail Partner of the Year and MENA Sustainable Retailer of the Year at the RLI MENA Awards. The company also received the prestigious 5-Star Award from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and was named among Seramount’s Top 10 Best Companies for Women in the GCC and the Top 25 Best Workplaces for Women in the GCC for 2024. Further cementing its reputation, Apparel Group won the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2024 for best workplace and HR practices.
A firm believer in corporate social responsibility, Ved has aligned AppCorp with the United Nations Global Compact since 2015, emphasizing sustainability and community impact. Together with his wife, Sima Ved, he has built a legacy that intertwines entrepreneurial success with a commitment to societal upliftment. Through his visionary leadership, Nilesh Ved continues to inspire, shaping the retail industry in the UAE and beyond, and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global retail epicenter.