New global registration framework recognizes diverse professional backgrounds and aims to strengthen executive coaching standards, visibility and access across the Middle East and North Africa.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MISSISSAUGA, CANADA — October 31, 2026 — ExecQutive – The Executive coaches Association has introduced its Executive Coaching Professional Standards, establishing a global framework for professional registration and recognition designed to advance executive coaching and respond to the evolving needs of leaders and organizations worldwide, including across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Across MENA, organizations are navigating significant economic transformation, business diversification, organizational growth and changing leadership demands. As industries evolve and leadership responsibilities become increasingly complex, access to executive coaching expertise that understands the region’s cultural, economic and organizational landscape is becoming increasingly important.
ExecQutive’s initiative recognizes that executive coaching must reflect the environments in which leaders operate. Its global standards are designed to recognize diverse professional experience, educational backgrounds and coaching approaches while providing a shared framework for professional registration and recognition across international markets.
A Global Perspective with Regional Understanding
ExecQutive’s Founder & CEO, Michelle Nasser, and members of its Founding Advisory Board bring professional experience working with organizations and leaders across the MENA region and a range of industries. This experience contributes to the association’s understanding of the different leadership challenges, business environments and organizational priorities that shape executive coaching needs across the region.
“Advancing executive coaching requires us to think beyond established approaches and respond to what leaders, organizations and the profession need next. At ExecQutive, we believe that global registration and professional standards can play an important role in strengthening recognition, broadening access to coaching expertise, and creating new opportunities for executive coaches worldwide.
Professional recognition should not be limited by geography. Executive coaches bring different professional experiences and cultural perspectives, but the same global standards should apply equally across markets,” said Michelle Nasser, Founder and CEO of ExecQutive.
The standards recognize that no single coaching methodology or professional background can address every leadership environment. Through its Multi-dimensional Coaching framework, ExecQutive acknowledges the range of methodologies, formats, tools, processes and areas of focus that support leaders and organizations across different industries and regions.
Four Pathways to Global Professional Registration
A central component of the standards is the introduction of four qualifying pathways, providing different routes for experienced professionals to register as executive coaches.
The pathways recognize individuals with:
- Leadership Experience: Senior leaders, executives, directors and entrepreneurs with relevant leadership experience.
- Human Resources: Professionals from HR, talent development, succession planning and organizational development.
- Coaching Education and Credentials: Coaches with qualifying education or credentials from established coaching institutions and organizations.
- Other Professional Backgrounds: Experienced professionals from fields including law, finance, engineering, architecture, medicine, academia and psychology.
All four pathways recognize the importance of leadership experience, relevant education or training, and a commitment to the professional standards.
Advancing Leadership and Professional Recognition Across Regions
The standards are built around three core areas: Global Registration and Recognition, Multi-dimensional Coaching, and Visibility and Access.
For leaders and organizations, the framework supports greater visibility of executive coaching expertise and access to a broader range of professional backgrounds and approaches. For executive coaches, global registration provides professional recognition and opportunities to work with other coaches, leaders and organizations across markets.
Executive coaches bring different professional backgrounds, experiences, expertise and cultural perspectives to their work. Whether based in the MENA region, Canada, the UK or elsewhere, all registered executive coaches are recognized under the same global professional standards and qualifying expectations. Their expertise may differ, but their professional standing is equal.
At the same time, the framework supports greater access for leaders and organizations worldwide to high-quality executive coaching that reflects their individual goals, cultural contexts, business environments and leadership needs. This brings together consistent professional standards with the flexibility to deliver coaching that is relevant and tailored to each leader and organization.
ExecQutive does not offer coaching credentials, certification or training. It provides global registration and career-building opportunities for executive coaches worldwide.
The ExecQutive Executive Coaching Professional Standards are available at Executive Coaching Professional Standards — ExecQutive
About ExecQutive – The Executive Coaches Association
ExecQutive brings together professional executive coaches across methodologies, industries, cultures and regions. Founded by Michelle Nasser and supported by its Founding Advisory Board, comprising Walid Koubaa, Carla Reale, Dr. Ergham Bachir, Farhan Zaveri and Kunal Phalpher, ExecQutive advances professional recognition through global registration, professional standards and career-building opportunities.
Its broader platform includes ExecQutive Magazine, The Leadership Seat Podcast and Partners in Leadership, creating opportunities to showcase leadership in action.
Media Contact
Michelle Nasser
Founder & CEO
ExecQutive – The Executive Coaches Association
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.execqutive.com/