Experience

• 

  Food Enterprise Company

  • Kuwait

  • Chief Executive Officer

    • Feb 2021 - Mar 2022
    • Kuwait

    ResponsibilitiesResponsible for managing the group overall strategies, operations and development for 400 Employees and 9 outlets.Develop and implement strategic plans to turnaround the organization and transform the business for sustainable growth.Deal with all financial and staffing matters including manpower planning, recruitment, deployment, training, development and performance management.HighlightsRestructured the company, and hired a full management team.Opened 4 branches for the Butchery (Avenues, Khiran, Salmiya and Sideq).Secured 1.1 Million KWD of facilities from Local Islamic Banks.Developed a 1,000 m2 state of the art factory to support expansion plans.Developed new brands like BEEF, BEEFREE, TASH, and BCLUB.Negotiated an acquisition deal with a mega investment firm.Expanded B2B sector attracting clients like AlShaya, Jumeirah Hotel, Seasons Group, IHG, etc.

• 

  Gurlis Group

  • Kuwait

  • Managing Director

    • Jan 2020 - Feb 2021
    • Kuwait

    Responsibilities • Manage the business operations of the company comprising of 18 outlets under Danish Bakery, Damlooj, La Marina and Danish Catering as well as 2 central kitchens in Kuwait.• Provide overall direction to operations with an average annual turnover of USD 11 million with around 400 employees.• Develop and implement strategic plans to turnaround the organization and transform the 30-year old brand to the path of sustainable growth.• Lead and coordinate the development of long-term and short-term business plans and associated budgets to deliver corporate goals and objectives.• Design, review and revamp company processes, policies and procedures to facilitate efficient and productive operations.• Build and manage the supply chain including development of vendors for various categories of food and non-food supplies and services.• Coordinate sourcing and procurement activities including negotiations with vendors to achieve best prices and terms with on time quality deliveries.• Formulate and administer budgets, monitor revenues, cash flows and expenses and implement plans to improve financial results. • Support and guide store managers in ensuring compliance with operational, food safety and customer service standards and achievement of sales and revenue targets. • Manage development and implementation of marketing and promotional programs to build and enhance the brand equity and recall of various formats.• Deal with all staffing matters including manpower planning, recruitment, deployment, training, development and performance management.Highlights• Restructured the company, stopped losses, resolved all financial and legal issues and delivered 15% growth in sales in less than 2 months

• 

  Al Thiqa Restaurants Company

  • Kuwait - UAE - Lebanon

  • Cheif Executive Officer (CEO)

    • Jan 2015 - Jan 2020
    • Kuwait - UAE - Lebanon

    Responsibilities • Managed the company’s business comprising of 60 outlets under multiple brands as well as 4 catering companies in Kuwait, Lebanon, the UAE, the UK, Iraq and KSA employing 800+ personnel with an average annual turnover of USD 45 million.• Spearheaded operations of restaurants under multiple brands – Shrimpy, Subway, GIA, The Backburner, Eggslut, Chicster, Bushanab, Hamborjer, Odachi and The Hide – ensuring adherence to applicable brand standards.• Developed and managed supply chains for procurement of food and non-food supplies in each country ensuring cost effective reliable availability of all requirements.• Identified and leveraged business opportunities in terms of new brands, formats and locations and drove business expansion and growth.• Led the development of marketing and sales strategies and ensure efficient implementation to achieve all business goals and objectives.• Managed all staffing matters including recruitment, training, motivation and performance management.• Formulated budgets, monitored costs, implemented cost saving plans and achieve significant improvements in financial performance.Highlights• Expanded the business from one-brand, 15-unit operations in Kuwait to a regional corporation with 8 brands and 60 branches and delivered 150% growth in sales.• Opened 2 Shrimpy branches in Lebanon, opened the first Eggslut franchise in the Middle East, acquired 7 Subway stores and delivered 100% growth for the brand in less than 90 days.• Achieved substantial improvements in company performance by adopting technological systems and management solutions

• 

  Al Safat Dhiafa Company

  • Kuwait

  • General Manager - Projects

    • Oct 2014 - Jan 2016
    • Kuwait

    • Worked with top consultancy firms to identify and validate new business opportunities aligned to the company’s overall growth strategy.• Supervised all activities related to franchising and brand expansions as well rebranding of business concepts.• Developed and implemented strategic plans to improve performance and increase revenues of existing brands.• Managed ongoing and upcoming projects ensuring on time within budget completion as per approved business plans.• Led brand expansions into international markets and revamped the business model to incorporate long term corporate growth plans• Acquired a new chain and created 3 new brands which increased sales by 50%

• 

  Al - Safat Dhiafa Company

  • Kuwait

  • Director of Operations

    • Apr 2014 - Oct 2014
    • Kuwait

    • Formulated and executed brand development strategies and plans for 5 brands.• Reviewed brand/procurement standards, identified improvement opportunities and implemented strategies for enhancing performance whilst reducing costs.• Participated in definition of business objectives and revenue targets for each division and brand and monitored performance to ensure optimum utilization of resources for achieving objectives related to sales, revenue and customer satisfaction.• Supervised operations, marketing and sales, managed products and pricing strategies, optimized inventories ensuring business/cost performance.• Opened business at 2 new locations leading to incremental revenue growth.

• 

  National Bank of Kuwait

  • Senior Marketing Analyst (Acting Unit Head)

    • Aug 2007 - Jun 2012

    • Worked in the Corporate Banking Group at the NBK headquarters, served as a member of the steering committee to develop the bank’s SME strategy.• Conducted market share analysis and contributed to the implementation of corporate portfolio segmentation.• Supported senior management in business development through liaison with high-profile businessmen and corporate clients.• Initiated and coordinated content development for the NBK website ensuring compliance with the bank’s policies and standards.• Performed market research to identify competitors to CBG’s business, recommended counter strategies and produced monthly performance reports for the senior management.• Enabled penetration of new market segments and delivery of quality customer service by developing effective sales/product strategies.• Leveraged inputs from market intelligence, customer satisfaction surveys and competition analysis to devise strategic plans to capture targeted consumer segments and increase market penetration.• Built and reinforced existing and new corporate banking relationships, facilitated cross-selling of banking products and services whilst ensuring complete customer satisfaction.• Recognized as Highflier Employee (2011) and Employee of the Quarter (July 2008)

• 

  InterContinental Hotels Group

  • Kuwait

  • Senior Business Development Manager

    • Feb 2005 - Jul 2007
    • Kuwait

    • Managed marketing for 3 IHG properties, served on the revenue management committee and contributed to 15% increase in turnover.• Formulated and implemented marketing strategies and business development plans to optimize sales, volume distribution and customer service.• Collaborated with and supported senior management in development and implementation of strategic and tactical plans to promote new and existing products, improve customer satisfaction & loyalty and drive growth.• Led, trained and motivated the PR team and supervised marketing and PR activities including finalization and administration of agency/supplier contracts.

• 

  Amer Group

  • Egypt

  • Marketing Manager

    • Sep 2002 - Mar 2005
    • Egypt

    • Managed all aspects of the company’s marketing and public relations needs including integrated marketing and promotional programs.• Conducted market research to map market dynamics, trends, competitor threats and business opportunities and implemented strategies to enhance performance and maximize ROIs.• Supported the Board of Directors in the implementation of restructuring plans through effective communications and execution of loyalty programs.