CEO
Abu Ghazaleh Investment Group (AGIG), January 2010 till Present
Total years of experience :38 years, 4 Months
Managing and assessing various real estate opportunities and projects for investment purposes. Currently developing and executing a $15.0 mln residential project consisting of 4 separate buildings with 50 apartments.
Assisted the following companies in restructuring, recruiting, streamlining and overall improving the efficiency of their operations and reducing costs.
- Nassar Engineering Services: A regional engineering management consulting company with offices in Abu Dhabi, Lebanon, Dubai, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain. Assisted the General manager and Shareholders in completing the sale of 100% of the company to Projacs international.
- Tewtel Group (Ford, Honda, Range Rover and Aston Martin): Assisted the CEO in restructuring and implementing a strategic plan to upgrade its services, reduce costs and streamline its financial reporting.
- Hatco: A 26 year old local industrial company exporting to over 40 countries (including Japan, France, UK, Germany). Spearheaded a company-wide restructuring process.
Key responsibilities:
- Reporting to the CEO & Board of Director of a Global conglomerate with over 2, 000 employees with an annual turnover of over $1.0 bln representing over 700, 000 metric tons of conventional commodities to a network of strategically located warehouses across the globe, including 50 warehouses in Africa.
- Webcor is a global group engaging in food products trading, distribution and manufacturing. Currently covering sourcing, logistics, production, marketing and distribution of branded commodities, FMCG and building materials. Currently operating throughout Africa, Europe, South America and Asia.
- Managing the following functions at the Head Office level of over 20 companies spread over 4 continents: Treasury, Financial reporting, Internal Audit and Risk, IT/MIS, Insurance, Planning & Budgeting and Human Resources for the Group.
Key responsibilities include:
- Reporting to the Chairman & Board of Directors of one of the largest industrial company’s in Lebanon with over 85% market share. Brands include Pepsi cola, 7-UP, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, Mr. Juicy and Tropicana Juices (4 flavors).
- Spearheading along with the Chairman the successful completion of a Joint Venture which resulted in PepsiCo International acquiring 34.5% of the local bottler.
- Spearheading all due diligence activities relating to legal, financial and operational aspects of the JV transaction.
- Managing the following functions: Treasury, Financial Accounting, Internal Controls, IT/MIS, Purchasing, Security & Insurance, Planning & Budgeting, Managers’ payroll. In addition to overseeing banking relations with over 10 prime local & international banks. CFO is given special privileges by the Board to sign on behalf of the company.
- Restructuring and managing a professional finance team of over 90 individuals of which 6 highly competent managers reported directly to the CFO. In addition to managing 45 guards distributed over 6 warehouses.
- Managing the day-to-day internal financial control, prepare management presentations, monitor and report on financial performance, prepare reports to summarize and forecast the company business activity and financial position.
- Spearheading the complete restructuring of all finance related departments including the complete installation of Oracle financials (7 modules) in addition to PepsiCo Sales & Distribution software in 6 warehouses.
- Implemented company wide policies and procedures to enhance the overall control environment. Implemented cost cutting measures to reduce overall waste which resulted in the company being profitable after many years of continuous losses.
- Preparing and presenting to the board & shareholders reports by providing analysis & explanations on financial indicators & elements to ensure the board & shareholders / regulatory authorities are fully aware of any significant items which are part of the published financial reports. In addition to presenting the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) & the 3 year “Strategic Plan” for approval. Make financial recommendations to the Board and Chairman based on financial reports & detailed analysis to ensure business goals & targets are met.
Responsibilities include:
- Spearheaded the launching of the Corporate Banking Dept. Managing a portfolio of over 50 prime corporate customers in addition to developing news customers based on annual predetermined set targets.
- Reporting to the country general manager and to the regional credit officer for credit renewals and new facilities for corporate customers over USD $2.0 mln .
- Marketing & crossing selling of all the bank’s products including AMEX, Visa/Mastercard, housing & retail loans based on predetermined set goals. In addition to attracting new depositors to enhance the banks deposit base.
- Involved in the due diligence activities relating to the sale of the bank’s assets and liabilities.
Responsibilities include:
- Reporting to the General Manager and the regional credit committee based in the United Kingdom.
- Developing and maintaining a portfolio of leading local and regional companies in various sectors.
- Responsible for overseeing the development and training of the newly formed corporate banking division after the banks complete restructuring of all departments.
Responsibilities include:
- Reporting to the Head of the Corporate banking dept. and to the banks executive credit committee. The bank’s corporate loan portfolio consisted of over $1.0 bln representing the largest lending portfolio of banks in Lebanon.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing daily operations of over 650 independent computer dealers and over 40 computer and service suppliers throughout the USA and Canada.
- Reporting to the Chairman & GM of the largest group of independent computer dealers in the world representing over $3.0 bln in purchasing power.
Responsibilities include:
- Auditing numerous fortune 500 companies in various sectors in the Washington, DC region. Sectors such as Services, Government, Non-profit org., Manufacturing, Universities, Banks and Financial institutions.
- Major customers audited include: Citibank, Watergate Hotel, Fairfax County, Galuadet University, Howard University, Fredi Mac, Fanie Mae, PSPN television station, Omni and construction.
- Attended numerous in-house training courses relating to the audit function.
Responsibilities include:
- Reporting to the CFO of a multi-billion conglomerate. The Group’s major activities in the USA, includes real estate investment and the education of over 30, 000 Lebanese and Arab students.
- Reporting to the CEO of the investment company.
- Reviewing investment opportunities and loan applications presented by potential customers. In addition to full sight visits and full analysis of feasibility studies presented by customers.