Ihab Darwish

Provide executive-level consulting on HR transformation, organizational redesign, and strategic resource allocation for public and private sector clients.

Served as a Member of the Executive Leadership Team reporting directly to the CEO, directing all human capital functions for a 600+ employee banking institution. Advised the CEO and executive management on strategic workforce planning, organizational design, executive compensation, succession planning, and performance management frameworks aligned with the Bank’s strategic objectives. Led the redesign and implementation of salary scale structures and executive compensation programs to ensure market competitiveness and regulatory compliance. Oversaw recruitment, retention, employee relations, HR governance, and full compliance with national banking regulations and labor laws. Developed and implemented enterprise-wide KPIs, HR policies, and performance systems to strengthen accountability and operational efficiency. Led strategic transformation initiatives under the Bank’s strategic plan, including organizational restructuring, talent pipeline development, and institutional capacity building. Promoted employee engagement and DEI initiatives, and implemented large-scale training programs to enhance workforce productivity and business performance.

Evaluated and oversaw internal banking and administrative processes to ensure compliance with institutional policies, regulatory standards, and the Bank’s strategic objectives. Developed and implemented quality assurance frameworks and control standards to strengthen operational effectiveness and service delivery. Coordinated with department heads and branch management to ensure consistent application of quality standards and alignment with organizational excellence requirements. Collected and analyzed quality performance metrics, identified root causes of operational gaps, and implemented corrective and preventive actions to enhance institutional performance. Facilitated cross-departmental communication throughout the product lifecycle to ensure timely resolution of quality issues. Identified training needs and delivered coaching initiatives to reinforce quality standards and promote continuous improvement across the organization.

Directed regional HR and employment operations across 10 countries in the MENA region, overseeing a distributed workforce and managing a team of 20+ HR and operations professionals across multiple branches. Developed and implemented integrated HR policies and procedures aligned with diverse national labor laws and regulatory frameworks, ensuring consistent governance, compliance, and reporting across all locations.

Implemented and managed a standardized regional performance management framework (OKRs and KPIs), strengthening accountability, organizational alignment, and executive oversight of performance outcomes. Oversaw multi-country payroll and benefits administration, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency, while leading automation initiatives to streamline employee services, claims, and internal processes.

Supported the CEO in developing and executing short- and long-term strategic plans, contributing to organizational structuring and operational efficiency improvements across departments. Led end-to-end employee lifecycle management, including onboarding and offboarding processes, contract approvals, logistics coordination, and systems access, ensuring seamless workforce integration and operational continuity.

Established and led the Human Resources and Administration function for a large-scale USAID-funded infrastructure program, ensuring full compliance with USAID regulations and Palestinian labor law. Served as the primary HR and administrative liaison with international partners, including AECOM and USAID, managing complex reporting requirements, compliance frameworks, and policy implementation to support effective program execution.

Directed integrated HR and operational functions for a multinational project environment, overseeing full-cycle national recruitment, international consultant onboarding, procurement, logistics, and security coordination. Developed and implemented internal policies and procedural manuals across HR, finance, and operations to strengthen governance, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

Provided executive-level administrative support and advisory services to senior leadership on employee relations, disciplinary matters, and workforce risk management. Conducted periodic internal audits to identify compliance gaps and operational risks, recommending corrective actions to enhance institutional accountability and operational effectiveness. Managed procurement processes in accordance with USAID regulations, ensuring transparency, compliance, and value optimization in vendor selection and contracting.

Directed all administrative and operational functions for a large-scale real estate development project, overseeing HR, logistics, security, IT, facilities, procurement, and risk management operations. Partnered closely with senior leadership to align operational systems with strategic objectives, strengthen employee relations, and enhance productivity, engagement, and retention across the organization.

Led the full HR operational lifecycle, including policy development, employee relations, HRIS management, payroll, benefits administration, and regulatory compliance. Established comprehensive safety, security, and internal control frameworks to mitigate organizational risk and ensure adherence to local labor laws and regulatory requirements.

Designed and implemented a structured talent acquisition and onboarding framework, ensuring full legal compliance for a $1.4 billion development project through coordination with legal counsel and relevant government authorities. Orchestrated integrated operational support functions to enable project execution, including procurement and logistics oversight. Directed corporate risk management strategy by overseeing all insurance portfolios (liability, health, and property) and managing claims processes to safeguard the organization from financial and operational exposure.

Directed enterprise-wide strategic planning and budget development, aligning short- and long-term operational programs with overall business objectives. Served as a strategic advisor to the CEO, General Manager, and Senior Management Team, providing financial forecasting, performance analysis, and recommendations to support high-level decision-making and institutional growth.

Led the annual operating planning cycle, guiding branch expansion initiatives, outreach strategies, organizational development efforts, and institutional transformation programs. Held full P&L accountability for all branches across the West Bank, overseeing a distributed workforce of 100+ employees through 18 supervisors while integrating human resources strategy with operational and commercial objectives to drive regional performance.

Directed supply chain and vendor management strategies, negotiated merchandising plans, and strengthened strategic partnerships with corporate clients, NGOs, and government entities to expand market presence and revenue growth. Championed a company-wide customer service transformation initiative, implementing KPIs and performance standards that enhanced service delivery and elevated the overall customer experience across the organization.

Managed merchandise planning and financial oversight for Gold Jewelry across 215 U.S. department stores, overseeing an $80 million annual portfolio. Led forecasting, allocation, inventory replenishment, and financial planning processes to optimize sales performance and margin outcomes. Partnered with corporate buyers, vendors, and regional store leadership to align merchandising strategies with market demand and corporate objectives. Prepared and presented strategic merchandising plans and performance analyses to senior leadership, including the Corporate Vice President of Planning. Conducted pilot initiatives and inventory optimization strategies to reduce excess stock and improve multi-channel allocation efficiency. Supported divisional financial reporting and quarterly performance reviews to guide executive decision-making.

Directed operations of a $27 million fine jewelry department, leading a workforce of 75 permanent and 45 seasonal employees. Oversaw recruitment, workforce scheduling, training, performance management, and compliance with corporate operational standards. Implemented company policies, service protocols, and staffing strategies to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Provided leadership, coaching, and performance oversight to drive sales productivity and ensure alignment with corporate strategic objectives.

Managed high-value jewelry and fine merchandise departments with $6.8 million in annual sales, directly supervising up to 76 employees (permanent and seasonal). Led team development, payroll oversight, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes while ensuring compliance with corporate policies and operational standards. Developed and executed targeted sales strategies and promotional events to drive revenue growth and market competitiveness. Consistently exceeded performance targets, achieving 100%+ of sales goals in 8 of 9 major pre-sell events, including ranking #1 in the region for Fall 2005 week-one performance (114% to goal).

Developed and maintained strategic relationships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate clients, strengthening market positioning and long-term account retention. Designed and implemented operational policies and process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery standards. Coordinated marketing communications, strategic planning initiatives, and performance follow-up reporting to support business growth objectives.

Led targeted marketing and sales strategies that expanded the corporate client portfolio by 29% within the first two quarters in the Washington, D.C. market, increasing product adoption and revenue growth.