Regional Finance Director
REDA Industrial Materials
Total years of experience :18 years, 3 Months
REDA Industrial Materials is one of the largest industrial and chemical materials distributors in the region, operating across MENA, Far East, CIS, Subcontinent and Sub-Sahara (www.redachem.com)
Accountable for planning and directing the company’s financial activities including ERP implementation and management, across UAE, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria and Kazakhstan.
Successfully minimized working capital requirements by reducing value of receivables 70% through effectively controlling customers’ accounts and implementing sales commission scheme tied to receivables. Introduced a system function that flagged and blocked any invoice to customer with past due payments.
Instrumental in minimizing inventory wastage which was very high; goods were going stale in storage past their effective expiry date. Introduced a new system function which helped in monitoring order process and suggested timely and optimal order quantity.
Developed and implemented a system function that flagged and blocked invoices with low sales margins and discontinued the freedom in pricing by sales force, thus increasing gross profit margin by 18%.
Played an integral role in developing and implementing an effective restructuring plan which changed the business unit structure and operation methodology, thus minimizing operational cost by 15%.
Proven experience in planning and managing a treasury function capitalizing on existing structure of multiple currencies and multiple bank facilities, thereby maximizing net profits by 7%.
Minimizing finance charges 80% by reducing working capital cycle.
Acquiring higher limit, lower rates and more flexible terms with institutional lenders.
Negotiating and obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage. Analyzing and classifying risks to determine potential impact.
Recruiting and training personnel; guiding subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring progress.
Determining development needs for team members, and accordingly coaching and mentoring them to improve productivity.
ERP (Microsoft Great Planes)
Successful in implementing system functions, thus improving overall control of buy-stock-sell process.
Increasing efficiency by automating purchasing process.
Designing business reports to improve control and provide information, thus contributing to effective business decisions.
The largest handset distributor in the region with operations in 22 markets covering the GCC, Levant, North Africa, Sub-continent and sub-Sahara.
Served as an in-charge of subsidiaries’ operational and financial performance monitoring and evaluation. Designed periodic reports and introduced performance evaluation metrics.
Introduced and implemented a plan to establish regional office in South Africa to more effectively manage operation in African countries, thus reducing operational cost by 20% and improving efficiency and communication level.
Track record of minimizing financing expenses50% by negotiating additional credit line from supplier (Nokia) at very low cost, thus reducing dependence on more pricy bank facilities.
Identified potential growth markets and advised re-organization plan to pursue them.
Monitored subsidiaries’ performance and evaluated variance against budget. Prepared budget files and assessed operational/financial risks.
Reviewed and diagnosed corporate resources and operational capabilities for new business investment opportunities
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) – Finance and Investment Evaluation | HEC School of Management, Paris, France 2001 – 2002