Mohamed Ali Helal

Watania
Reporting to the CEO, lead the finance and IT functions across multiple operating subsidiaries with a combined budget of SAR 1.5
billion. Direct a team of 76 staff and six directors spanning financial reporting, FP&A, treasury, tax, controls, and IT. Responsible
for financial strategy, capital structure, governance, IPO readiness, M&A evaluation, and partnering with the CEO and
shareholders on transformation and value creation.

A leading Saudi company in manufacturing packaging and building materials products, ranked among the top 100 Saudi companies, with more than 50 years of industry experience.
Group CFO (Senior Vice President Finance and IT) Develop and execute the companys financial strategy aligned with long-term business goals while overseeing the IT department to ensure alignment with technology initiatives. Identify cost optimization and revenue enhancement opportunities, evaluate mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures, and oversee budgeting and forecasting processes. Managed 76 staf, six directors, and a 1.5 billion SAR budget. Monitor financial performance against budget, analyzing variances and providing actionable insights while managing the companys capital structure and optimizing working capital. Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, cultivate relationships with investors and analysts, and oversee cash management, liquidity planning, and investment strategies. Implement financial systems and technologies to streamline processes and build a high-performing finance team with mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Achieved 100% impact by securing stock market listing approval, turning the company public through policy enhancements, selecting consultants, overseeing FDD and prospectus
development, and leading investor presentations and negotiations for optimal shareholder outcomes.
• Produced a 225 million SAR operating cash flow increase by the end of 2023, a tenfold increase from 2022, by creating and implementing a comprehensive mitigation plan in response to rising interest rates.
• Achieved 13.4 million SAR net profit for one factory, reversing a loss of 1.7 million SAR in 2021, and another factory in the same sector achieved a net profit of 13.7 million SAR, reversing a loss of 3.6 million SAR. Led sales team to optimize sales mix for maximum profitability and volume
• Delivered $3.307 million in currency exchange profit by setting up forward deals and hedging plans and signing contacts with banks.
• Implemented comprehensive cybersecurity measures, mitigating numerous risks and ensuring the protection of sensitive data and the integrity of company systems.

A manufacturer of corrugated boxes.
General Manager Spearheaded the comprehensive development and enforcement of policies and procedures across finance, human resources, and IT departments. Oversaw diverse financial activities, including banking operations, accounting processes, and payroll management, while orchestrating budgeting initiatives to optimize resource allocation and support strategic objectives. Maintained responsibility for administrative functions, supervised 285 staf including eight managers, and managed 85 million SAR budgets. Established and implemented policies and procedures across all departments and sectors. Created a five-year business plan, including a detailed sales and marketing strategy.
• Achieved 190% profit in the first two years, guided by the business plan and feasibility study.
• Secured 100% of project milestones by developing a comprehensive feasibility study and time plan.

A manufacturer of corrugated packaging materials in Saudi Arabia.
General Manager Supervised daily business activities, overseeing multiple teams to achieve key objectives. Successfully implemented departmental policies, goals, and procedures through collaboration with board members and staf. Set up vision, mission, and company values. Led initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance and promote best practices, consistently surpassing quality standards. Pioneered the development and enforcement of policies and standard operating procedures. Supervised 325 staf and five managers. Controlled 125 million SAR budget.
• Reduced MT costs by 20%, driving significant operational savings.
• Enhanced quality levels by 40% and increased customer satisfaction by 25%.
• Eliminated customer complaints, achieving a zero-complaint rate.


• Improved working capital management by 32%, optimizing financial eficiency.

Held full P&L accountability for a 325-staff operation with an SAR 125 million budget. Established financial governance, controls,
and operational policies in partnership with the board.
Key Achievements
• Improved working capital management by 32%, materially enhancing financial efficiency and liquidity.
• Reduced material and manufacturing costs by 20%, driving sustainable margin expansion through plant-level cost
discipline.
• Established corporate financial policies and SOPs in partnership with the board — embedding the governance foundation
for scaled operations.
• Lifted quality performance by 40% and customer satisfaction by 25%, with zero customer complaints, translating
operational excellence into commercial and financial outcomes.

An Egyptian-Saudi manufacturer of corrugated boxes
Managing Director Collaborated with cross-functional teams to formulate annual operational and long-range strategic plans, aligning organizational goals and strategies. Conducted financial analysis to understand operations and facilitate data-driven decision-making. Oversaw resource allocation by developing and monitoring budgets, ensuring financial alignment with strategic objectives, and establishing internal controls and procedures to safeguard financial integrity. Led 380 staf, including eight managers.
• Achieved a 542% increase in annual profits by revamping the sales strategy and expanding into new markets, including Sudan, Ghana, Ethiopia, Morocco, France, Kenya, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
• Increased enterprise value by 480% by enhancing working capital management, boosting operational cash flow through increased sales, and securing extended credit lines with suppliers, positively impacting Free Cash Flow (FCF).
• Ranked in the top five contenders in the competitive Egyptian market by strategically repositioning the company and revamping its corporate image.

Led 380 staff across operations and finance. Set strategic direction, formulated annual and long-range operational and financial
plans, and built the internal control environment to support multi-market expansion.
Key Achievements
• 542% increase in annual profits through a revamped sales and commercial strategy and expansion into eight new export
markets (Sudan, Ghana, Ethiopia, Morocco, France, Kenya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia).
• 480% increase in enterprise value via working capital optimization, operating cash flow growth, and securing extended
supplier credit lines — directly enhancing Free Cash Flow generation.
• Repositioned the company into the top-five players in Egypts competitive corrugated market through brand, commercial,
and operational repositioning.

Led the finance function for Hama Holding, overseeing financial reporting, treasury, budgeting, and internal controls to support business stability and informed decision-making. Partnered with senior leadership to improve financial governance, monitor cash flow, and ensure accurate accounting and compliance across the business. Contributed to stronger financial discipline through timely reporting, tighter control over resources, and support for strategic and operational planning.

Managed financial control and treasury operations for the Egypt business, covering budgeting, accounting oversight, banking relationships, cash flow monitoring, and payroll coordination. Strengthened financial discipline through timely reporting, control procedures, and treasury planning to support day-to-day operations and management decision-making. Partnered with business leadership to maintain liquidity, improve cash visibility, and ensure accurate financial stewardship across the operation.

Supported the finance function at STARCOINTERNATIONAL by assisting with financial reporting, treasury operations, budgeting, and internal controls. Helped maintain accurate accounting records, monitor cash flow, and support month-end and year-end closing activities. Contributed to better financial discipline through improved reporting reliability, coordination with banking partners, and ongoing support to management on operational and financial decisions.