Salah Yamout

Automotive Transformation Leader | Board Advisor | The Profit Maker

Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

About

Salah is a transformation-focused automotive leader with 25+ years across UK, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Known as driver for profit, he has built a reputation for one thing: turning disruption into measurable growth and creating shareholder’s value. From scaling Audi revenues six-fold in Saudi Arabia, to achieving championship performance with Nissan and Infiniti in Dubai, to leading at strategic implementation at Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, Salah has consistently delivered results In sales, aftersales, electrification and mobility solution. What makes him stand his track record in connecting strategy to execution and turning it to tangible result. He designs systems that stick, builds future-ready teams, and ensures transformation shows up on the P&L, releasing working capital and creating value. Boards call Salah when: - Margins are shrinking and complexity is rising - Digital tools aren’t impacting KPIs - Talent pipelines are not future-ready Real change depends on practical, field-tested approaches. He brings a structured methodology: "The Profit Formula Framework" activating seven levers of profitability: people, process, digitalization, product, culture, financial leverage, and brand equity. Building on real-world leadership experience, he has carried full accountability for the P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cashflow, engaged with customers and business partners, and worked closely with boards to set direction. He has consistently delivered results even when faced with rapidly shifting market dynamics.

Experience

  • Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors (2 yrs 6 mos)
    • Chief Transformation Officer Automotive
      Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      Driving enterprise-wide transformation across a multi-brand portfolio. • Lead strategic execution across Nissan, Hyundai, MG, Ford, Chery, and Commercial Vehicle brands—covering sales, aftersales, and operations • Oversee digital transformation initiatives focused on data-driven governance, automation, and customer journey redesign • Align cross-functional teams around measurable KPIs, operational dashboards, and agile review routines • Embed profitability-focused systems using the Profit Formula Framework • Act as key advisor to the board and CEO—ensuring strategy translates into results, not just plans

    • Vice President Automotive Mainstream Brands
      Feb 2024 - Jan 2025 · 1 yr

      Oversaw full commercial strategy for six automotive brands. • Held financial, operational, and strategic accountability across Hyundai, Nissan, Ford, MG, Chery, and CV brands • Streamlined multi-brand sales and service operations under a unified performance framework • Initiated profitability turnaround plans and reorganized brand teams for sharper execution

  • Arabian Automobiles Co. LLC (11 yrs 8 mos)
    • Chief Operating Officer, AWR Automotive
      May 2020 - Feb 2024 · 3 yrs 10 mos

      Led multi-brand automotive operations across 9 business units. • Directed P&L responsibility for Nissan, Infiniti, Renault, pre-owned, and multi-brand workshops • Delivered consistent market share growth and margin improvements across aftersales and retail • Launched transformation initiatives in customer experience, digital CRM, and employee capability • Introduced execution dashboards and agile operating cadences

    • Managing Director Nissan
      Jul 2019 - Apr 2020 · 10 mos

      Turned around brand performance in under 12 months. • Took full leadership of Nissan brand during a critical restructuring period • Realigned marketing, sales, and service under a common strategy for growth and stability • Reestablished manufacturer trust and revived market presence

    • Director Sales & Marketing for Nissan, Infiniti & Renault
      Jul 2012 - Jun 2019 · 7 yrs

      Led annual volumes exceeding 55,000 units and achieved manufacturer championship recognition. • Managed full P&L and strategy for three brands in a hyper-competitive market • Delivered consistent YoY growth in revenue and customer retention • Awarded “Championship” status from both Nissan and Infiniti globally

  • SAMACO Automotive (10 yrs 3 mos)
    • Audi General Manager Saudi Arabia
      Jan 2005 - Jun 2012 · 7 yrs 6 mos

      Established Audi as a top-tier premium brand in the Kingdom. • Increased revenue 6X through disciplined retail network development and brand repositioning • Led regional pilot programs and launched first-of-their-kind digital initiatives with HQ in Germany • Oversaw nationwide sales, marketing, and service teams

    • Audi National Sales & Marketing Manager
      Apr 2002 - Dec 2004 · 2 yrs 9 mos

      • Managed national sales operations and channel performance for Audi KSA • Built dealer capabilities and introduced advanced showroom experiences

  • Operation & Planning Manager at PSINet
    Apr 2000 - Mar 2002 · 2 yrs

    • Directed operational planning for one of the world’s first internet supercarriers • Supported M&A integration activities and regional strategy for expansion

  • Lexus National Sales Manager at Abdul Latif Jameel Group
    Jul 1999 - Mar 2000 · 9 mos

    • Managed Lexus Saudi Arabia’s national sales performance (3,500 units/year) • Launched strategic sales programs and regional customer loyalty initiatives