Ahmed Salem

General Manager | Executive Coach | I build meaningful workplaces and deliver results

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

I don’t wait for change, I create it. I’ve built cross-border teams, reshaped culture, and delivered results without perfect systems or playbooks; just clarity and follow-through. As GM of Shared Services and Corporate HR Director at Abudawood Group, I led a major HR transformation across six markets and 6,000 employees, setting up shared services in Egypt and earning Top Employer recognition twice. I hold a BA in Economics and Government from Cornell University, an MBA from the American University in Cairo, and an Executive Master in Coaching and Consulting for Change from INSEAD. Oh, and I’m blind. If that surprises you, look again. I thrive in challenges, deliver strategy that sticks, and never settle for average. If you’re building something that matters, I’m the kind of leader you want at the table because I don’t fit the mold. I break it.

Experience

  • General Manager, Group Shared Services at Abudawood Group - CBST Company
    Jul 2022 - Present · 4 yrs

  • Abudawood Group (Full-time · 14 yrs)
    • Human Resources Director
      Jan 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 6 mos

    • Director HR Center Of Excellence
      Mar 2019 - Feb 2022 · 3 yrs

    • Associate Director, Total Rewards and Performance Management
      Dec 2015 - Jul 2019 · 3 yrs 8 mos

  • Economic Researcher at Egyptian Competition Authority Cabinet Of Ministers
    Aug 2010 - Jun 2012 · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Economic Researcher at The American University in Cairo
    Sep 2008 - Jul 2010 · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Business Analyst Intern at Booz Allen Hamilton
    May 2007 - Aug 2007 · 4 mos