Dubai, United Arab Emirates
I’m a senior technology leader with 25 years in Telco, digital transformation, FinTech and large-scale system architecture. I specialise in building complex, resilient platforms that scale across regions, languages and regulatory chaos. I've led cross-functional teams across the Middle East and Africa, delivering innovative products - from mobile wallets and digital payments to cloud-first enterprise platforms. Whether it's launching Apple Pay integrations or managing multimillion-dollar budgets, I stay focused on execution, speed and measurable impact. My leadership style? Clear vision, direct communication and zero room for fluff. I speak business and tech fluently, and I help companies grow by aligning strategy with delivery. Currently exploring opportunities where I can help scale products, grow teams and drive digital strategy in high-growth environments.
• Led the end-to-end implementation of Apple Pay and launched Visa Non-reloadable card products, resulting in significant growth in mobile payment adoption. • Managed cross-functional, globally distributed teams to integrate card issuance and processing solutions, including in-app verification for Apple Pay and Google Pay provisioning. • Oversaw enhancement of ISO8583 card originated interchange messages to support improved reconciliation and reporting, reducing settlement discrepancies. • Leading ongoing Visa Associate license applications in Africa and Central Asia, to expand market presence, while negotiating contracts with BIN Sponsorship and card processing partners, to achieve cost savings on processing fees. • Overseeing the design of MS Dynamics 365 Business Central integration with the fintech core platform with reverse ETL, to automate financial reporting enhancing the accuracy and reducing processing time of month-end closing. • Leading discussions and contract negotiations for the implementation of blockchain wallet address/transaction monitoring, fraud detection solutions, and Customer Data Platform to enhance fraud prevention and data insights.
• Leading the du Pay Technical Team during project inception to successful pre-launch and Closed User Group testing of Fintech app for cash in, cash out, international remittance, bill payments and peer to peer transfer. • Implemented advanced payment features, defined customer payment journeys, and facilitated engaging user stories, highlighting expertise in innovation and customer-centric design. • Orchestrated efficient onboarding and activation strategies across digital channels, emphasizing KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance and optimizing user journeys. • Integrated across diverse partner systems for banking, payment processing, ATM, Facial Recognition, and Bill Payment Aggregation, ensuring unified, efficient, and innovative financial solutions. • Defined system and enterprise cybersecurity requirements, orchestrating risk management strategies to mitigate threats and elevate security measures. • Championed strategic selection and management of vendors, catalyzing project success through the cultivation of robust partnerships, resource optimization, and the delivery of exceptional value to the organization. • Obtained Attestation of Compliance report for UAE-IA (Information Assurance) Regulations for Central Bank license submission, maintaining alignment with industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Built the Migration Team from scratch, showcasing adept skills in team assembly and management. • Defined and executed robust data cleansing and migration solutions, showcasing a strategic approach to complex challenges. • Oversaw solution procurement and onboarded vendors, ensuring seamless integration and data integrity. • Leveraged agile methodologies to adapt swiftly while incorporating elements of traditional waterfall methodology for efficient project execution. • Spearheaded interactions with the Telecoms and Digital Regulatory Authority (TDRA), ensuring project compliance and alignment with industry regulations and standards.
Leading the Virgin Mobile Technical Team from pre-launch to launch and transition to operations. Agile development with parallel sprint teams; rapid deployment of new features and breakthrough innovations. Cybersecurity, threat landscape assessments and risk mitigations. Managing digital ecosystem operational activities and processes. Driving continuous performance improvement. Team motivation, collaboration and performance management. Responsible and accountable for overall on-premise and cloud architecture strategy and roadmap. Responsible and accountable for the technical budget and implementing year on year OPEX efficiencies. Management of multiple vendors ensuring industry leading, best-in-class deployments. Industry awards including Best App, Best Digital Service, Best Digital Experience, Most Innovative New Service.
Technical management of new country implementations and major group projects including the kick off of the the fintech stream. Preparation of technical specifications and management of interconnections to new operators. Mobile Money and International Remittance feasibility study and project kick off. System implementation in collaboration with MNO partner as per defined processes.