Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Senior Strategic Transformation Leader (Ex-McKinsey) | $1Bn+ Impact | M&A & Digital Specialist. >> I am a "plug-and-play" transformation architect with 22+ years of experience delivering high-stakes results for Tier-1 financial institutions across the GCC and Europe. Most recently, I led the central IMO for the KFH-AUB merger in Kuwait, orchestrating the fastest banking integration in regional history. My core value proposition is the intersection of strategy and execution: - M&A Integration: Managing 20+ workstreams to capture multi-country synergies and design future-state Target Operating Models (TOM). - Digital-First Growth: Establishing "Digital Factories" (agile delivery units for high-velocity delivery) and sales operating models that lead to market-leading growth. - Enterprise Orchestration: Leading Transformation Offices for regional champions like Riyad Bank, Samba, FAB, ABK, ADIB and more to modernize legacy operations through Digital/AI, Lean, and Automation. I am a Dutch native with deep roots in the Middle East, Turkish, and European markets, focused on helping boards and C-suite executives navigate complex consolidations and digital-first transitions.
Contract-based / Interim Transformation Leadership roles in the GCC (with McKinsey or direct), e.g.: • Head of central Integration Management Office, delivering the fastest banking integration in GCC in 25 years (Kuwait) - managed delivery across 20+ workstreams with significant overachievement on synergies. • Delivered sales uplift (Kuwait & UAE banks) enabled by digital journeys, marketing & risk analytics, operational efficiency and agile IT. • Led Operating & Governance Model redesign for UAE public sector department boosting cross-entity efficiency and accountability (incl. strengthening cross-department collaboration).
Overall accountable for delivery of large-scale transformation programs and M&A integrations, ranging from 20mn to 1+Bn USD impact across EMEA, primarily in financial services, telecom and aviation. Co-responsible for growth of McKinsey's Banking Transformation Practice in Middle East, including client development, talent onboarding and management, and enhancement of firm IP and insights.
McKinsey Implementation (MI) is a rapidly growing, global capability for McKinsey & Company. It provides distinctive end-to-end support to ensure our clients deliver and sustain the full benefits of McKinsey’s recommended change in their business. We engage at a deep level across our clients’ businesses, working in small teams to build the capabilities, systems, and processes needed to deliver bottom-line results with an aim to ensure those results will be sustained. Our work is about coaching and delivering lasting outcomes. As an Implementation Leader my distinctive strength is in knowing how to work with and coach individuals to “get things done” and achieve success.
Active investor in technology startups, advising leadership on scaling strategy, commercial growth models, and the attraction of new partners/investors (funding).
Responsible for successful delivery of large-scale, strategic engagements; and for new Business Development and Account/Relationship Management for Financial Services (MENA region). Head of the Customer Loyalty center of excellence, responsible for new IP and service offering development. Sample projects delivered: - Assessment and optimization of Loyalty Program for leading telecom operator, Saudi Arabia - Defining and sizing strategic growth opportunities for consumer finance firm, Saudi Arabia - Group-level CRM Strategy definition and Roadmap development for leading real estate and lifestyle developer, UAE - Design of innovative Event Engagement Program for EXPO 2020 Dubai bid, UAE
Responsible for successful delivery of consulting engagements and business development in existing clients. Part of new IP and service offering task force for Customer Experience Management. Sample projects delivered: * Strategy, design, implementation, launch and operational management of Total Relationship Loyalty Program for largest bank in Middle East (Qatar) * Strategy and design of Enterprise Loyalty Program for leading telecom operator (Qatar) * Assessment and optimization of end-to-end Complaints Management model for top 3 bank (South Africa) * Development of Customer Experience Measurement Framework for top 3 bank (South Africa)
Project manager, responsible for successful delivery of consulting engagements across multiple regions and industries. Sample projects delivered: - Design and implementation of Retention Management function in leading telecom operator, UAE. Predictive churn models, proactive and reactive retention strategies, design of operating model and delivery mechanism in channels, launch 8 targeted retention campaigns - Design and implementation of Differentiated Customer Service Strategy for Premium Customers at incumbent telecom operator, Turkey - Customer Experience Management strategy, BPR and change program design for second largest real estate developer, UAE - CRM Strategy, Customer Segmentation and Segment Strategies for top 3 Bank, Belgium
Established regional office and launched business operations for ACCS International (international debt collection) in Istanbul Turkey. * Founded legal business entity and built local network of partners and business relations (prospects) in Istanbul, Turkey * Set up shop (office location) and hired team members * Contracted local partner for shared investment and launched business operations ACCS Turkey is currently one of the main players in the competitive debt collection business in Istanbul's financial services sector.
Project management in customer service department of Dutch energy utilities company Essent. Accountable for: 1. Implementation of Quality Monitoring System 2. Initiation of outbound calling activities, both sales and service oriented 3. Implementation of self-service applications for inbound phone and internet 4. Coordination of functional pilot teams, piloting new processes and roles & responsibilities;
Followed a management traineeship with 10 other young professionals, consisting of 3 projects in the company, as well as an extensive training program with both business modules and personal development modules. My projects were: 1. Developing new pricing system for Heat in B2B Markets (8 months) 2. Building up and managing an administrative team in the Front Office (9 months) 3. Developing and implementing new sales strategy for housing corporations (7 months)