Smail Limam

Managing Director | Business Transformation | Controlling & FP&A | Performance Steering | Strategy Execution

Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Area

About

Managing Director with 20+ years of experience driving business performance, transformation and data-driven decision making in international service environments. My background combines finance leadership, operational responsibility and strategic steering across complex multi-site organizations. I have led large-scale transformation initiatives, improved performance through KPI-based steering and translated data into actionable business decisions. My focus is on performance management, analytics and strategic decision support – enabling organizations to make better, faster and more informed decisions. Combining a strong foundation in Controlling & FP&A with strategic execution and business partnering. Expert in building scalable financial structures that translate complex data into actionable profitability gains.

Experience

  • gategroup (8 yrs 3 mos)
    • Managing Director
      Aug 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

      Full P&L responsibility for a multi-site airport lounge business across 7 locations and 40 lounges in Germany. Accountable for end-to-end business performance across operations, finance, and commercial strategy in a complex, service-driven environment. Strategic financial oversight and structural optimization of the P&L to drive EBITDA growth Lead KPI-based performance steering, translating operational and financial data into actionable business decisions. Drive strategic initiatives to improve profitability, cost efficiency, and service quality. Manage senior stakeholder relationships across international airline partners and group leadership within a matrix organization.

    • Director Finance & Procurement
      Apr 2018 - Jul 2023 · 5 yrs 4 mos

      Led end-to-end financial steering, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for a multi-site service business. Translated business requirements into financial and analytical insights to support strategic and commercial decision-making. Developed pricing strategies and business cases for major tenders. Established procurement strategy and supplier management framework to increase transparency and cost control. Enabled performance improvements through KPI-based steering across functions.

  • LSG Group (10 yrs 1 mo)
    • Director Finance
      Jul 2013 - Mar 2018 · 4 yrs 9 mos

      Responsible for Finance, Controlling, Costing and Pricing of the international Airport Lounge Division

    • Director SCORE Program
      May 2011 - Jun 2013 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Heading the Group-wide "SCORE - Upgrade for Performance" Cost Reduction and Growth initiative with a direct reporting line to the Group CFO

    • Senior International Controller
      Mar 2008 - Apr 2011 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      Leading the Global Sales Controlling department and Revenue Assurance Projects with an annual revenue of €2.5 bn

  • Siemens (6 yrs 5 mos)
    • Senior Controller
      Apr 2007 - Feb 2008 · 11 mos

      Controlling, Costing and Pricing lead for the Automotive Spare Parts Division

    • Financial Controller
      Apr 2006 - Mar 2007 · 1 yr

      Project Controlling lead for the customers VW, Daimler and BMW in Pisa, Italy

    • Division Controller
      Mar 2004 - Mar 2006 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Global Controlling & Reporting, Transfer Pricing and Claim Management for the Automotive Infotainment Solutions Division