Nigeria
Broad Industry experience (20+ yrs) in electronic payment landscape, especially for markets in Africa. A unique combination of business, operations and technology competencies. Still a technology enthusiast, motivated by the desire to explore new transformational initiatives and approaches for solving customer pain points and overcoming uncommon challenges. Took on the responsibility for business growth and profitability of the National Payment Switch in Gambia, as a Chief Executive Officer. Led the execution of a core component of the payment transformation agenda for the Central Bank of Gambia. Established a fully functional domestic switch and domestic card scheme for the country. Ran cross-functional technical and business divisions with consistent track record of achieving year-on-year growth targets. Oversaw the entire installation base of the technology and electronic payment service platforms for over 30 clients across West and East Africa Charted and executed the strategy and business direction, as the Chief Technology Officer, for the Technology services division of the fastest growing technology company in Africa (ranking by Deloitte Technology Africa Fast 50, 2014)
So far, achieved unprecedented business growth & performance YoY across multiple indices, including revenue, market share, customer base, customer & employee satisfaction and operational excellence. Developing and executing the business vision and strategy , with a multi-dimensional view that covers revenue growth, profitability, market share, business expansion, new market entry, talent management, customer acquisition & retention, and operational efficiency. Increasing shareholder value and achieving double digit CAGR targets Recruiting, resourcing and retaining the best talent to deliver business objectives Creating an enabling work environment and culture for customers, partners and employees to excel Making partnership and investment decisions for the business Ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines/mandates as well as industry operational standards
Creating and executing the strategy, vision and design of over 40 products for Interswitch Group - in Nigeria and affiliate countries - Kenya, Uganda and Gambia. Chairing & overseeing the affairs of the Product Approval Board committee. Providing overall direction for the Product Management Group, and aligning the team’s objectives with company strategy. Defining and managing the processes for building a robust portfolio of products to drive business growth and profitability. Leading the transformation of product ideas from their conceptual stages into actionable epics, timelines, and initiatives while maintaining consideration of the financial implications, marketing needs, and alignment with overall aspirations of the business. Establishing the methodologies and procedures for conducting research, design conceptualization, prototyping, and product development across the entire product management department. Hone and grow sensibilities and skills across all disciplines of the department. Playing a mentorship role for product management personnel, continually ensuring improvement in their professional capacity; and offering guidance for deliverables when required.
Delivering transformational Initiatives and products for the company through the design, incubation and acceleration of game-changing and disruptive ideas Institutionalizing the principles and discipline to create a culture of continuous innovation. Adopting methodologies such as design thinking, lean startup, agile development Discovering & selecting breakthrough initiatives and overseeing Idea to Offering Process. Acquiring technology asset and competencies to boost enterprise competitive strength Achieving Strategic technology and business partnerships. Getting required sponsorship and approvals from Board, Exco, Senior Management. Developing and Implementing Governance structure for the product innovation team.
Providing strategic direction and oversight to drive profitable and sustainable growth for the National Payment Switch of The Gambia Identifying opportunities for new projects/contracts and businesses in line with the company’s strategic and business objectives Articulating and overseeing the translation of high level corporate strategies and growth plans into business and operational strategies Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of business strategy and business plans in order to maximize shareholder returns as well as optimize other stakeholder interests Ensuring the working capital and long-term financing needs of the business are adequately addressed Developing and maintaining rewarding and credible business relationships (local & international) and supporting the formulation of strategic alliances/ partnership with appropriate businesses/ companies/ government etc.
Providing strategic direction for the cross-functional Technology group Responsible for achieving profitability, market penetration and growth for Technology products and services Developing and executing IT strategy for Business growth and expansion Overseeing the entire installation base of the technology and e-payment service platforms for over 30 clients across West and East Africa Resolving Technology / solution implementation, architectural or system stability challenges Evaluating new technology and implementing technological solutions; Coordinating Timely submission or Response to proposal Overseeing IT budget and expenditures
Responsible for the profitability and growth of Systems Integration Business within and outside Nigeria Providing strategic direction for the division. Managing technical, sales and business development staff. Providing and managing the functional org structure for the division Overseeing Business Development and Sale of InterSwitch solutions within and outside Nigeria Responsible for Customer Relationship Management - managing client relationships and key accounts. With a client base of over 30 organizations across Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Uganda, which comprises financial institutions, switches, Telcos and EFT processors. Managing Partner & Vendor business relationship. Including partners like S1 (now ACI), Thales UK, Stratus Technologies, HPS Morocco. Architecting and crafting solution design, pricing and sales strategy. Overseeing entire product life-cycle from initiation to decline phase. Overseeing the technical (customer-facing) units in InterSwitch. This includes a team of project engineers, project managers, technical support engineers and product managers. Architecting and crafting solution design, pricing and sales strategy. Overseeing entire product life-cycle from initiation to decline phase.
Project Management. Managing service fulfillment of internal projects; external projects for clients, solution providers and partners. Development, documentation and management of unit’s core processes including processes for Software development & integration, Application Support & Implementation processes. Output includes SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle), Support & Implementation cycle, operations manuals, functional / technical specification on a per project basis. Integral member of strategy sessions and solution analysis meetings. Integrating the EFT Switch with third party processors including Visa & MasterCard. Integrating the EFT Switch with several core banking applications including Flexcube, Finacle, Basis, Equinox and T24. Executing new projects, installation, infrastructure upgrades across the existing network of over 20 financial institutions, 6 partners and several clients. Providing support and issue resolution for existing ATM deployments, WEB/Mobile/POS applications, Banks’ Front End Processors (FEP)