Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Senior Executive | Business Development, Operations & Strategic Partnerships | Africa, Europe & Middle East International senior executive with a proven track record in business development, operations, profitability improvement, and change management across service industries, including banking, leisure, hospitality, technological services, and technical operations. Experienced in working with SMEs and complex business environments across Europe, Africa, South America, the Middle East, and the USA. Highly mobile, hands-on, and results-driven, with a strong ability to bring structure, restore momentum, and deliver measurable outcomes. I am at my best when entering complex or uncertain situations, transforming them into concrete results, and ensuring a smooth, sustainable handover. Core Expertise -Business Growth & Profitability Improving revenue, margins, cost control, and overall business performance. -Operations & Reorganization Managing operations, restructuring departments or companies, and aligning teams with business priorities. -Business Development & Commercial Leadership Developing new opportunities, managing client relationships, and leading commercial teams. -Crisis, Change & Project Management Handling difficult situations, driving change, and delivering projects under pressure. -Partnerships, Mergers & Joint Ventures Supporting partnerships, integrations, and strategic business initiatives. -International Management Working across cultures and markets with strong adaptability and mobility. Key Strengths Negotiation · Organization & Planning · Team Leadership · Communication · Project Deployment · Training & Knowledge Transfer · Results-Driven Execution · Hands-on Problem Solving Known for a practical “Mr. Do It” approach: taking ownership, solving problems, and delivering results.
Lead the group’s strategic, commercial, and operational development across international markets, with direct responsibility for the DRC branch since October 2016. Key achievements include the optimization of the group’s branch network, the closure of unprofitable operations, the development of new markets, and the complete reorganization of underperforming structures. Implemented a hands-on, field-based management approach, overhauled operating procedures, and rebuilt the management team to create a more autonomous, accountable, and collaborative culture. Responsible for revenue generation, team leadership, client portfolio management, tenders, contract negotiations, regulatory and stakeholder relations, crisis management, and cross-border operations in complex business environments.
Africa : Led regional coordination, financial supervision, operational improvement, and commercial development across African branches, including the DRC, Zambia, and South Africa. Created and managed the African management team, implemented stronger operational practices, and ensured performance targets were met. Drove growth through service diversification, including environmental services and marine surveying, while developing corporate partnerships and new business opportunities. Successfully closed unprofitable operations in two countries and helped return loss-making branches to profitability. Since October 2016, also serve as General Manager of the DRC branch. Project : Managed international development and special projects, including the launch of a joint venture in China and the planning of new branch openings in Tanzania, Canada, and Russia. Led strategic projects involving IT, operational improvement, and partnerships, while coordinating internal teams and external stakeholders to support regional growth and cross-border expansion.
The branch provides mineral laboratory analysis, inspection and sampling services, environmental analysis, and fuel & oil testing. The laboratory was accredited for the first time in 2016 ISO 17025:2017. The branch grew from approximately 60 to over 200 employees. Led a full operational and strategic reorganization, including the restructuring of the management team, expansion of services, implementation of a new financial management framework, modernization of IT systems, improvement of internal processes, and development of stronger reporting and control mechanisms. Launched and managed a new HR program covering recruitment, training, people development, internal communication, and union negotiations. Strengthened the company’s institutional and governmental presence while supporting business growth, operational reliability, and long-term branch sustainability. This in a complex and highly demanding environment.
(based in Europe – travel 2-3 weeks per month)
Based in the DRC, covering Zambia and the Copperbelt area. Led operational streamlining by reducing overheads, restructuring teams, and closing an underperforming operational centre. Helped position Robinson International as a leading laboratory, inspection, and sampling company in the DRC. Developed a new commercial strategy with annual budgets, sales objectives, client targeting, and performance follow-up.
FlySam Bvba ceased operations in May 2024. Initially focused on pilot placement services for the airline industry, the company later expanded its offerings to include personal coaching, consulting assignments, and various training programs.
Commercial Bank – Retail & Business Banking | Lubumbashi, DRC 3rd largest bank in the DRC, 80+ branches nationwide Managed business development teams across the Katanga Region, representing over 30% of the bank’s total turnover, covering corporate, business, and retail banking segments. Generated approximately 14% regional growth through stronger commercial coordination, client targeting, and performance follow-up. Led strategic product development initiatives with international partners, including the launch of a new retail credit card. Developed a customer service training program to support culture change and improved service quality, and coordinated the launch preparation of a new call center in Kinshasa.