Manager Management
Resume:
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Dr Bob Edwards Television
MATHEMATICIAN, ECONOMIST, CONSULTANT,
Open Deck
COMMUNICATOR, STRATEGIC THINKER
abos9y@r.postjobfree.com
My Company: www.solvingefeso.com
From February to April 2009 Dr
Summary Bob Edwards hosted "Open
Deck", a television panel show on
the global maritime industries,
telecast by Marine BizTV from
Dubai.
Dr Bob Edwards has over 36 years' professional experience, of which over 32 years have been in
developing and emerging countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. He has
also worked and lived in Western Europe and North America.
Television
He is currently a senior vice president with Solving Efeso, one of the largest global management
consultancies, and in this capacity is involved in major research and consulting projects for blue-chip
The Edwards Economic
public and private sector clients in the Middle East.
Research Show
He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science,
and a B.A. in mathematics with first class honours from Cambridge University.
He has 20 years' experience as chief executive of his own research and consulting firms, based in
Dubai, with a blue-chip client list. He has over 10 years' experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
with international consultancies such as Solving Efeso, McKinsey, Bechtel and WS Atkins. He has
experience at all levels of the value chain, including agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale and retail
trade, real estate, transport, tourism, finance and government.
Dr Bob Edwards directed and
He is an innovative and creative thinker who, among his achievements:
hosted "The Edwards Economic
Research Show", telecast by
reorganised the Al Futtaim Group in Dubai, achieving major cost savings and creating new
INTV (now City7 TV) in Dubai
and successful profit centres
Media City from July to October
conceptualised, researched and wrote the HSBC Middle East Economic Bulletin over a ten-
2005. This was the first prime-
year period (1996-2006)
time business program in the
identified the concept of a central tourism destination for Dubai, which ultimately found its
UAE.
expression in the "Dubailand" project
created the "Spaceport Emirates" concept and brought Space Adventures to the UAE
directed and hosted the first prime-time business talk show in the UAE.
Currently (spring 2011), Bob Edwards is working with Solving Efeso on several projects for the
References
Government of Abu Dhabi, including:
implementation of a strategic project in a key retail sector in Abu Dhabi City
(Client)
Rabih Chehouri
development of a supply/demand model for international and domestic tourism in Abu
Dhabi Emirate.
He is also writing an economic history of Dubai, from 1961 to the present day. (Client)
Nizar Khoury
Work History
Charles W Campbell
Solving Efeso Middle East (Client)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 2007 - Present
(Client)
Todd Stermer
International Vice President
In 2007 Edwards Economic Research entered a strategic alliance with Solving International (now Solving Efeso),
a major global management consultancy based in Paris. Solving Efeso's core expertise is in strategy (Client)
Rolf Preisler
development, world class manufacturing and operations, and change management.
Edwards Economic Research's major milestones in collaboration with Solving Efeso have included:
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2007-08: for Sharjah Municipality - market planning assumptions for the proposed new Sharjah
Auto Zone the largest pre-owned vehicle centre in the Middle East (in collaboration with Khatib &
Alami Consolidated Engineering Co.)
2008: for a major property developer based in Qatar - research, assessment and "go/no-go"
recommendations on eight proposed investment projects in Syria
2008: for Meraas Properties, a major Dubai Government property developer - development of a
demographic and market vision to underpin the master planning and financial feasibility study of a
1,700-hectare urban redevelopment project in Dubai (in collaboration with Africon, DG Jones
International, KPF, and RSP Architects & Consultants)
2009-2010: for Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council: demographic vision and specification of
community facilities for the Central District of Al Ain (in collaboration with Duany Plater-Zyberk,
HOK and Hyder Consulting)
2009-2010: for Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council: economic and demographic vision for the
Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate (in collaboration with Civitas and Busby Perkins+Will)
2010: for Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council: development of a site location analysis for a world-
scale high-technology manufacturing plant to be located in Abu Dhabi Emirate
2010-2011: for Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council: primary research on patterns, preferences and
aspirations in households' use of community facilities in Abu Dhabi Emirate (in collaboration with
AECOM)
2010: for Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council: demographic vision and land use specification for the
Capital District of Abu Dhabi Emirate (in collaboration with HOK, Civitas and Hyder Consulting)
2010-2011 (ongoing): for the UAE Ministry of Interior: conceptualisation, testing and
implementation of a new strategy for a key community retail sector in Abu Dhabi Metropolitan Area
2010-2011 (ongoing): for Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority: development of a demand-supply model
for planning tourism capacity and infrastructure in Abu Dhabi Emirate.
Edwards Economic Research
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 1996 - Present
Managing Partner
In 1996 Dr. Edwards founded Edwards Economic Research, a professional firm based in Dubai, to provide
strategic research and consulting in the UAE and other AGCC member states. The firm became a highly
regarded research and consultancy provider, positioned for quality, creativity and innovation.
The firm's developed a blue-chip client list and its major milestones included:
1996-98: for Dubai Civil Aviation Department - a study of the market potential for Magic World, the
first proposed international theme park in the UAE (in collaboration with International Bechtel and
James V Lee Entertainment and Design)
1996-2003: for the Dubai Department of Economic Development - research contractor for the first
eight Dubai Shopping Festivals and the first five Dubai Summer Surprises
1996-97: for Ar-Riyadh Development Authority - demographic and socio-economic planning
assumptions for the MEDSTAR project (Metropolitan Development Strategy for Ar-Riyadh), in
collaboration with HBA (Ralph Parsons Group)
1997: for Dubai Investments - market and financial feasibility study for Dubai Investments Park,
the largest private business park in the region (in collaboration with HBA / Ralph Parsons Group)
1999: for the Government and HH the Ruler of Sharjah - study of the market potential for the new
Sharjah Expo Centre (in collaboration with Cluttons and Exhibition Consultants Ltd)
2001, 2002/03: for the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing official contractor
for the third and fourth Dubai Visitor Surveys
2002-04: for the Government of Ras Al Khaimah - demographic and socio-economic planning
assumptions for the Ras Al Khaimah Urban Area Structure Plan ( (in collaboration with Khatib &
Alami Consolidated Engineering Co.)
2004: for Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department - traffic planning assumptions for the Ras Al
Khaimah International Airport Master Plan (in collaboration with Khatib & Alami Consolidated
Engineering Co. and Aeroports de Paris)
2004-05: for HH the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah - study of the market potential for the world's
first commercial spaceport at Ras Al Khaimah(in collaboration with Space Adventures)
2006-07: for Dubai Properties - lead consultant on the 5-year strategic development plan for
2007-2011 (in collaboration with Landmark Real Estate Investment Management, Viability
Consulting, Dr Hedia El May and TNS Middle East and Africa).
In July 2010 Edwards Economic Research relocated its headquarters from Dubai to Europe.
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Al Ghurair University
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Feb 2009 - Jun 2009
Visiting Professor
During the spring semester of 2009, Dr. Edwards taught International Business and Project Management in the College of
Business Studies at Al-Ghurair University in Dubai.
Al-Ghurair University is a private co-educational institution. The College of Business Studies is accredited by the UAE Ministry of
Higher Education and Scientific Research. Dr Edwards' students were undergraduates working towards their BBA. They were
mainly adult UAE nationals and most had full-time employment in the Dubai or UAE government, or state corporations.
The mission of these courses was primarily to make the students better prepared to enter the job market in the private sector.
Recognising that textbooks on international business and project management were typically drawn primarily from Western
experience, Dr Edwards created original material for both these courses, mainly in the form of PowerPoint and video
presentations. The new course material made extensive and innovative reference to examples and case studies from the UAE
and other AGCC states.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr Edwards was actively involved in the administration and planning of the university,
including:
redevelopment of undergraduate syllabi for accreditation by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific
Research
demographic and economic research and recommendations for feasibility studies on the university's planned new
campuses in other Arab states.
Dryland Consultants
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 1990 - 1996
Managing Partner
In 1990 Dr Edwards founded Dryland Consultants, a professional consultancy based in Dubai and specialising in
strategic economic and demographic research supported by primary market research.
The firm was quickly recognised as a creative research provider and its major milestones included:
1992-95: for Dubai Municipality - socio-economic consultant on the Dubai Urban Area Structure
Plan for the period 1993-2012, in collaboration with HBA (Ralph Parsons Group)
1992/93: for the Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board - concept developer and research
contractor for the first Dubai Tourism Survey, with the objective of measuring and characterising
tourism in Dubai originating from selected international markets
1995/96: for the Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board - research contractor for the first
Dubai Visitor Survey, with the objective of measuring and characterising all aspects of international
tourism in Dubai.
Al-Futtaim Group
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 1982 - 1990
Group Planning Manager
Al-Futtaim Group is one of the largest private corporations in the Middle East, with interests in international
trade, manufacturing, retailing and services.
Dr. Edwards, reporting initially to the Group Finance Director and subsequently to the Group Managing Director,
was responsible for economic and market planning assumptions for the Group and its operating divisions;
statistical services to the divisions; direction of the market research department; oversight of the management
services (IT) division; and leadership of ad hoc task forces for revenue enhancement and cost control.
In 1988, during a one-year period as leader of an internal task force with Mr Iqbal Alam, Dr Edwards
recommended cost controls, reorganisations and mergers which achieved an estimated Group-wide saving of
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USD 15 million/year; and recommended the creation, as independent profit centres, of FAMCO and Trading
Enterprises, which subsequently became two of the most successful business units in the Group.
Saudi Industrial Development Fund
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 1978 - 1982
Planning Manager
The Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) is one of the largest development institutions in the Middle East,
and provides finance to private manufacturing companies and electric power utilities in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Edwards, reporting initially to the Chase Manhattan Bank management team and subsequently (after
Saudiization) to the Managing Director of the Fund, was responsible for economic, demographic and marketing
planning assumptions for the Fund and its operating divisions; statistical services to the divisions; direction of
primary and secondary market research; and development of economic and demographic databases.
In the course of his work with the SIDF he set up the following:
the first demographic database and forecasting system at national, regional and urban area level
the first nationwide database of development projects
a resource forecasting system which generated planning assumptions on the demand for major
industrial products such as cement and steel.
Bank of America
London, United Kingdom 1974 - 1978
Associate Economist
Dr. Edwards, reporting to the Senior Economist of the Europe, Middle East and Africa Division in London, was
responsible for country and industry studies to support the Bank's management of risk exposure in this region.
Shell Eastern Petroleum
Singapore, Singapore Jun 1971 - Sep 1971
Financial Analyst (internship)
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, Bob Edwards was responsible for cost-beneit analysis and simulation of
a proposed new investment project. This summer internship was arranged under the AIESEC student exchange
programme.
The China Post
Taipei, Taiwan Jan 1970 - Sep 1970
Journalist
The China Post is an English-language newspaper based in Taipei, Taiwan Province, China.
Bob Edwards, reporting to the Editor, was responsible for sub-editing of business and economic news and for
interviews with business leaders, intellectuals and celebrities visiting Taiwan. His interviewees included actor
Raymond Burr, entertainer Danny Kaye and Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata.
British Aircraft Corporation (now British Aerospace)
Bristol, United Kingdom Jan 1965 - Sep 1965
Aerospace engineering trainee
Prior to starting his studies at Cambridge University, Bob Edwards was one of ten participants, selected from pre-university
students from across the UK, in an 8-month special apprenticeship program at the British Aircraft Corporation. This program was
set up to expose students to the possibilities of a career in the aerospace industry.
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In the course of the program, Bob learned the basics of aeronautical engineering, aerodynamics, computer programming,
machine shop skills, team building and project management.
Education
London School of Economics
London, United Kingdom 1971 - 1974
Ph.D., economics
Bob Edwards completed his Ph.D. at the London School of Economics in 1974, under the supervision of Professor
Hla Myint. His dissertation topic was "Public Agricultural Finance and Technological Change - A Malaysian Case
Study",
He conducted the fieldwork for his dissertation in the Muda River Irrigation Area in northern Malaysia, based in a
rice-growing village. His primary research was based on interviews with Malay farmers on their adoption of new
"Green Revolution" seed, fertiliser and machine technologies and their use of soft financing.
London School of Economics
London, United Kingdom 1970 - 1971
M.Sc., economics
At the London School of Economics, Bob Edwards earned his M.Sc. in economics in 1971, completing the 2-year
programme in one year.
The M.Sc. programme consisted of four modules:
micro economics (taught by Professor Alan Walters, later economic advisor to Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher)
macro economics (taught by Professor Harry G. Johnson of the University of Chicago)
econometrics and methods of economic investigation
economics of developing countries (taught by Professor Hla Myint and Professor Peter Bauer).
During these studies he undertook a summer internship in financial analysis with Shell Eastern Petroleum in
Singapore, under the AIESEC exchange programme.
Cambridge University
Cambridge, United Kingdom 1965 - 1968
B.A. First Class Honours, mathematics
In 1965 Bob Edwards was awarded the Fraser Jenkins Scholarship in Mathematics at Peterhouse, Cambridge
University.
He received his B.A. in mathematics with First Class Honours from Cambridge University in 1968.
Skills
Creative business achievements
(Expert)
10+ Years Experience, (Last Used
In terms of creative thinking, strategic analysis and actionable recommendations, Dr. Edwards lists among his
favorite achievements the following:
1988: for Al-Futtaim Group - during a one-year period as leader of an internal task force,
recommended cost controls, reorganisations and mergers which achieved an estimated Group-wide
saving of USD 15 million/year
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1988: for Al-Futtaim Group - recommended the creation, as independent profit centres, of FAMCO and
Trading Enterprises, which subsequently became two of the most successful business units in the
Group
1996: for the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Promotion Board - identified and recommended the
concept of a central destination for international tourism in Dubai ultimately implemented as
"Dubailand"
1997: for Dubai Municipality - recommended a new business concept for Al Shindagah Market, and
identified the prospective (ultimately the actual) investor, who relaunched the market as a Carrefour
complex
1999: for the Government and HH the Ruler of Sharjah - conceptualised and presented an ambitious
but achievable new market vision for the new Sharjah Expo Centre
2004: for HH the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah - identified the space tourism concept as an
innovative activity for Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and introduced Space Adventures, the
world's leading space tourism provider, as the marketing partner
2005: for INTV (now City7 TV) - conceptualised, directed and hosted the first prime-time business TV
programme in the UAE, "The Edwards Economic Research Show"
2007: for Sharjah Municipality developed a market vision for the proposed new Sharjah Auto Zone,
and identified and introduced a specific free zone management company as prospective manager of
the zone.
Communication (Advanced)
10+ Years Experience, (Last Used
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