Ahmed Al-Gebali, MBA, CPA
Senior Advisor to the Board
Strategic and Business planning
First Global Co.
Canada
E-mail ******@*****.***
Canada : 001 905-***-****
I have a remarkable level of experience in the Retail and investment-
banking environment. A leadership experience encompasses key roles in a
number of private equity investment ventures. Including the funding,
launching of green field banks and non-financial companies. I am thoroughly
familiar with business evaluations, investment appraisals and due
diligence. Added value to investments under management reviewing businesses
and organization structures, offering business architecture design
organizing corporate restructuring &, enterprise-wide or process/department
change, well versed in corporate governance and compliance issues,
Extensively used a large menu of financing instruments and structures,
including Islamic structure Finance, Advisor for international Sukuk
Issuance, Experience encompasses investment exits, trade sales and IPO's.
In 2013 appointed as a Senior Advisor to the Minister of Finance for
Islamic Capital Market and Government Sukuk Issuance, Arab Republic of
Egypt. In January 2013 up to date held the position of Senior Advisor to
the Chairman of the Egyptian Business Development Association (EBDA) and
represented EBDA leading the team of expertise developing the Egyptian
Sukuk Law and Executive regulation, Since July 2012 up to date Chairman for
UM Financial Group- Canada.
In December 2010 appointed as Executive Vice President, Group Chief of
Finance & Strategy of Dubai Islamic Bank, and a Board member of DIB
Pakistan. April 2004, I held the positions of General Manager - Financial
Group of Boubyan Bank, Kuwait, and Vice chairman of Boubyan Takaful in June
2006 and Board member of Boubyan Capital in November 2009. Also a senior
vice president of Finance & Information Technology at Global Investment
House Group (Kuwait), Head of Corporate Finance & Advisory and senior vice
president for Corporate Affairs at Gulf Investment House (Kuwait), and vice
president of Research and Studies Department at Kuwait Financial Centre
(Kuwait).
I hold an MBA from International American University of London, also a CPA
from the University of Illinois CPA examination board, USA. B.Com in
Finance from Ain Shams University, Egypt, and a diploma in Computer Science
from American University of Cairo
Previously a technical member in many working group. Such as, the corporate
governance standard working group, and Islamic Money Market working group
of the Islamic Financial Service Board in Malaysia. As well a regular
speaker in international Islamic conferences and seminars, and published
extensively in the field of Islamic banking.
AWARD received "The MENA Revolutionary CFO of the years 2008 & 2011"
Middle East and North Africa
Major professional achievements in career:
I have been in the Investment, commercial Banking over the last 24 years
and have acted as a senior and executive management team member with the
largest and most reputable investment and commercial banks in GCC, my
leadership experience encompasses key roles in several projects on
establishing new banks, companies, businesses and Funds,
projects/initiatives evaluations, business acquisitions, investment
appraisals, enterprise-wide or process/department diagnostic reviews, due
diligence, IPO's business review and organization restructuring studies.
Appointed as:
1. Chairman for Boubyan Bank Corporate Identity Committee. 2005
2. Vice-Chairman Boubyan Insurance company subsidiary of Bank Boubyan
(Kuwait). 2006
3. Chairman for Boubyan Bank System Review Committee. 2007
4. Member of Central Bank of Kuwait Basel II committee for
development Basel II for Islamic Banks in Kuwait. 2007
5. A Team Leader to establishment of Bank of London and Middle East-
London 2007
6. Chairman for Kuwaiti Union Bank CFO Committee. 2008
7. Board member in Boubyan Capital, subsidiary of Bank Boubyan
(Kuwait).2010
8. Chairman of DIB Products Development and enhancement task force.
2011
9. Board member in DIB Pakistan, subsidiary of Dubai Islamic Bank
(Pakistan).2011
10. Chairman Board of Directors in Um Financial Group Canada's Premier
Islamic Financial Institution. 2012
11. A Team Leader and financial Advisor for international Sukuk
issuance equal to USD10 b
12. A professional member of Corporate Governance Working Group.
Preparing the corporate governance standard, which the Islamic
Financial Service Board (IFSB) will Issue for the Islamic banks
and financial institutions. - Islamic Financial Service Board
(Malaysia).
13. A professional member of the Islamic Investment Fund Corporate
Governance Working Group (WG) that will prepare the Transparency
standard, which the Islamic Financial Service Board (IFSB) will
prepare for the Islamic banks and financial institutions. -
Islamic Financial Service Board (Malaysia).
14. A professional member of Islamic Liquidity Management Working
Group (WG) work on the development of a Master Agreement for
documenting privately negotiated Shari'ah Compliant
Hedging/Derivative transactions.- International Islamic Financial
Market (Bahrain).
Dec.2010 to Dec. 2012 Group Chief of Finance and Strategy
. Employer: Dubai Islamic Bank
. Type of business: Islamic
Retail Bank
. Country UAE
Responsible for the:
. Strategic and Financial planning
. Budgeting and forecasting
. Profitability analysis and reporting
. Internal/external financial reporting
. Financial management support for all depts. /units
. Asset/Liability management.
. Investor Relations
Key Responsibilities
. Set a long term group non-performing assets and provision policy
leaded to enhance DIB EPS.
. Developed plans and implement programs to continuously improve group
performance.
. Overseeded the asset liability management program for the group.
Worked closely with the group's management to develop specific
guidelines for asset and liability management.
. Leading the strategic planning process
. Leading the budgeting and forecasting processes of the group.
. To establish a strong financial discipline and accountability
foundation for budgeting and forecasting.
. Worked closely with the CEO, to identify the appropriate growth
strategy, financial analysis and due diligence to enable the group to
reach its strategic goals.
. Ensured that resources, direction and internal controls and financial
processes exist to achieve timely and accurate reporting of all
financial matters to internal and external parties.
. Planned, directed and coordinated the implementation of effective
accounting and financial administration policies, procedures and
reports to ensure sound financial management and control of the group.
. Directed the activities of the financial management or accounting
department of corporate growth and profit objectives. .
. Contributed to the achievement of profit improvement, cost control,
productivity and efficiency.
. Contributed to the achievement revenue growth and expense management
Evaluation of business expansion opportunities.
. Overseeded the Investment Relation function which is accountable for
creating and presenting a consistently applied investment message to
the investment community on behalf of the bank, and for monitoring and
presenting to management the opinions of the investment community
regarding the company's performance.
. Managed external investors (institutions), equity, debt / capital
markets and rating analysts and rating agencies.
. Overseeded the PMO which is responsible for managing entire list of
projects, budgetary allocations, and reporting projects performance on
a periodic basis to all stakeholders concerned .In addition, PMO
function is to ensure proper and successful implementation of projects
and deliverables which are in line with the Bank's strategic goals and
objectives
. Managed tax formalities with the appropriate authorities on a group
level.
. May.2005 - Dec. 2010(5.5 years) General Manager - Financial Group
Group Chief Financial Officer
. Employer: Boubyan Bank
. Country: Kuwait
. Major projects / initiatives/ achievements
. Team Leader for establishing Bank London and Middle East (UK). A
whole sale Islamic bank in United Kingdom. 2007
. Entrusted with the responsibility to Head the Financial Group of
the Bank Creation of financial group within the Bank that
possesses the up to date required international qualifications
as well as Islamic orientation in alignment with Boubyan,
. Guided the Bank in the selection and then implementation of full
Islamic IT solution that involved a lot of customization in
accordance with Bank needs,
. Conceptualized and implemented numerous work around manual
processes to tackle the startup phase work then accelerate data
migration process with seam lined manner,
. Established full financial business performance' solution that
encompassed: Sector's departmental structure, roles and
responsibilities, delegation of authorities, policies and
procedures, and process mapping,
. Participated in organizing and developing the Bank overall
initial business strategy after careful benchmarking and proper
resources allocation,
. Contributed to the bank development and its committees policies,
ALCO, Credit, Investment, Retail Banking, Risk Management,
. Established a 5 year Business plan for the Bank's financial
performance,
. Developed the first Islamic calculator to be used for Islamic
financing pricing,
. Developed Internal fund transfer pricing model,
. Developed Profit calculation and distribution model in
accordance with Islamic Sharia'a, "the first of it is kind"
. Demonstrated the awareness of risk management and proposed
enhancement plan to address potential deteriorating factors,
. Basel II implementation
. Oracle ERP solution implementation to one department in the
Financial Group.
. Mar.2004 - May 2005 Group CFO / CIO
. Title: SENIOR VICE
PRESIDENT - Finance / IT
. Employer: Global Investment House Co.
(Investment Bank)
. Type of business: Investment,
financial Consultants, Managed Portfolio
. Country Kuwait
Essential duties and responsibilities are as follows:
General Management
( Developed a strategic and financial Plan
( Was in charge over the whole departments.
( Ensured efficient utilization of department's resources.
( Provided guidance and support to department's staff.
( Coordinated with other departments.
( Coordinated between various sections within departments.
( Promoted Global's image.
( Attended and participated in the meetings which is authorized or
nominated to attend.
Accounts
( Following-up & reviewing the investigation concerning penalties,
pending accounts, problems and disputes that occur, to ensure
finding prompt and efficient solutions.
( Ensured development and implementation of accounting policies and
procedures.
( Ensured that internal controls are in place.
( Provided support to the long term planning and annual budgeting
exercise at Global.
( Ensured accurate and up-to-date accounting information.
( Ensured internal and external reporting.
( Liaised with banks and auditors.
( Coordinated with other departments on accounting issues.
Information Technology
( Developed a strategic IT Plan.
( Ensured IT standards and policies are in place and remain up-to-
date.
( Ensured security of IT network.
( Ensured that a disaster recovery process is in place.
( Overseeded the procurement, installation and implementation of IT
solution.
( Ensured interruption-free availability of IT infrastructure and
facilities.
( Ensured that IT infrastructure is maintained properly.
. Oct- 98 to Mar.2004 (5.5 years) 1- HEAD OF CORPORATE FINANCE
2- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - CORPORATE
AFFAIRS
. Employer: Gulf Investment House Co. (Islamic
Investment bank.)
. Type of business: Investment, financial
Consultants, Managed Portfolio
. Location: Kuwait
Head of corporate finance (Gulf Investment House, Kuwait), with over 6
years of experience in leading consulting and assurance engagements, Also
have considerable experience in financial consulting engagements, including
due diligence, valuation, financial analysis and profit projection, as well
as feasibility studies and preparation of Business Plans, In depth
knowledge of Local and GCC laws and regulations, statutory requirements.
0. For most of Corporate finance & Advisory assignments the following
duties are performed:
*Financial Due Diligence * Business Valuation
* Business Re-engineering * Company Restructuring
* Local Fund Structure * IPO Preparation
< Participated in:
1) Establishing Osoul Financing & Leasing Co. - Kuwait.
2) Establishing Mashaer AL-Haj Co - Kuwait.
3) Establishing Gulf Finance House (GFH) - Bahrain.
4) Establishing Khaleej Real Estate Company (Tameer) - Bahrain.
5) Establishing Khaleej Real Estate Company - Saudi Arabia.
6) Establishing Reef Islamic Mortgage Company - Bahrain.
7) Establishing ARKAN Real Estate Company - Kuwait.
8) Establishing AMAR - Islamic Mortgage Company - Kuwait.
9) Acquisition of HALCORE - Manufacturer of ambulances and other
emergency vehicles - USA
10) Acquisition of Stronghaven Inc. which is a world-class Independent
manufacturer of corrugated packaging, displays and fulfillment
solutions - USA
11) Acquisition of Bahrain Aluminium extrusion company - Bahrain
12) Acquisition of Bahrain Islamic Investment company - Bahrain
13) Supervise the listing (IPO preparation) of various companies in
Bahrain stock exchange, Kuwait stock exchange.
14) Carried out a full Organisation Study for various Companies in
Kuwait including (Formal Organisation Chart, Company Bylaw,
Authorities Matrix, Strategy & Business Plan, Detailed Job
Description, Operating Policy & Procedures Manual, and Assistant in
software and hardware selection, Employees Stock & Cash Incentive
scheme, Design on an employee annual appraisal system.
. Mar.97 - Oct. 98 Vice President Research & Studies Department
. Employer: Kuwait Financial Center.
. Type of business Investment, financial
Consultants, Fund & Portfolio Management
. Location: Kuwait
Vice President for research and studies department leading the internal
research function to support other department with their needs from
researches and studies, Also have considerable experience in financial
consulting engagements, including due diligence, valuation, financial
analysis and profit projection, as well as feasibility studies and
preparation of Business Plans, In depth knowledge of Local and GCC laws and
regulations, statutory requirements.
1. For most of assignments the following duties are performed:
*Financial Due Diligence * Business Valuation
* Business Re-engineering * Company Restructuring
* Local Fund Structure * IPO Preparation
< Participated in:
1. Establishing Local investment Department.
2. Establishing international investment department.
3. Establishing Markaz local quoted fund.
4. Supervise the listing (IPO preparation) of various companies in
Kuwait stock exchange.
5. Carried out a full Organization Study for various Companies
in Kuwait including (Formal Organization Chart, Company
Bylaw, Authorities Matrix, Strategy & Business Plan, Detailed
Job Description, Operating Policy & Procedures Manual, and
Assistant in software and hardware selection, Employees Stock
& Cash Incentive scheme, Design on an employee annual
appraisal system.
. Nov.94 - Mar. 97 Assistant Financial Controller
. Employer International Financial
Advisers Co
. Type of business Investment, financial
Consultants, Fund Management
. Country: Kuwait
1. Coordinated the formulation and compilation of the company's
budget.
2. Provided proper consultation for budget developers to link
budgeting into the company's goals.
3. Monitoring and control the company's budget.
4. Monthly production of key management information for
presentation to the bank's Board of Directors.
5. Preparing and analyzing monthly business segment data for
submission to respective departments and discuss with the entire
department heads for any variation.
6. Overseeded the design and implementation of IT systems
7. Ensuring proper implementation of business and financial
applications.
8. Improved procedures and reporting tools to ensure information
is uniform and accessible.
9. Ensured the proper development and implementation of policies
and procedures for accounting and information reporting
14. Provided proper assistant and administration for staff under
supervisions.
15. Carried out such other ad hoc duties as assigned by Chief
Financial Officer.
. Oct.89 - Oct.94 Head of accounts department
. Employer E.E.M.C (ICL Kuwait )
. Country Kuwait
1. Reviewed the overall posting of the accounts to the General
Ledger,
2. Ensured monthly closing to all GL accounts and production of
company Trial Balance,
3. Ensured all adjusting entries resulted from accounts
reconciliations are posted to the GL.
4. Assisted the Function manager in all dealings with Auditors and
other regulatory bodies.
5. Supervised the work of subordinate to fulfill function
activities and ensure appropriateness
6. Ensured posting proper daily accounting entries.
7. Prepared the financial information on consolidated statements.