,, ,, Wealth consists not in havinggreat possessions, but in having few wants. - Epictetus Numbers Have an Important Story to Tell. They Rely on You to Give Them a Voice. ,, - Stephen Few Haveyoueverthoughtaboutthestoriesthat numberscantell?Beyondthefiguresand decimals,astoryawaitstobediscovered.Every number,everymonetaryfigure,tellsofdecisionsmade, riskstaken,andvictorieswon.Inthebusinessworld,these figuresbecomethesilentstorytellersofsuccessand strategy
Inaworldwheredatadriveseverything,thelanguageof numbersdefiesspreadsheetsandfinancialreports.It'sa universallanguagespokenbybusinesses,anddecodingit needsmorethanjustmathematicaladeptness—it necessitatesaprofoundawarenessofthestorieshidden inside.Insimpleterms,numbersarewaitingfortranslators, andyou,asareader,holdthepentogivethemavoice.
TurningourattentiontothelimelightforthiseditionofThe CIOWorld,weenthusiasticallypresent "The 10 Most Influential CFOs to Watch in 2024."
Thesefinancialarchitectscreatehistoriesthatstretchacross theequilibriumlineandprofitmargins.Theirstories, meticulouslylacedwithfigures,highlightthecriticalrole CFOsplayinsteeringtheirenterprises'financialdestiny
So,aswehighlighttheseinfluencers,letusnotonly appreciatetheirfinancialathleticismbutalsothestories engravedinthenumericaldeftnesstheytraverse.Helpus decodethenumericalnarrativesandgivethesestoriesthe attentiontheydeserve.
Haveagreatreadahead!
AlayaBrown Editor in chief
Deputy Editor
Managng Editor
Assistant Editors
Visualiser
Art & Design Head
Art & Design Assitant
Business Development Manager
Business Development Executive
Technical Head
Assitant Technical Head
Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst
Circulation Manager
Chidiebere Moses
Phoebe Jacob
Aisha, Olivia
David Walker
Mia Rodricks
Helena
Eric
Richard Martinez
Amit Kashyap
Qatari Diar www.qataridiar.com
CFO Amit boasts over 25 years of finance and taxa on exper se garnered from professional accoun ng firms and real estate. He began at Arthur Andersen, advising mul na onal corpora ons on Indian opera ons. Later, at Ernst & Young, he specialized in interna onal tax and M&A advisory
Chêne & Cie h p://chene.fr/ Bap ste Sénéchal Group CFO
With 15 years in finance and management, Bap ste serves as an execu ve leader and mul cultural team head. Proficient in various domains, including management control, accoun ng, and rela onship management, Bap ste navigates dynamic environments effec vely.
Aradhana Sarin
Execu ve Director and Chief Financial Officer
AstraZeneca www.astrazeneca.com
Aradhana has more than 20 years of professional experience spanning opera ng roles at Alexion and advisory roles at global financial ins tu ons, gaining extensive knowledge of global healthcare systems, capital markets, and strategic transac ons.
Brian Webb-Walsh
Execu ve Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
NCR Corpora on www.ncr.com
Brian oversees finance, accoun ng, treasury, investor rela ons, tax, M&A, audit, and real estate globally, collabora ng with business units to ensure success. With a background in Fortune 500 firms, he excels at leading large finance teams, notably as UPS' interna onal CFO.
Saleh & Abdulaziz Abahsain Co.,Ltd. www.abahsain.net Hussien Zabadi
Group Chief Financial Officer Hussien Zabadi serves as the Group Chief Financial Officer at Saleh & Abdulaziz Abahsain, an Industrial Machinery & Equipment company with approximately 119 employees. Opera ng from Saudi Arabia, he oversees the finance team at the C-level.
Precious Hawadi Group Execu ve: Finance (CFO)
NTP Logis cs (Pty) Ltd www.ntpl.co.za
Precious oversees Financial Capital, including Financial Control, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Group Treasury, and Corporate Finance. Addi onally, she was honored with the 14th Annual Standard Bank Top Woman Award for Top Women in Science in 2017.
S. V. Eswar CFO
Tookitaki www tookitaki.com
S.V. Eswar, a Finance & Commercial leader, adeptly navigates technology-driven sectors, seamlessly transi oning between Fortune 100 companies and mid-sized MNCs. Skilled in managing mul cultural teams, consistently eleva ng standards, and implemen ng best prac ces.
Saleh Al-Wallan CFO
Saudi Esports Federa on www.saudiesports.sa
Saleh Al-Wallan began the journey a er mee ng with the Federa on's CEO and receiving an invita on to join the squad. His financial knowledge helped to iden fy opportuni es, overcome economic gaps, and catapult the Saudi Esports Federa on to new heights of financial prosperity
Nader Ashoor CFO Viola Babcock CFO
Bupa Arabia h ps://onlineservices. bupa.com.sa/
Nader Mohammed Saleh Ashoor holds directorial roles at Bupa Arabia and Saudi Steel Pipe Co. He earned degrees from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals and the University of Lausanne.
Smith County Memorial Hospital www.myriverviewmedical.com
Viola is commi ed to suppor ng the hospital's mission of providing high-quality pa ent care while maintaining financial viability in a dynamic healthcare landscape.
Amit Kashyap A Tale of Personal Choice, Pioneering a Successful Trail in Finance and Real Estate
Saleh Al-Wallan
Transforming Finance in the Gaming Nexus
Am Special - By Moona Mohammed
CFO Best Practices!
Strategic Cost Management in a Volatile Market
CFOs as Strategic Partners! Collaborating with Other C-Suite Executives for Business Success
Amit Kashyap A Tale of Personal Choice, Pioneering a Successful Trail in Finance and Real Estate
My motivation to join Qatari Diar came from the tremendous opportunity it offered to make an impact on the bottom line of an organization that had a global footprint and yet didn't at that time have a dedicated in-house tax team.
Amit Kashyap CFO
Qatari Diar
Embracing Passion, Academic Choices, and Impactful Career Moves!
Inaworldwherecareerchoicesoftenfollow conventionalpaths,individualsarefacedwiththe challengeofmakingdecisionsthatalignwithsocietal expectations.Thepressuretopursuetraditionalprofessions cansometimesovershadowthepursuitofpersonalpassions anduniqueinterests.
However,amidstthesesocietalnorms,somedaretodefy convention,chartingtheircoursewithunwavering determination.Amongtheseexceptionalindividuals,one nameshinesbrightly:AmitKashyap,thevisionaryCFOat QatariDiar,agloballeaderinrealestateexcellence.
Amit'sformativeyearswerespentinthepicturesquetown ofShimla,wherehewasbroughtupbyhisparents—a successfullawyerandacommittedcollegelecturer.Itwas inthissupportivesettingthathisexceptionalacademic abilitiesstartedtoemerge.WhilehisfatheraspiredforAmit topursuemedicine,firmlybelievinginhiscapabilitiesto succeedinthisfield,Amit'struecallinglayinadifferent domain—FinanceandTaxintheRealEstateindustry.It wasduringhishighschoolyearsthathewholeheartedly embracedhispassionforfinance,adecisionthatreceived unwaveringsupportfromhisfamily
Topursuehisfinancialambitions,Amitsecuredadmission toShriRamCollegeofCommerce,anesteemedinstitution renownedforitscommerceandeconomicsprograms.This milestonemarkedthebeginningofhisformaleducationin financeandsetthestageforhisfuturesuccess.Hisjourney wascharacterizedbydetermination,atraitthatwould continuetopropelhimforward.
Amit'scareertrajectorycanbedelineatedintotwo compellingphases:financialconsultingandrealestate expertise.Hisinitialroleasafinancialconsultantsawhim advisingclientsacrossvariousindustries.Notably,someof hisclientsoperatedwithintherealestatesector.Itwas duringthisperiodthatAmit'sknackforfinancialstrategies andhispassionforrealestateconverged.
TheopportunitytojoinQatariDiar,agloballyinfluential playerinrealestate,beckonedAmitwithitspromiseofa uniquechallenge.Inthisrole,hewouldnotonlycontribute totheorganization'sbottomlinebutalsoestablishitsinhousetaxteam—anunprecedentedendeavoratthetime.
The company's core values include a focus on quality, engagement with the local community, fostering partnerships, and promoting sustainability.
Amit'sdecisiontojoinQatariDiarwasrootedinthedesire tomakeaprofoundimpactonanorganizationwithafarreachingglobalfootprint.Hisstrategicinsightsand financialacumenhaveplayedapivotalroleinsteeringthe company'sfinancialsuccesswhileelevatingitsstandingin therealestatearena.
Inaworldwheresuccessisoftenmeasuredbyone's beginnings,hisjourneyremindsusthatwithtenacityanda relentlesspursuitofexcellence,anyonecanascendtothe pinnacleoftheirchosenfield.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
PioneeringQatar'sRealEstateDevelopment Foundedin2005bytheQatarInvestmentAuthority(QIA), thesovereignwealthfundofQatar,QatariDiarRealEstate InvestmentCompanyhasemergedasaprominentplayerin therealestatedevelopmentsector Withitsheadquarters situatednortheastofDoha,Qatar'scapital,alongthe ArabianGulfcoast,thecompanywasestablishedtosupport thenation'sburgeoningeconomyandmanageitsrealestate developmentpriorities.
AttheheartofQatariDiar'sportfolioliesitsflagship project,LusailCity,unveiledinDecember2005.Lusail Cityhasgarneredwidespreadrecognitionforitsinnovative approachtorealestatedevelopment.Envisionedasa progressive,self-containedcity,Lusailrepresentsoneof Qatar'smostambitioussingledevelopmentinitiatives. Whilestillintheconstructionphase,LusailCitystandsasa testamenttoQatar'smonumentalprogress,embodyingthe visionaryandhigh-qualitystandardsassociatedwiththe QatariDiar
BeyonditsremarkableendeavorswithinQatar,QatariDiar remainscommittedtotranslatingitsvisionintorealityon bothlocalandglobalfronts.Thecompany'smission revolvesaroundcreatingrealestateprojectsthatelevate qualityoflifeandmakepositivecontributionsto communities.ThissteadfastcommitmenthasearnedQatari Diarareputationasoneoftheworld'smosttrustedand esteemedrealestatecompanies.Keyprinciplesthatguide thecompanyincludeanunwaveringcommitmenttoquality, communityengagement,partnershipbuilding,and sustainability
Asof2022,QatariDiarboastsasharedcapitalofUS$8.1 billionandisactivelyinvolvedin50investmentprojects across20countriesworldwide.Theseprojectscollectively representaninvestmentvalueofapproximatelyUS$35 billion,demonstratingthecompany'sglobalreachand commitmenttoshapingthefutureofrealestate development.
JourneyintoTaxationandCharteredAccountancy Duringhistimeincollege,Amitdevelopedakeeninterest intaxationasaspecialization.HeaspiredtoworkatArthur Andersen,ahighlyesteemedfirmforthosepursuingcareers astaxandfinancialadvisors.Tosecureapositionthere, Amitunderwentarigorousmulti-interviewprocess conductedacrosstheentireDelhiUniversitycampus. Fortunately,hewasamongthefortunatefewtobeselected andjoinedtheArthurAndersentaxpracticeintheirNew Delhioffice.AtArthurAndersen,Amit'sroleprimarily involvedguidingmultinationalclientsonmatterssuchas cross-borderorIndiantaxationissuesrelatedtoestablishing operationsinIndia,conductingmergerandacquisition activities,andrepatriatingfundsfromIndia.Additionally, heassistedmultinationalclientswithnavigatingforeign investmentandexchangecontrolregulationsandobtaining thenecessaryapprovalsforsettingupbusinessinIndia.
WhileworkingatArthurAndersen,Amitalsopursuedhis studiesandsuccessfullybecameaqualifiedChartered Accountantin2000.
ArthurAndersentoErnstandYoung In2002,themergeroftheIndianbusinessofArthur AndersenwithErnst&Youngoccurredfollowingthe unfortunateeventssurroundingEnron.Atthattime,Amit hadalreadyaccumulatedconsiderableexperiencein providingadviceonIndiantaxationmatters.
ThefieldofinternationaltaxationinIndiawasstillinits earlystages,andAmitfoundhimselfcaptivatedbythe intricateinvestmentstructuresinwell-establishedtaxation jurisdictions.Drivenbyadesiretoexpandhisknowledge andexpertiseininternationaltaxation,Amitdecidedto relocatetoErnst&YounginAustraliain2004.
Thismoveexposedhimtoacompletelydifferenttaxation system,characterizedbymoredevelopedandcomplex conceptsandlegalprinciples.Consequently,his understandingofinternationaltaxationgreatlydeepened. Furthermore,Amitwasfortunatetoreceivesponsorship fromErnstandYoungtopursueamaster'sdegreein taxationattheUniversityofSydney,whichsignificantly contributedtohiscomprehensionofinternationaltaxation. Duringthistime,hefocusedonadvisingclientsoncrossborderAustraliantaxationmatterstolegallyminimizetheir taxliabilities.However,Amit'sthirstforknowledgewas stillnotquenched.
In2007,anopportunityaroseforhimtojointhe InternationalTaxationteamatErnst&YoungLondon, whichheeagerlyseized.Onceagain,hislearningcurve skyrocketed,furthersolidifyinghispositionasatrusted globaltaxadvisor.ThewealthofexperienceAmithad gainedfromhistimeatArthurAndersenandErnst&Young provedtobehighlyrelevantandinstrumentalinhis subsequentroleastheheadoftaxationatQatariDiar This wasespeciallycrucialgiventheextensiveinternational assetportfolioofthecompany
NotableProjects Some notable projects that he was involved with while working at Ernst & Young are:
• AdvisingaUS-basedhedgefundonthetax implicationsforUK,Australian,andEuropean investorsofaproposedcapitalreorganization.
• Adviceontheseparationofworldwideoperatingand non-operatingbusinessesatalargeinvestmentbank
• Involvedintheconceptualization,advising,and implementationofaUSfinancingstructureforalisted entity
• Advisedalistedentityontax-efficientacquisitionsof businessesinSweden,Slovenia,andRussia.
• AdvisedaleadingfundonitsIPO,whichinvolvedthe preparationofataxopinionincludedinthe'Prospectus' andataxreportontheAustralianandUKtax implicationsoftheholdingstructureforthefund's investments.
My role at Arthur Andersen involved advising multinational clients primarily on cross-border or Indian taxation issues arising from setting up operations in India, undertaking merger and acquisition activities, or repatriating money out of India.
,, ,, • AdvisedalistedJapanesefinancialinstitutiononthe acquisitionofthefleetfinancingbusinessofan Australianbank.
• Advisedalistedretailindustrycompanyonitsentry strategyintoIndia,taxplanningopportunities,and expatriatetaxation.
• AdvisedaleadingSwissconfectionarycompanyonits taxconsolidationstrategyandreorganizationof Australianbusinessoperations.
• Ongoingadvicetoclientsontaxaspectsofshare buybacks,employeeshareschemes,CFCimplications, thincapitalizationissues,taxconsolidationissues,etc.
• Managingcompliancefunctionsofdesignatedclients, includingpreparation/reviewofincometaxreturns, businessactivitystatements,andothertaxfilings LiaisingwiththeATOabouttheabove
• Co-authoredarticle,'ResidenceofCompaniesNot IncorporatedinAustralia'publishedinTaxationin Australia(Issue39/October2004)–Australia'slargest taxjournal.
TransitionfromTaxAdvisortoHeadofTaxand Finance By2008,Amithadaccumulatedapproximately11yearsof experienceprovidingadvisoryservicestoclientsinIndia, Australia,andtheUKonmattersrelatedtointernational taxation.Beinganadvisormeantalwaysconsideringthings fromanexternalperspectivewithoutbeingdirectly involvedinmakingbusinessdecisionsorfacingthe consequencesofsuchdecisions.
ItwasduringthistimethatAmitrealizedhedidn'tenvision himselfasataxadvisorfortherestofhiscareer.Oneday, whiletravelingonthetube,hecameacrossan advertisementforthepositionofHeadofTaxatareal estatecompanyintheMiddleEast.
Aftermeetingwiththecompany'sCFOandHeadofHR, Amitimmediatelyfeltaconnectionandknewhewantedto beapartofthefutureandsuccessofQatariDiar Atthat time,thecompanyhadalreadyacquiredasignificant portfolioofprojectsandassetsinvariouslocations,from theUKtoYementoMalaysia.Thechallengeofestablishing ataxfunctionfromscratchwassomethingAmitwascertain hewantedtotakeon.
Despitehavingpreviouslyagreedtoasmoothtransition backtoAustraliawithEY,wherehehadbeensecondedto theUKoffice,hiswifefullysupportedhisdecision. Becomingoneoftheearliestin-housetaxprofessionalsin QataratthattimeissomethingAmittakesgreatpridein.In 2010,QatariDiar'slargestproject,LusailCity,requiredthe establishmentofadedicatedfinancefunction.DuetoAmit's successinsettingupthetaxfunction,hewasallowedto establishthefinancefunctionforLusail.Thismarkedhis firstventureintoabroaderfinancialrolebeyondtaxation.
NavigatingtheTaxLandscape WhenAmitjoinedQatariDiar,hewasthesoleperson responsiblefortaxation.Atthattime,taxationwasnot widelyunderstoodinQatar,whichwasprimarilyatax-free country.However,QatariDiarhadinvestmentsincountries withdevelopedtaxationsystems,makingitcrucialfor businessteamstoconsidertaximplicationswhenmaking decisions.Itwasalsoimportantforstakeholdersto comprehendtheseimplicationsinabusiness-friendly mannerduetothecomplexityoftheconcept.
Herecognizedtheneedtotransitionfrombeingatax advisortoprovidingin-housetaxsupport.Many professionalsstrugglewiththistransitionbecausetheyare unabletoshiftfromanadvisorymindsettoadecisionmakingmindset.Amitsuccessfullyovercamethese challengesbypromptlyidentifyingthetaxconsequencesof investmentdecisionsduringhisreviews.Someofthese consequencesweresignificantenoughtopotentiallyhinder theinvestments.Beforehisarrival,theseissueshadnot beenrecognizedoremphasized.
Oncestakeholdersunderstoodtheimportanceofproactive taxplanning,hegainedtheirsupportandwasableto incorporatetaxconsiderationsintoinvestmentcriteria.
NavigatingtheShift
Amitbelievesthathavingindustryexperienceisimportant whentransitioningfromanadvisorroletoanin-house position,butitisnotcrucial.Thekeyfactorsaretheability tosmoothlyswitchbetweenthetworolesandapply knowledgeinbusinesssituationswhileeffectively communicatingwithstakeholders.TheBig4professional firmsareknownforprovidingasolidfoundation,whichhe hadgainedduringadecadeofexperiencebeforejoining QatariDiar Thisexperiencealsoinstilledastrongwork ethicthatisvaluableacrossindustries.Additionally,his exposuretocross-bordertransactionsenabledhimto quicklyidentifyimportantissuesandpresentthemto managementforapproval.
UnprecedentedSuccess
Amit'slearningandexperienceatQatariDiarsurpass anythingfromhispreviouslifeasanadvisor The
opportunitytoworkinvariedroleswiththesupportoftheir bosseshasallowedAmittoconsistentlydeliver Theybegan bysettingupthetaxationfunctionandbuildingateam,then movedtoLusailtoreplicatethesuccessfulsetupasthe financehead.Thistransitionprovidedatremendous learningexperience.
AftersuccessfullyrunningtheLusailFinancefunction,he wasentrustedwithadditionalresponsibilitiesforFinancial Planning,Analysis,andAccountingwhentherewere organizationalchanges.Theseexperiencesofferedabroader viewoftheentireFinancefunction,whichwasdifferent fromtheirinitialtax-focuseddaysatQatariDiar.Hefeels humbledtobeoneofthefewindividualsgiventhechance toworkinsuchdiverseroleswithinthecompany This opportunityalsoallowedthemtoshowcasetheirabilityto takeontheCFOrolewhentherightopportunityarose. Amitattributestheirsuccesstothefaithandconfidencethat theirbossesandtheCEOofQatariDiarhaveplacedintheir abilitiestodeliverasCFO.
The 10 Most Influen al CFOs to Watch in 2024
Saleh Al-Wallan CFO Saudi Esports Federa on
Saleh Al-Wallan Transforming Finance in the Gaming Nexus A Chronicle of Expertise, Leadership, and Continuous Learning!
Life,muchliketheocean,presentscountlesschances, eachcapableofleadingustonewandthrilling destinations.Itrequiresacombinationofinsight, adaptability,andawillingnesstoexploreunchartedwaters.
Justasaseasonedsailorlearnstoreadthecurrentsandset sailintherightdirection,understandingthepotentialin opportunitiesallowsustochartacoursetowardgrowth, fulfillment,andthediscoveryofunexploredterritoriesin ourpersonalandprofessionaljourney.
SalehAl-Wallanstandsasthefinancialarchitect,steering theSaudiEsportsFederationintounchartedterritories.As theChiefFinancialOfficer(CFO),hehasnotonly embracedthechallengebuttransformeditintoarealmof untappedopportunities.
Hisjourneybeganin2020withapivotalengagementwith theFederation'sCEO,leadingtoaninvitationtojointhe team.Al-Wallan'sfinancialacumenplayedapivotalrolein identifyingandcapitalizingonopportunitiesthatnotonly closedeconomicgapsinthekingdombutalsopropelledthe SaudiEsportsFederationintoaneweraoffinancial prosperity.
"In the gaming and esports sector, we're not just playing games; we're rewriting the rules of economic engagement," saysAl-Wallan.Hisstrategicvisiongoesbeyondbalancing thebooks;itextendstomaximizingthevalueofthe organization,thesector,andthebroadereconomy.
AstheCFO,Al-Wallanisnotmerelycrunchingnumbers; heisscriptingthefinancialnarrativeofanindustryonthe rise.Hisjourneyismorethanaprofessionalventure;it'sa testamenttothesymbioticrelationshipbetweenfinanceand thethrillingworldofesports.
Below are the interview highlights:
Couldyoupleasetellusaboutyourselfandwhat motivatedyoutoembarkonthissector?
SalehAl-Wallanhasdiverseworkexperienceinvarious rolesandindustries.SalehhasbeentheChiefFinancial OfficerattheSaudiEsportsFederationsinceSeptember 2021andpreviouslyservedastheVPofBusinessand SharedServicesfromJuly2020toSeptember2021.Priorto that,theyworkedasaconsultantattheMinistryofFinance inSaudiArabiafromFebruary2020toAugust2020.Saleh alsohadaroleastheDirectorofBusinessDevelopmentat theSocialDevelopmentBankfromMay2018toFebruary 2020.Inaddition,theyworkedastheDirectorofFinanceat AlEmaratAlArabiahEst(WallanGroup)fromApril2011 toDecember2012.
SalehAlWallancompletedtheirBachelor'sDegreein FinanceatKingSaudUniversityfrom2004to2009.Saleh thenpursuedaMaster'sDegreeinProjectManagementat We embraced our team members, not just as employees but as individuals with unique talents waiting to be honed, creating an environment where our members can learn, develop, and excel in their areas. We harnessed our resources, deploying funding and training capabilities to empower them with the skills necessary for their roles.
theUniversityofWashingtonfrom2009to2011.Interms ofadditionalcertifications,AlWallanobtainedtheCME1 fromtheSaudiCapitalMarketAuthorityinJune2013. Salehalsoacquiredskillsincoaching,managing,and mentoringthroughprogramsofferedbyHRDF,ILM,and MeircTrainingandConsultingin2019and2020. Additionally,AlWallancompletedacourseoninnovationat theStanfordUniversitySchoolofEngineeringinFebruary 2016.
Whatmadeyoudecidetotakefinanceatayoungage?: Thefirststepsinmyjourneystartedbeforegraduatingfrom collegeintheautoindustry,specificallyincarmaintenance. Engagingwithpeopleduringmyearlycareerhasfascinated me,ignitingacuriositythatledmetoexploredeepintothe worldoffinance.
Iwasalwayspassionateaboutthefinancialindustry, recognizingthatwithinfinance,thereexistsafundamental elementineverystory,initiative,orproject.Financeisthe cornerstoneuponwhichorganizationsthriveandprosper It'safieldwheretherightpracticestranslateintoprofits;the profitswillleadtogrowth,andwiththatgrowth,weensure apromisingfuture.
CouldyoupleasebriefaboutSaudiEsportsFederation anditsinceptionstory?
TheSaudiEsportsFederationistheregulatingbodyin chargeofnurturingelitegamingathletesanddevelopingthe gamingcommunityandindustryinSaudiArabia.
Thefederation’sactivitiesarecategorizedintotwo complementarystreams.Thefirststreamworkstodevelop alllevelsofcompetitivegamers,startingwiththegrassroots communitylevelandmovinguptoprofessionalesports athleteswhocanachieveglobalexcellence.Thesecond streamworkstodeveloptheentiregamingandesports valuechainbycatalyzingtheindustryandenablingtalent.
Atthemoment,ourfederationisworkingonmultiple initiativestomakeesportsaviablecareeroption.These includeofficiallegalrecognitionofbothesports’athletes andesportsclubs,establishingtrainingfacilitiesforesports clubstoorganizemoreprofessionaltraining,and,ofcourse, coachingesportsclubstonavigatewithintheesports ecosystem.
Sinceitsestablishmentinlate2017,ourfederationhas organizedmultipleworld-classnationalandinternational tournamentsandevents,suchastheSaudieLeague,Gamers WithoutBorders,thelargestcharitableesportsevent worldwide,and,ofcourse,theincredibleGamers8,the biggestgamingandesportsfestivalworldwide.Allthese
tournamentsandeventshaveattractedinvestmentfrom localprivatesectoractorsandworkedwithinternational developersonopportunitiesintheSaudimarket.
Canyoudescribeyourexperienceandbackgroundin financeandaccounting?
Iwouldsaythatworkingintheautomotivefieldatayoung agewasthekeythathonedmyskills.Idiscernedthe nuanceddistinctionbetweenfinanceandaccounting. Finance,Ilearned,isaboutmaximizingwealth,while accountingisaboutprotectingthiswealth.This understandingpropelledmeintodiverseopportunitiesand fascinatingnarratives,showcasingtheintegralrelationship betweenthesefields.
Fueledbypassion,Iventuredintoentrepreneurship, establishingtwocompanies.Later,Idelvedintotherealms offinanceandbusinessdevelopment,eventuallyservingas theHeadofBusinessDevelopmentfora$45billionRiyal fund.MyjourneycontinuedasIledtheTreasuryRights withintheMinistryofFinance.
Now,mypathhasledmetotheSaudiEsportsFederation. Here,Ibearthefruitsofmyvariedexperiencesinthe promisinggamingandesportssectors.
Canyoushareyourexperiencemanagingcashflowand workingcapital?
I would describe my answer in three layers:
FirstisFosteringFinancialFluency:Oursuccessliesinour beliefinenhancingfinancialawarenessacrossall departments.Everyleaderwithinthefederationpossessesa keenunderstandingoffinance.Weequipthemwith accurateandtimelyfinancialinformation,enablingthemto makesmartdecisionswithoutaffectingworkingcapital.We providecomprehensivefinancialguidelines,ensuringour teamcomprehendsthecashflow
Secondly,willbeourStrategicCollaborationwithother entities:Wefosterstrongcollaborationbothinternallyand externally Wealignourplanswithvariousstakeholders. Thissynchronicityisvitalforourfinancialstrength.We investsignificantlyinourfederation'sstrategy,craftinga visionaryroadmapspanningfiveyears.Addressingcash flowcomplexitiesinourfinancialstrategyandelevatingour reportsandfinancialperformance.
LastwillbeProactivePlanningandVisualization: Visualizingthefutureisakeyaspect.Wedon'tjustpredict, butweplanmeticulously.Byanticipatingchallengesand opportunities,weintegratecashflowconsiderationsdirectly intoourstrategicvision.Thisproactiveapproachhelpsus
toensurethatourfinancialreportingremainsnotjust accuratebutalwaysonestepahead.
Howdoyouensurecompliancewithfinancial regulationsandstandards?
Wefocusonfollowingfinancialrulesandstandardsclosely Ourapproachisproactive,aimingforhighprecisionand excellence.InSaudiArabia,wherelawstandsasanorth starofguidance,wehavechosenateamthatiswellaware ofthefinancialrulesandregulations.Adherencetothese lawsisnotjustaninternalaffair;wesubjectourcompliance toexternalauditorswhoarewellawareoftheirknowledge toverifyit.
Wecontinuouslycheckourfinancialrecordseveryquarter, whichshoweverything.Oncethereisanythingconsidered ayellowflag,wearealwaysawareofitandaddressitata veryearlystage.
Crucially,wehavealwaysensuredtoempowerour employeestoexcelintheirfieldandtobewell-knownin financialcomplianceandfinancialregulationsand standards.Wedothisbyhelpingthemobtainesteemed certificationsinthefinancedomain,suchastheCFAand SOCPA.
Canyouprovideanexampleofasuccessfulcost-saving initiativeyouimplementedinapreviousrole?
Certainly,whenitcomestotheworldoffinancial optimization,myhearttrulybelongstothedigitalaspectof it.Ifirmlybelievethatimplementingdigitalsolutionscan significantlyminimizehumanintervention.
OneoftheexperiencesIencounteredwhileexaminingthe financialsofoneofthelargestenergycompaniesinthe MiddleEast.WhileIwasleadingasmallfinancialfirm,I uncoveredacriticaldataissuethattranslatedintobillionsin lossesforthecompany Thiseye-openingdiscovery promptedmetocollaboratecloselywiththecompany's administration.Leadingtoamoreoptimizedfinancial futureforbothpartiesthroughatech-drivensolution.
Financestrategiesconnectwithareassuchastechnology andlegalpolicies.Integratingtheseensuresthe organizationworksefficientlyandreachesmaximum effectiveness.
Howdoyouapproachfinancialforecastingandlongtermstrategicplanning?
Navigatingtherealmoffinancialforecastingandlong-term strategicplanningdemandsasturdyfinancialcompass,a
guidinglightthatilluminatesourpath.Forus,thisbegins withthreeapproaches:
TheNationalGamingandEsportsStrategy:Ourwork commenceswithacomprehensivenationalgamingand esportsstrategy Withinitsgoals,everyinitiativeis outlined,servingasthefoundationalcornerstoneforour financialprojections.
OrganizationStrategy:Beyondindividualinitiatives,we analyzeopportunities,economicadvantages,andindustry progress,shapingourfinancialstrategies.
DetailedAssessment:Weleavenostoneunturned.Through adetailedassessment,wediscerneveryelementnecessary forourfinancialforecasts,creatingastrongfoundationfor ourstrategy.Oncethesestrategiesreceivethegreenlight fromouradministrationandsponsors,ourforecasting capabilitiessharpenintocrystalclarity.However,weare propelledbyanunyieldingpace,oftenoutstrippingthe currentstrategy.Toensurealignmentwiththedynamic needsofourleaders,wededicateourselvestocontinuous development.Thismeanstranslatingtheaspirationsand requirementsofeveryleaderinthefederationinto actionablestrategies,integratingthemseamlesslyintoour long-termforecasts,andreflectingtheambitionofour leadersineveryfinancialplan,ensuringthatourstrategies mirrortheirvisionanddriveoursuccessforward.
Canyoudiscussyourexperienceleadingfinancialteams anddevelopingtalentwithinthefinancefunction?
AswearemovingforwardtowardsmakingtheKingdoma globalgamingandesportshub,theneedforadeptleaders hasneverbeenmorecrucial.Werecognizethatbehind everysuccessstoryliesthededicationandpassionofour teammembers.
Weembracedourteammembers,notjustasemployeesbut asindividualswithuniquetalentswaitingtobehoned, creatinganenvironmentwhereourmemberscanlearn, develop,andexcelintheirareas.Weharnessedour resources,deployingfundingandtrainingcapabilitiesto empowerthemwiththeskillsnecessaryfortheirroles.
Additionally,weimmersedourselvesinvariousnetworks andorganizations,absorbingtheindustry'sbestpractices. Bystayingabreastofthelatesttrendsandmethodologies, weensuredourteamwasequippedwiththeknowledgeto leadeffectivelyinthefuture.
Today,withinourfinancialdomain,youwitnessnotonly leaderssteeringtheirrespectiveareasbutalsoemerging talentsmeticulouslypreparingtoassumepivotalrolesinthe yearstocome.
,, ,, Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. Ifyou love whatyou are doingy , ou wi be successful.
- Albert Schweitzer
Strategic Cost Management in a Volatile Market Changeistheonlyconstantinlife.Thistimeless wisdomfromtheancientGreekphilosopher Heraclitusresonatesevenmoreprofoundlyin today'sdynamicbusinessenvironment.Theglobalmarket isaturbulentseaofuncertainty,wheredisruptiveforcesand unforeseenchallengescanswiftlyalterthecourseof businesses.Insuchvolatiletimes,ChiefFinancialOfficers (CFOs)findthemselvesattheforefrontofsteering organizationsthroughchoppywaters.HowcanCFOs effectivelymanagecostsinthefaceofmarketfluctuations andeconomicuncertainties?Whatarethebestpractices thatempowerthemtonotjustsurvivebutthrivein tumultuoustimes?
StrategicCostManagementDefined:Strategiccost managementgoesbeyondmereexpensetracking;it involvesacomprehensiveapproachtoaligningcostswith theoverallstrategicgoalsoftheorganization.Itrequires CFOstonavigatethedelicatebalancebetweencost reductionandvaluecreation.Inavolatilemarket,where externalfactorscandisrupteventhebest-laidplans, strategiccostmanagementbecomesacrucialtoolfor maintainingfinancialhealth.
UnderstandingtheVolatileMarketLandscape:Thefirststep incraftinganeffectivestrategiccostmanagementplanisa deepunderstandingofthevolatilemarketlandscape. Unpredictableevents,suchasgeopoliticaltensions, economicdownturns,andglobalhealthcrises,cansend shockwavesthroughindustries.CFOsmustbevigilantand proactive,constantlymonitoringmarkettrendsand identifyingpotentialrisks.
CostStructureAnalysis:Anessentialaspectofstrategic costmanagementisconductingathoroughanalysisofthe organization'scoststructure.Thisinvolvescategorizing costsintofixedandvariablecomponents,understanding theirimpactonthebottomline,andidentifyingareaswhere adjustmentscanbemadewithoutcompromisingcore operations.Inavolatilemarket,flexibilityincoststructures becomesparamount.
ImplementingZero-BasedBudgeting:Zero-based budgeting(ZBB)isapowerfultoolintheCFO'sarsenal, particularlyinuncertaintimes.Unliketraditionalbudgeting, ZBBrequiresafreshevaluationofeveryexpense,forcing departmentstojustifyeachcostitemfromscratch.This approachhelpsorganizationsidentifynon-essential expensesandredirectresourcestowardsstrategicpriorities.
EmbracingTechnologyforEfficiencyGains:Inthedigital age,leveragingtechnologyisnotjustanoption;it'sa necessity.CFOsshouldexploreadvancedanalytics, artificialintelligence,andautomationtoolstoenhance efficiencyinfinancialprocesses.Automatingroutinetasks notonlyreducestheriskofhumanerrorbutalsofreesup valuableresourcesthatcanberedirectedtowardsmore strategicinitiatives.
RiskManagementandScenarioPlanning:Volatilemarkets areinherentlyrisky,andCFOsmustbeadeptatrisk management.Thisinvolvesnotonlyidentifyingpotential risksbutalsodevelopingcontingencyplansfordifferent scenarios.ScenarioplanningallowsCFOstoassessthe potentialimpactofvariousexternalfactorsonthe organization'sfinancialhealthandmakeinformeddecisions tomitigaterisks.
NegotiatingStrategicPartnerships:Intimesofuncertainty, collaborationcanbeagame-changer.CFOsshouldactively seekoutstrategicpartnershipsthatoffermutualbenefits, whetherintheformofcost-sharing,jointventures,or sharedresources.Byforgingallianceswithlike-minded organizations,CFOscancreateamoreresilientand adaptablebusinessecosystem.
BalancingShort-TermWinswithLong-TermSustainability: Whiletheimmediatefocusinavolatilemarketmaybeon survivalandshort-termgains,CFOsmustnotlosesightof long-termsustainability.Strategiccostmanagement involvesmakingdecisionsthatnotonlyaddressimmediate challengesbutalsopositiontheorganizationforfuture success.It'sadelicatebalancingactthatrequiresforesight andakeenunderstandingoftheorganization'sstrategic goals.
CommunicationandTransparency:Intimesofuncertainty, communicationbecomesacornerstoneofeffectivecost management.CFOsmustmaintaintransparent communicationwithstakeholders,includingemployees, investors,andtheboard.Clearlyarticulatingtherationale behindcost-cuttingmeasuresandtheorganization'soverall financialstrategybuildstrustandconfidence.
MeasuringandMonitoringKeyPerformanceIndicators (KPIs):EstablishingrelevantKeyPerformanceIndicators (KPIs)iscrucialformonitoringtheeffectivenessof
strategiccostmanagementinitiatives.CFOsshouldtrack financialmetricssuchascashflow,operatingmargins,and returnoninvestmenttoassesstheimpactofcost managementefforts.RegularlyreviewingKPIsallowsfor coursecorrectionandensuresthattheorganizationstayson tracktowarditsfinancialgoals.
Conclusion
Inavolatilemarket,theroleofCFOsextendsfarbeyond traditionalfinancialmanagement.Theyarethearchitectsof resilience,taskedwithdesigningstrategiesthatenable organizationstoweatherstormsandemergestrongeronthe otherside.Byembracingstrategiccostmanagement practices,leveragingtechnology,andfosteringacultureof adaptability,CFOscannavigatetheuncertaintiesoftoday's businesslandscapeandleadtheirorganizationstoward sustainablesuccess.Asthesayinggoes,"Inthemidstof chaos,thereisalsoopportunity,"anditisthroughstrategic costmanagementthatCFOscanuncoverthese opportunitiesandsteertheirorganizationstowardsa brighterfuture.
- Alaya Brown
Am SpecialEmpowering Women Through Modest Fashion and Artistic Vision Celebrating , Cultivating , Women Con idence and Embracing !Uniqueness OurStory AmSpecialisavisionarybrandingprojectcurated byMoonaMohammedthatconfidentlyrecognizes thepotentialofmodestclothingtoempower women.Wetakeprideinprovidinghigh-quality, sustainable,andfashionableclothingthatmakesyoufeel confidentandcomfortable.
Ourcuratedcollectionoffersadiverserangeofmodest fashionoptions,fromcasualtoformalwear,empowering youtoembraceyouruniqueidentitywithconfidenceand poise.Everypieceisdesignedtocelebrateyour individuality,enablingyoutocreateapositiveimpactin yourlifeandthelivesofthosearoundyou.
Webelieveeverywomanisspecialanddeservestofeelthat way,andAmSpecialisheretohelpyoudothat.Choose ourbrandtodayandexperiencetheconfidenceandbeauty ofwearingstylishandmodestclothing,reflectingyourtrue self.Trustustohelpyoucelebrateyourindividualitywith confidenceandgrace.
Thesloganofthebrandis "EMBRACE YOURSELF WITH STYLE."
"Embraceyourselfwithstyle"isasimpleyetpowerful sloganthatremindsustocelebrateouruniqueidentitywith eleganceandoriginality
Thebrand'ssuccessisatestamenttothepoweroftalent, hardwork,anddedication,inspiringthosewhowishto pursuetheirdreams.
AboutLogo TheAmSpeciallogofeaturesawomanholdingagolden rose.Thebrandaimstoshowcasethateverywomanblooms uniquely,justliketherosethatbloomsbeautifullyinits ownway Thelogosymbolizesthebeautyeverywoman deservestoshinethroughhereyes,radiatingintohersoul andmakingherlookandfeelhighlyrespectable,elegant, andclassy
Vision Weaimtoestablishourselvesasasuccessful,modest fashionbrandthatprovideswomenworldwidewith authentic,decent,andelegantclothing.Ourseasonal collectionsaredesignedtocatertomodernwomen,offering awiderangeofstylishandmodestwearsuitableforany occasion.Weendeavortopresentwomenwithmanychic andsubtleoptions,allowingthemtoconfidentlyexpress themselveswhileremainingtruetotheirbeliefs.
Mission Ourmissionistoempowerwomenbycelebratingtheir uniqueness.Weaimtospreadthismessagewidelysothat everywomanfeelsvaluedandappreciatedforwhosheis. Youcanjoinusinoureffortstoupliftwomenby collaboratingwithtalentedwomenandhelpingthemgrow. Let'sworktogethertowardsmakingaworldwherewomen canembracetheirindividualitywithoutfear
AbouttheBrand • Ourbrandisexclusivelydesignedforwomen,proudly celebratingtheirimmensesignificanceintheworld.
• Ourrangeofclothesempowerswomentoconfidently takeonanyrolewithgraceandstylewhilemaintaining theirmodesty
• Ourbrandproduceshigh-quality,uniquedesigns highlightingwomen'sspecialtieswhilemaintaininga subtleaesthetic,elegance,andprofessionalstyle.
• Ourmaingoalistoempowerwomentoembracetheir uniquenessandindividuality Wecollaboratewith talentedartiststosupporttheircreativitybycombining fashionandart.
• Wecreateelegantandprofessionaldesignsthat showcasewomen'suniquetalents.Ourteamof experiencedprofessionalsisdedicatedtoproviding high-qualityproductsthatreflectthesophisticationof modernwomen.Wetakeprideinexceedingyour expectations.
AtAmSpecial,wearededicatedtocreatingelegantbut alsocomfortableandstylishoutfits.Weofferready-to-wear attirethatisexpertlycrafted,andwecanalsocreatetailormadeoutfitsbasedonyourspecificrequests.OurExclusive Collectionfeaturesunique,luxuriousdesignsyouwon'tfind anywhereelse.
Westrivetoprovidecustomerswithanewandenjoyable shoppingexperiencethroughourAmSpecialBrand.Our onlineplatformisdesignedtomakeiteasytofindthe perfectdresstosuityourneeds.Ourcollectionsinclude variousstylestocatertoeverymoodandoccasion.Whether youneedadressforaspecialevent,abusinessmeeting,or acasualouting,ouronlineboutiquehasgotyoucovered.If youcan'tfindwhatyou'relookingfor,contactus,andwe willbehappytocreateacustom-madedesigntailoredto yourneedsandpreferences!
AbouttheFounder
MoonaMohammed'sjourneyistrulyinspiring.Shehas becomearenownedartcuratorandartistwhogivesbackto hercommunity.Moonaintroducedtrendyyetmodest fashionlooksforwomen,whichledtothesuccessful launchofthe"AmSpecial"brand.Herunwavering dedicationtohercreativepursuitsandentrepreneurial endeavorsisashiningexampleofwhatcanbeachieved withhardwork,passion,andacommitmenttoempowering others.
OriginallyfromIndia,MoonacurrentlyresidesinSaudi Arabia,wheresheisfortunatetoworkwithpeoplefrom diverseculturalandgeographicalbackgroundsinanartorientedenvironment.Moonahasconsistentlypushed herselftoachievemoreandinspirethosearoundher.She holdsamaster'sdegreeinbusinessadministrationandtook theinitiativetocreatethe"TogetherinArt"group.Shehas helpedmanyemergingartiststhroughthisinitiativeby organizingseveralartexhibitions.
Moona'screativevisionandunwaveringdeterminationare secondtonone.Hersuccessinlaunchingherclothing brand,"AmSpecial,"isatestamenttoherentrepreneurial mindsetandartistictalent.Shehasinspiredwomentobe proudoftheirculturalbeliefsandtraditionswhile embracingtheiruniqueness.Shehasbecomearolemodel formanybypromotingthemessageofindividuality.
Throughherdedicationtoprovidingopportunitiesfor emergingartistsandhervisionfor"AmSpecial,"Moona hasbecomeaconfidentandinspiringleader.Herinnate talentfordesigningandstylinghasgainedrecognitionfor AmSpecial'sexceptionalstylingabilities.Moona'sstoryis aremarkablereminderthatanythingispossiblewithhard workandacommitmenttoempoweringoneselfandothers.
Amessagefromthefounder:
“You are special in your own way; embrace it.”
Collaborating with other C-Suite Executives for Business Success Collaborationisthekeytosuccessinanyorganization, but how often do we truly harness the collective power of our C-Suite executives? This question, posed by management guru Peter Drucker, underscores the pivotalrolecollaborationplaysinachievingbusinesssuccess. In today's dynamic and competitive business landscape, the collaboration between Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and other C-Suite executives is emerging as a strategic imperative.ThetraditionalroleoftheCFOasamerenumbers cruncher is evolving into that of a strategic partner, actively contributing to organizational growth, innovation, and sustainability
In this article, we will explore the significance of CFOs as strategicpartnersanddelveintothewaystheycancollaborate withotherC-Suiteleaderstodrivebusinesssuccess.
The Evolving Role of CFOs:Traditionally, CFOs were seen as guardians of financial data and gatekeepers of fiscal responsibility Theirprimaryfocuswasonmanagingbudgets, financial reporting, and compliance. However, the business landscapehasundergoneaseismicshift,demandingabroader skillsetfromCFOs.Today'sCFOsareexpectedtobestrategic thinkers, leveraging financial insights to drive overall business strategy. As strategic partners, they must actively collaborate with other C-Suite executives to align financial objectiveswithbroaderorganizationalgoals.
CollaborationwithCEOs:TherelationshipbetweentheCFO and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is pivotal for a company's success. While the CEO sets the vision and direction, the CFO plays a crucial role in translating that visionintofinancialstrategies.Bycollaboratingclosely,
CFOscanhelpCEOsmakeinformeddecisionsbyproviding financial insights, risk assessments, and scenario analyses. This partnership ensures that financial considerations are integral to strategic planning, fostering a more resilient and adaptiveorganization.
Effective collaboration between CFOs and CEOs also enhancestransparency,asfinancialdataispresentedinaway thatiseasilyunderstandabletonon-financialexecutives.This notonlyfacilitatesbetterdecision-makingbutalsoalignsthe entireleadershipteamwiththecompany'sfinancialgoals.
Collaboration with CIOs and CTOs: In an era dominated by digital transformation, the collaboration between CFOs and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) or Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) is increasingly critical Technology investments, ranging from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to advanced analytics tools, have significant financialimplications.CFOs,therefore,needtoworkclosely withtechnologyleaderstoensurethattheseinvestmentsalign with strategic objectives and deliver a measurable return on investment.
Furthermore, the CFO's financial acumen can guide technology decisions, ensuring that the company invests in innovationsthatnotonlydriveoperationalefficiencybutalso contribute to revenue growth. This collaboration is particularly important as businesses navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, data privacy, and the overall digitallandscape.
CollaborationwithCHROs:ThecollaborationbetweenCFOs andChiefHumanResourcesOfficers(CHROs)iscrucialfor optimizing workforce management and aligning human capital strategies with financial goals. From budgeting for employeebenefitstoanalyzingthefinancialimpactoftalent acquisition and retention initiatives, CFOs can provide valuable insights that contribute to a well-rounded HR strategy
By working together, CFOs and CHROs can address challenges related to workforce costs, productivity, and employee engagement. This collaboration becomes even more significant during periods of organizational change, such as mergers and acquisitions, where financial considerations and human capital strategies must be seamlesslyintegrated.
Collaboration with CMOs: In the age of data-driven marketing, the collaboration between CFOs and Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) is essential. CFOs can play a pivotal role in measuring the financial impact of marketing campaigns, assessing the return on investment for various marketing channels, and ensuring that marketing budgets alignwithoverallfinancialobjectives.
Bycollaboratingclosely,CFOsandCMOscancreateamore robust framework for marketing accountability and performance measurement. This alignment of financial and marketingstrategiesisvitalforachievingabalancebetween short-termrevenuegoalsandlong-termbrandbuilding.
Conclusion:
As businesses navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape, the collaboration between CFOs and other C-Suite executives has become indispensable. CFOs are no longer confined to the role of financial stewards; they are emerging as strategic partners, actively contributing to the overall success of the organization. By collaborating with CEOs, CIOs, CHROs, and CMOs, CFOs can leverage their financial expertise to drive innovation, manage risks, and ensure the sustainable growth of the business. As the old adage goes, "Teamwork makes the dream work," and in the C-Suite, collaboration is thekeytounlockingthefullpotentialofanorganization.
- Alaya Brown
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