Speakers

Speakers

I have followed a deliberately diverse career path that spans software development, project management, outsourcing services, implementation, consultancy, and sales. That for sure includes people management and different leadership roles. Success is what gets me excited every day. I am currently helping my clients in their transformation journey and help the world run better and improve people's lives. On the personal level, I love discovering and sharing great ideas and stories - stories and ideas that educate, inspire, and transform people's lives and careers. I'm passionate about nature (go green), sports, history, and new technologies. As I work on my goals, I always remember my favorite value - Demand Excellence. I try to demand that of my team, colleagues, friends, and even my clients, but most of all, of myself as a professional.

Results-driven and people-focused business leader, working on digital innovations to develop and implement market strategy, maximize business performance, and... always looking for what's next. More than 20 years of experience in Digital Transformation, innovation, and SaaS solutions. Joined SAP Concur to lead Italy, Malta, and Greece regions, after a couple of incredible years I had the opportunity to grow as VP & Managing Director for SAP Concur EMEA South, covering the South of Europe. (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Middle East & Africa). In January 2024, I'm appointed as CRO for SAP Concur EMEA. Still working to create sustainable spend management & business travel experiences and... have some fun!

Passionate by new technologies and the way mobile devices, artificial intelligence and social networks are changing our lives. We are facing the biggest technological revolution mankind ever saw and that certainly will generate a magnificent economic and social transformation. During my career in IT consulting and SW industry I helped companies to address Innovation and capture business benefits. I held several positions in organizations such as Accenture and SAP and in different geographies like Portugal, Italy and Spain. MBA by IE Business School and Industrial Engineer by Minho University in Portugal.

Vimal is a highly motivated, driven individual, leading the strategic drive to empower business efficiencies across a wide range of organisations from around the globe. He has an extensive background in business technology spanning over 20+ years and has been involved in supporting the cloud transformation strategy of many well known local & global companies. Having been with SAP Concur since 2016, in various locations, he has an understanding of the challenges of process transformation and how to ensure high levels of adoption.

Working in the corporate travel sector for several years, , I've had significant sales success as an individual contributor, managing the sales cycle to deliver profitable new business wins, and successfully account managing multi-million pound multi-national customers. Additionally, I have experience of recruiting, managing and developing highly performing sales teams, and I deliver consistently excellent results, both individually, and from any team I manage, creating an environment that is positive, encouraging and motivational, while delivering against tough targets.

With over seven years at SAP, my career is a testament to driving substantial growth in the competitive MENA South territories, consistently exceeding sales targets and propelling the SAP Concur business to new heights. My track record includes an impressive 401% sales achievement in 2021 and selection for SAP's prestigious leadership and Catalyst programs, underscoring my commitment to innovation, accountability, and a growth mindset that delivers impact.

I have acquired extensive experience in roles of responsibility within multinational companies, collaborating with international teams. My background spans sales, business development, and consulting, including leadership positions where I successfully guided teams to achieve key objectives.

Professional customer-oriented approach with high quantitative and analytical reasoning

My expertise lies in building collaborative, consultative and value-add client networks and relationships; I’ve developed ‘trusted advisor’ status working with top-tier clients across diverse territories and business cultures. Career highlights include developing innovative solutions that drove growth of HP software in Qatar and UAE, as well as penetrating new markets for SAP Concur across the MENA region and Turkey. After graduating with a degree in engineering, my career began in technical consulting and project management roles, before transitioning to key account management for HP, where I broke sales records for HP in the MENA region. Since then, I’ve progressed through sales leadership roles, building high performing teams, cultivating cohesive alliances with solution partners and opening up new territories through a comprehensive understanding of the technology and business drivers that influence the thinking of global business CxOs.

Russell joined the team in 2018 as it was on its way to a fifth successive world championship. Mercedes-Benz has long been ingrained in his career; having joined parent company Daimler in 2002 as a financial controller in the UK, he shifted gear to become general manager of operational excellence and distribution of Mercedes-Benz before becoming CFO of the brand's Middle East operations in Dubai. "We love being measured against the stopwatch, but we also want to be on top from business point of view"

As the SVP & Head of Strategic Vendor Management at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), I lead a team of professionals who are responsible for managing the bank's strategic relationships with its vendors and suppliers, ensuring compliance, quality, and efficiency across the board. I have over 11 years of experience in the procurement and contracts field, working in the utilities and aviation industries before joining FAB in 2023. My core competencies include new business development, analytical skills, operations management, and negotiation skills. I have successfully implemented several initiatives to optimize the procurement and contracts processes, reduce costs, enhance performance, and increase customer satisfaction. My mission is to leverage my expertise and skills to support FAB's vision of becoming a leading regional bank, while also contributing to the sustainable development of the UAE economy and society.

I am commercially focused IT Leader with over 20 years of experience delivering transformational change and creating business value, including 11 years on executive level in one of the world’s largest multinational FMCG. I am strategic thinker and relentless executor with a passion for delivering effective business outcome and impactful change. Diverse experience across multiple fields in IT, Programme Management and Strategic Planning with successful track record in enabling productivity, continuous efficiency improvement, building capabilities and organizational development.

Walter is a passionate professional currently leading the Global HRIS Department for AcwaPower. He has deep expertise on HR processes, operating models and technologies, and he is enthusiast about HR innovation and new trends. He led several projects during his consulting and corporate career for international companies of different industries and size, with the main focus on improving employee experience and supporting the HR strategy execution through effective digital solutions and processes.

Seasoned Leader with an impressive track record of success in executive leadership, spearheading strategic sales and Business Development Initiatives; 24 years of successful experience growing Business for numerous industry leaders (IT, Luxury Retail and Commercial Payment) Across the GCC and Levant with proven ability to lead business transformation.

With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, I have gained extensive expertise in business travel and travel technology across multiple markets, including South Africa, the UK, the Middle East, North Africa, and India. Currently, I serve as the Head of Digital Solutions at dnata Travel Management, where I lead a team responsible for managing Travel, Expense & Payment solutions. In this role, I oversee technical sales, implementations, operations, support, and account management. My experience and leadership in the travel industry have allowed me to build strong relationships with clients and partners, ensuring their success in the rapidly evolving travel technology landscape.

SAP HCM and SuccessFactors Global Delivery Head having overall 23 + years of experience out of which 7 years of vast experience in SAP HCM and nearly 9 years in SuccessFactors delivery. Having experience in below SuccessFactors Sub-Modules: 1. Employee Central 2. Performance Management and Goal Management 3. Compensation Management 4. Calibration 5. Variable Pay 6. Recruiting Management 7. Recruiting Marketing 8. Employee Profile / Platform 9. LMS 10. Onboarding SAP HCM Expertise Sub-Modules: 1. OM and PA 2. Payroll / PU12 3. Time Management - Positive & Negative 4. Performance Management System 5. Travel Management 6. ESS / MSS 7. Recruitment 8.Training and Event Management Domain Experience: Having 6+ years of experience in Healthcare / Hospitality sector.

Soraya Nour is the Territory Manager at Uber for Business, she leads enterprise sales strategy and account management across the Middle East. In her role, Soraya oversees a diverse portfolio of high-impact clients, delivering tailored business solutions that drive growth and innovation in sectors spanning tech, finance, and beyond. Her work emphasizes strategic partnerships and transformative sales approaches, empowering organizations to leverage Uber’s platform for streamlined operations and enhanced productivity. With a Master’s in Management specializing in Digital Business from IE Business School, Soraya brings a unique perspective on how digital solutions can elevate business strategy and operational efficiency in today’s rapidly evolving market.