Ahmed Askar Email & Phone Number

Egypt

With 35 years of continuous success; MDP has played a key role in the region’s cards and payment processing industry and has contributed vastly to the growth of this sector by always leading on the innovation and transformation front. MDP became the first company in Egypt to deliver a complete payment ecosystem with production, processing, and digital solutions that is proudly empowering Banks, Financial Institutions, and Fintechs with comprehensive End-To-End Streamlined Payment Solutions to seamlessly manage their payment processes and adopt digital transformation into their core businesses.Summary of major challenges, achievements & responsibilities:• Reported to the Chairman and CEO.• Led all financial activities, including Treasury operations and cash management, Financial Planning &Analysis, Reporting, Accounting, Costing, Consolidation, Working Capital Controlling, and Tax Planning.• Led a challenging & successful implementing of SAP S/4HANA across all business functions.• Rationalized the company short and long debts with banks and optimized lending costs.• Presented the periodic financial results and operational performance to the BoD & Shareholders.• Restructured Finance organization and recruited new members to cope with the business expansion & growth.• Renovated, streamlined and optimized the Treasury activities and introduced up-to date best practices.• Overhauled the periodic financial reporting to conform to the latest IFRS and retroactively two years back.

Egypt

Established in 2014 and listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange in 2016, Cleopatra Hospitals Group (CHG) is Egypt’s largest private healthcare group by number of hospital beds and number of operating hospitals. CHG was operating six of the nation’s leading hospitals alongside two newly inaugurated polyclinics, encompassing 779 total beds and over 50 specialties with over 1,500 resident doctors and consultants and 900 nursing staff.Summary of major challenges, achievements & responsibilities:• Directly reported to the Managing Director.• Led all financial activities, including Accounting, Costing, Financial Planning, WorkingCapital Management Controlling, Reporting, and Tax Planning.• Prepared and presented the financial results and operational performance periodic results.• Prepared and presented annual budgets and business rolling forecasts.• Spearheaded the reconciliations and resolving of historical stagnant Accounts Receivable balances.• Led a successful implementing of CliniSys as a new global Healthcare ERP across all business functions.

Kuwait

Arabian Capital Investment and Finance Co. SAE (ACIFC), is member of Arabian Capital Holding Co. (Closed) ACH in Kuwait which is an Islamic Investment Company incorporated in State of Kuwait. ACH portfolio of activities extended to Investment Banking, Real Estate & Infrastructure, Franchising, and Education with total assets reached to $100M and assets under management worth of $300M within Kuwait, UAE, and Egypt. One of the flagship projects for ACIFC SAE in Egypt is the construction & operating of the first ever Automated Mechanical Parking Garage in Cairo with total investments up to 500+ mEGP.Summary of major challenges, achievements & responsibilities:• Directly reported to the Group CEO.• Led all financial activities, including Accounting, Finance (Treasury, Trade Finance), Planning, Controlling, Consolidation, Reporting, Tax Planning on the Holding company and all its subsidiaries.• Negotiated credit facilities for the group companies.• Attended all periodic Executing Committee meetings, BoD’s and Shareholders’ meetings of all group companies and presented the quarterly results versus Budgets, Rolling Forecasts and Business Plans.

Egypt

El Sewedy Electrometer Group (EMG) is a market leader in providing state of the art Metering solutions and Energy Management Services that are tailored to Manage Utilities Better. EMG is currently serving its customers in 58 countries around the world through 1,600 highly qualified and experienced experts based in 10 factories located in Egypt, Czech Republic, Mexico, Brazil, India, Ghana, Zambia and Ethiopia. Summary of major challenges, achievements & responsibilities:• Directly reported to the Group CEO, to drive the implementation of the group strategic vision across all group companies, and to lead all global financial activities, including Accounting, Finance (Treasury, Trade Finance), Planning, Controlling, Consolidation, Reporting, Tax Planning, and Working Capital Strategies.• Hand in Hand with the Group CEO & Chairman Leading global negotiations with financial institutions & Banks and introducing our group new corporate profile, strategic alliances, industry trends and updates across the globe.• Restructured the parent company debts with banks and renegotiated new stretched repayments schemes to give a relief to the company tight working capital.Successfully aligned all business stakeholders and division heads to the group new way of conducting disciplined business transactions and transformed the culture of being Sales & Revenue Centric to culture of Profitable Business Growth Centric.• Overhauled the Treasury activities and its inefficient & uncontrolled practices and brought state of the art and up-to date best practices to the whole Treasury function within the organization and group companies.• Face-Lifted the Finance division financial & operational reports and introduced new periodic reports. • Revamped & steered the whole budgeting process into detailed sophisticated yet very flexible with full alignment to the financial statements and to the Dynamic Direct Cash Flow Model.

Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Industrial Gases Co. CJSC (LINDE-SIGAS) is member of The Linde Group which is a world leading gases and engineering company with almost 48,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. It; was established in 1955, and is one of the first Industrial gases company to be set-up in KSA & considered a leading manufacturer and marketer of Industrial gases such as Oxygen, Hydrogen, Argon, Helium, Carbon Dioxide etc.Summary of major challenges, achievements & responsibilities:• Directly reported to the SUB Region Head of Finance & Controlling Middle East Office in UAE.• Provided the CEO and senior management and other stakeholders with timely and accurate reporting on the state of the company and Divisional financial & operational performance, enabling them to make sound and timely management decisions with regard to the performance of the functions and projects under their jurisdictions and responsibility.• Attended to all BoD’s meetings and presented the quarterly results versus Budgets & forecasts.• Prepared and evaluated business cases, feasibility studies and presentation to the Middle East SUB Region & Region Head of Finance & Controlling in Germany.• Ensured compliance with the Linde Group reporting & internal control policies and systems and made various recommendations for improvements.• Implemented the Year-End financial closing according to Linde Global IFRS guidelines including statutory accounts, legal, tax etc. and coordinate with external auditors (KPMG).• Led the processes of planning (budgets, CapEx OpEx, forecasts, and outlooks) of all Business Units and report back to sub-regional for consolidation and presentation to regional team in Germany. • Participated in the process design and implementation of the ERP solution for KSA (MS Axapta).• Monitored and controlled the execution of Working Capital, Cash Flow and CapEx plans.• Established performance standards for team members and conducts regular performance appraisal.

Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

United Electronics Company established its first premier Big Box retail brand eXtra into Saudi Arabia in 2003, to provide a complete shopping experience for consumer electronics and home appliances. eXtra offers a wide range of quality branded products, like TV screens, audio, computers, mobile phones and IT communications, cameras, home appliances and personal care products along with their accessories. It opened with a wide range of more than 12,000 different products totally focused on quality services and customer care. eXtra is a public company with $1 billion in revenue and over 2,500 employees from 18 countries spread over more than 35 stores in 3 countries with ambitious expansion plans across KSA and the GCC region.Summary of major challenges & responsibilities:• Directly reported to the CFO, and was member of the Leadership team.• Participated in the preparations and leadership of the company annual budget and forecasts.• Designed the Year-End financial closing plans.• Participated in the production of various historical financial reports for the IPO assessment phase.• Introduced various optimizations and customized modules and reports on Oracle ERP systems within the Finance division to further facilitate the day to day handling and management of numerous transactions.• Designed automated Module as an Add On Oracle ERP to fully eliminate the manual banks’ reconciliations which would result in reducing the head count by minimum 10 accounting clerks.• Monitored the Order-to-Buy and inventory aging and turns and recommended recovery actions.• Involved in heavy day-to-day of an extreme busy finance and retail operations environment.

Muscat, Oman

Muriya Tourism Development Company (MTDC) Member of Orascom Development Holding AG in Switzerland; was established in Oman in March 2006, as a joint venture between Egypt’s Orascom Hotels & Development (70%) and Omran (30%), representing the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Oman. Muriya’s vision is to develop & invest in tourism & all its related activities & facilities. The aim is to create tourism destinations which have the branding and flavour of the diversified nature & culture of the Sultanate of Oman. MTDC currently has four major projects on hand in Oman each one is represented in a joint stock company as Salalah Beach, Jebel Al Sifah, Al Sodah Island and City Walk Complex, in addition to various SPVs for hotels & other activities. The destinations selected for development are based on Muriya’s deep rooted commitment to develop unrivalled luxury with top notch value while remaining committed to preserving the environment and natural beauty of Oman.Summary of major challenges, achievements & responsibilities:• Reported to the CEO & Vice Chairman.• Board Member of Al Sodah Tourism Development Co. SAOC• Restructured the group finance department into Real Estate, Construction, and Corporate Sectors.• Prepared projects’ feasibility studies and cash flow projections on the short & long term.• Conducted high level strategic business plan for all of our tourism development projects in Oman.• Designed budgeting processes & budgetary control procedures to monitor the project costs across the group.• Negotiated financial institutions for long term loans to finance our hotels across our tourism projects.• Restructured the group financial reporting and financial statements to conform to the latest IFRS.• Active involvement in the due diligence and evaluation of proposed development opportunities.• Optimized the group treasury, cash flow forecasts and corporate income tax exposure.

Kuwait

The Sultan Center, or TSC, is a dynamic organization based in Kuwait that incorporates a diverse portfolio of successful companies. TSC is publicly listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange under the ticker “SULTAN”, and employs approximately 3,500 staff. TSC is Kuwait’s largest independent retailer and a leading supplier of supermarket items, perishables, and general merchandise in the Middle East. TSC operations also encompass restaurants and catering, trading, fashion, telecommunications, security, and investments. TSC has embarked on a successful expansion program throughout the Middle East and also operates successful retail stores and restaurants in Oman and Jordan. TSC has ambitious expansion plans in Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and North Africa.Summary of major challenges, achievements & responsibilities:• Relocated to Egypt to head our expansion plans in Egypt, Sudan and North Africa. • Reported to the Group Managing Director, Retail Managing Director.• Conducted entry strategies, market researches and economic social indicators for the region.• Established five legal entities for all our operations in the region.• Responsible for identifying strategic mergers, acquisions, and joint venture opportunities within the region.• Conducted feasibility studies on targeted real estate properties and sites for our operations.• Built real estate properties and locations data bank that meet our operational expansions.• Established high contacts with all governmental bodies related to our projects in the region.• Established contacts with banks, financial institutions, investment banking firms, audit firms, corporate law firms, real estate firms and real estate developers to support our expansion projects in the region.

Amman, Jordan

Safeway is a multi-million dollar pioneer retail company in Jordan, supplying the best quality of local and foreign imported products with high range of varieties. Safeway is specialized in Supermarket, Perishables and Home Center products with high and effective customer service. Safeway is 100% owned by The Sultan Center in Kuwait.Summary of major challenges, achievements & responsibilities:• Relocated from “The Sultan Center” – Sultanate of Oman. • Reported to the Group CFO & Safeway Jordan COO. • Strategic development & improvement: identifying, analyzing, interpreting and preparing evaluations on wide ranges of business scenarios and opportunities, & preparing financial & operational feasibility study models.• Developed & implemented a vision and strategy for Finance, which is in line with the overall Company’s strategy and supports objectives of the business.• Reviewed viability of new investment projects, potential acquisitions and divestments.• Participated in company negotiations, and in particular oversee all financial aspects of significant commercial real estate transactions including funding, structuring and financial modelling/feasibility analysis.• Full financial presentations and analysis for the whole company divisions’ performance with full measurement to the company’s standard KPI’s and industry benchmarks using exception reports for management review.• Established banks’ facilities as overdrafts, short, and long term loans, with project and working capital financing facilities.• Implemented efficient & effective financial accounting policies and procedures.• Maintained strong yet smooth financial internal control environment.• Treasury, Cash flow management & optimization, and financial statements projections. • Negotiated various Legal, Commercial, and Investment contracts.• Tax Planning; supervised sales tax (VAT) and income tax calculations and filing periodical returns.

Muscat, Oman

The Sultan Center (TSC) is the most successful retailer & FMCG company in Oman that started its operations in May 1999. The Sultan Center Oman is fully 100% owned by “The Sultan Center Food Products Co. KSC” in Kuwait.Summary of major challenges, achievements & responsibilities:• Reported to the Group’s CFO in Kuwait & TSC’s COO in Oman. • Prepared and analyze periodically Financial Statements.• Anticipated in preparing the company business plans & its compilation with the company budgets. • Anticipated in preparing and analysing the company annual budget.• Established banks facilities with excellent communication skills with bank officers.• Reviewed all legal contracts with corporate lawyers.• Ensured that all financial transactions are complying with the company policies and procedures.• Reported any non-compliance of any transaction with company budget to the CFO & the Managing Director.• Initiated all kinds of Insurance Policies.• Update fixed assets maintain its computerized register and process periodically depreciation.• Review & reconcile MIS Reports.• Developed different types of Management reports for management review.• Acting Human Resources Manager.• Acting Administration & Governmental Affairs Manager.

Cairo, Egypt

EZZ Steel is the Middle East’s leading producer of high-quality long and flat steel for use in a wide range of end applications. Dependable products, made to customer and international specifications, combined with unrivalled customer service has created a strong reputation in the region and an ever-growing status in markets around the world. It's hard to imagine a world without steel. Without the nails, bolts and fasteners that hold together everything from our cars to our cookers; without the springs in our chairs and beds or the keys for our doors; and without some of today's greatest construction achievements, from long-span bridges to high-rise buildings. Steel is an integral part of our lives - and EZZ Steel's steel can be found all around us in an increasing range of components and structuresSummary of major responsibilities:• Reported to the Accounting Manager, and Treasury Manager. • Prepare & follow up Banks’ Daily Cash Flow Positions.• Follow up banks’ maturities & loans’ instalments in due dates.• Prepare letter of credits & Letters of guarantees with a master file for it to follow up its expiration.• Reconcile trial balance accounts and prepare various financial and accounting analyses.• Prepare of monthly cost center analysis by project.• Handling strategic foreign suppliers’ payable accounts.• Prepare sales tax documents and filing returns.• Prepare costing and pricing sheets for main raw materials (Billets & Scrap) and finished products.

Cairo, Egypt

Diamant Boart Middle East (DBME) member of “Souheil Najjar Investment Group (SNIG)” is a multinational establishment located in Egypt, United Arab Emirate, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Iran. SNIG is a trader/supplier of inputs of the construction industry at different stages of the supply chain. These inputs range from cutting tools for the stone cutting and quarrying sub sector, Hard Rock Saw Blades, marble trading, construction chemicals, and concrete dismantling contracting services.Summary of major responsibilities:• Reported to the Financial Controller. • Prepare monthly P&L, and balance sheet.• Prepare monthly payroll.• Auditing country’s monthly expenses.• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations.• Responsible for costing & inventory control.• Prepare monthly analysis for all P&L accounts.• Record and update sales & accounts receivable.• Prepare weekly report for sales aging & clients Exposure.• Record all the general ledger transactions for Jordan branch.• Control fixed assets register & preparing monthly depreciation.

Cairo, Egypt

IDSC is one of the most reputable Governmental Organization in Egypt, specialized in Information Technology Services and Decision Support for the Cabinet (Ministers’ Council). Summary of major responsibilities:• Report to the Planning & Following Up Director.• Responsible for the documentation of all IDSC’s historical and daily documents and information.• Assist the P&F Director in following up the IDSC’s projects progress against set & budgeted targets.رئاسة مجلس الوزراء - مركز المعلومات و دعم اتخاذ القرار

Certified Director, Corporate Governance

Activities and Societies: Certified Directors Forum of Egypt CDFECertified Director from the Institutional Shareholder Services.

Good, Bachelor Of Commerce

• Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from Faculty of Commerce, Cairo University. • Major: Accounting • Graduation: May 1993 • Grade: Good