Sameer Panjwani Email & Phone Number

Gurugram, Hr, In

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

I was hired into this role to transform the Finance function from the ground up for Middle East region, build and manage day-to-day finance operations along with legal & administrative functions. Key achievements include:◼️ Directed in-depth reviews of existing processes/systems and led performance-focused financial program to transform the finance function.◼️ Designed a strategy framework and turnaround plan for the entire Middle East business to drive robust financial… Show more I was hired into this role to transform the Finance function from the ground up for Middle East region, build and manage day-to-day finance operations along with legal & administrative functions. Key achievements include:◼️ Directed in-depth reviews of existing processes/systems and led performance-focused financial program to transform the finance function.◼️ Designed a strategy framework and turnaround plan for the entire Middle East business to drive robust financial performance.◼️ Oversaw the creation and embedding of structured finance policies to streamline financial operations and improve controls.◼️ Reviewed regulatory framework for all middle-east entities and worked in close collaboration with financial/legal consultants to fix legacy issues and set an appropriate structure for each entity.◼️ Established VAT and corporate tax framework for each entity. Worked closely with tax consultants to resolve a multi-million dollar billing/tax issue for a single client.◼️ Partnered with HQ in Italy to establish new credit facility for UAE business.◼️ Led new business incorporation in KSA, successfully enabling the entity formation and other related processes. Show less

Kuwait

I was hired into this role to lead the Group’s transformation programme, creating a strong finance organisation, and implementing key financial systems and processes to support expansion/diversification. Key achievements include: ◼️ Worked closely with a leading global consultant to define an overarching vision and a robust group/subsidiary strategy.◼️ Led restructuring and hiring initiatives across the group, recruiting GM’s and other senior managers including CIO.◼️… Show more I was hired into this role to lead the Group’s transformation programme, creating a strong finance organisation, and implementing key financial systems and processes to support expansion/diversification. Key achievements include: ◼️ Worked closely with a leading global consultant to define an overarching vision and a robust group/subsidiary strategy.◼️ Led restructuring and hiring initiatives across the group, recruiting GM’s and other senior managers including CIO.◼️ Spearheaded development of multiple business plans with global brands, pitched them to principals and negotiated agreements. Managed to secure new agencies of 3 Lubricant brands.◼️ Set up KPI’s / performance benchmarks for GM’s/senior management and provided business advisory support to bring a focus and strategy towards achieving goals. ◼️Completely revamped overall finance organisation structure and established finance business partners for key business subsidiaries.◼️Conducted post investment appraisal for one of the largest business in the group and recommended the future strategy which was approved for implementation.◼️Carried out due diligence on multiple targets (including a listed entity) for potential M&A◼️Negotiated terms, finalised deal structure and steered set up of an investment and financing JV to boost revenue and aid bottom-line growth. ◼️Implemented Oracle Fusion and TITAN to drive visibility, automation and efficiency at both group and subsidiary level. ◼️Built business continuity plan (BCP) focused on health & safety, cash flow and cost rationalisation to successfully navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. Show less

United Arab Emirates

I was hired into Head of Finance/Financial Controller role to act as a business partner to set strategy for Remote & Government Services (RGS) and ultimately expand the UN business. Key achievements include:◼️Spearheaded restructure of Group’s fastest growing vertical and created strategy for future expansion.◼️Established finance team to address major business failures of Inchcape RGS’s single largest contract by revenue; reversed the downward trend and realigned the financial… Show more I was hired into Head of Finance/Financial Controller role to act as a business partner to set strategy for Remote & Government Services (RGS) and ultimately expand the UN business. Key achievements include:◼️Spearheaded restructure of Group’s fastest growing vertical and created strategy for future expansion.◼️Established finance team to address major business failures of Inchcape RGS’s single largest contract by revenue; reversed the downward trend and realigned the financial focus to support growth.◼️Developed and implemented an aggressive BU strategy to focus and expand UN business. Built financial feasibility model for a $450m UN project in Africa which was ultimately awarded to Inchcape RGS.◼️Recovered $multi-million of receivables in <6 months and streamlined the process to avoid future build up. Show less

Kuwait

I was hired into Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position to lead a range of strategic initiatives, improve cash management and the bottom line. I partnered with the CEO to restructure the business to improve company’s liquidity and financial position. I also drove key strategic initiatives in all areas including debt and equity funding, operations restructuring and bottom-line improvements. Key achievements include:◼️Directed and implemented major financial reporting system and process… Show more I was hired into Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position to lead a range of strategic initiatives, improve cash management and the bottom line. I partnered with the CEO to restructure the business to improve company’s liquidity and financial position. I also drove key strategic initiatives in all areas including debt and equity funding, operations restructuring and bottom-line improvements. Key achievements include:◼️Directed and implemented major financial reporting system and process changes along with daily financial operations management.◼️Played a pivotal role as a lead member of KGL’s listing committee to successfully list the company on the Kuwait Stock Exchange◼️Managed capital increase through equity financing with a $multi-million, securing necessary approvals from regulatory bodies. ◼️Led post investment analysis of Qatar JV and Egypt acquisition. Recommended the divestment of Egypt business which was ultimately approved◼️Drove credit rating process and negotiated $multi-million of new debt funding for major KSA green field project.◼️Steered multiple cost cutting initiatives resulting in net savings of $1m+, including replacement of Microsoft’s ERP with Oracle and consolidation of finance teams. Show less

Dubai/Kuwait

Associate Member

Business Administration And Management, General

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Accounting And Finance

Bachelor Of Commerce (B.Com.), Accounting And Finance

High School, Accounting And Finance