Speakers
Ali Abouda
Group CFO, Guld Navigation Holding PJSC
Ali Abouda
Group CFO, Guld Navigation Holding PJSC
Ali is a Senior Executive with a wealth of cross-industry experience in accelerating companies’ growth, as well as investment strategy, value creation, and handling mergers & acquisitions, and corporate governance. With more than 24 years of experience, Ali has deep and extensive knowledge in driving organization transformation, capital restructure and leading the financial operations of industrial and energy businesses.
Ali is a Group CFO at Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC and leads the firm’s finance function & strategy. He has covered many finance projects in the Middles East, Europe and the UK. His sector expertise covers Oil & Gas, telecommunication, investment, maritime & transportation.
Prior to joining GulfNav, Ali worked as a Finance Director for DP World-P&O Maritime Logistics and Topaz Energy & Marine. He spent more than a decade with Schamberger in various senior roles. Ali also assumed consulting roles with Deloitte & Touche & Arthur Andersen &Co.
Venkataramana (Venkat) Suryanarayanan
Chief Financial Officer, SFC Group
Venkataramana (Venkat) Suryanarayanan
Chief Financial Officer, SFC Group
A Chartered and a Cost Accountant from India, with over 2 decades of core Financial Management expertise across various Industry verticals such as Hospitality, Retail ,Telecom etc. Have been associated with reputed organizations in India and GCC . Presently with SFC Group, UAE as CFO managing Finance for the Group having business in F & B, Hotels and Catering.
Fouad CHAHMI
CFO Middle East & India, Arthur D Little
Fouad CHAHMI
CFO Middle East & India, Arthur D Little
Managing all finance, legal, tax, operations and administration aspects of the Middle East & India entities (7 legal entities) - Managing Finance, Administration and Operation teams (20 Direct and Indirect reports) - Monthly reporting to Global management (Global CEO, COO, CFO) and The Local MD. - Monthly presentation of the financial performance and key indicators. - Managing legal and tax matters, contract review, tendering process, compliance, tax submission. - Business partner to the operational teams on RFP, tenders, pricing and contractual aspects. - Set-up of new legal entities in Qatar and Bahrain and KSA Regional Head Quarter (RHQ) - Cashflow and treasury management, including managing the relationship with banks, negotiating bank guarantees and facilities - Managing internal controls, statutory compliance, and external audit. - Development of the annual budget, strategic planning (5 years plan) and rolling forecasts. - Overseeing credit control and DSO, follow up on payments directly with the key client - Team management, mentorship and development, problem solving. - Providing training to operations and finance teams. - Updating group reporting and accounting policies according to updated IFRS. - Implementation of new ERP system (Navision – Business Central) in the Middle East - Managing the Office move in 2020 for UAE and 2023 in KSA March 2016.
Ashit Dugar
Senior Finance Manager, Petrofac
Ashit Dugar
Senior Finance Manager, Petrofac
Ashit Dugar is a highly experienced senior finance manager with over 18 years of experience in strategic finance and accounts. Throughout his career, Ashit has built a strong reputation for his exceptional financial acumen, strategic financial planning, and leadership skills.
After completing his Chartered Accountancy degree in year 2004, Ashit began his career as a Financial Analyst in Oracle in Bangalore. Post a short year and half stint in Oracle, he got a big break with Infosys, where he quickly demonstrated his financial expertise and worked his way up through the ranks to become a finance manager in a span of just three years. Dubai, with its charm and its status of “land of opportunities” pulled him to move away from India in the year 2009. After working for a year in Rocky Real Estate, a family run real estate and facilities management company, Ashit’s next break came in the form of Petrofac, a UK listed oil and gas services company based out of Sharjah, UAE. Over the next thirteen years, he took up various challenging roles, navigating the multiple ups and downs of business conditions, leaving an indelible mark of his financial prowess to become a senior finance leader in the company.
Throughout his career, Ashit has been instrumental in leading financial teams, implementing financial strategies, and overseeing all aspects of financial management. He has a keen understanding of financial regulations and risk compliance, and has a proven track record of successfully managing budgets, financial reporting, and forecasting.
Ashit is a highly analytical and detail-oriented professional who is known for his ability to identify opportunities for financial improvement, problem solving, streamline processes, and maximize profitability for his company. He is also recognized for his effective communication skills and his ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve financial goals.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Thomas is deeply committed to ongoing learning and professional development. He has pursued advanced certifications in finance and accounting, and actively participates in industry conferences and networking events to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in the field. He is an active member of the Toastmasters International, which is a world renowned non-profit organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs. He has been with the Indian Chartered Accountants Toastmasters Club for the last eight years, holding various positions like the Club president and Area Director.
Outside of work, Ashit is a dedicated mentor who enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with up-and-coming finance professionals. He volunteers his time to provide career guidance and support to aspiring finance professionals, and is passionate about helping others succeed in the field. He loves playing cricket and pickle-ball. What’s pickle-ball, come and talk to him.
Khalid Chami
Group Chief Financial Officer, Ali & Sons Holding
Khalid Chami
Group Chief Financial Officer, Ali & Sons Holding
During the last 15 years, I have been using my skills in Finance and Investment to create value and solve strategic challenges within large Family Offices in MENA region.
As a Golden Visa resident in the UAE, I am honoured to contribute to the growth and the success story of a country that I like to call Home. Currently, I proudly lead the Finance Team at Ali and Sons Holding to create Value and Opportunities.
Throughout the world, the UAE is known for growth, boldness, and thinking ahead. At Ali & Sons, we have embodied that spirit since the day we were founded in 1979.
As an Emirati conglomerate, we work across a diverse range of sectors, from automotive (Porsche, Audi, Skoda, VW and MG) to construction, providing innovative products and services built with advanced resources and technology. We’re always focused on the growth and well-being of our entire ecosystem striving towards giving the best customer experience.