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What do you think is the current hot
technology talking point?
The talking point now is all about Machine
Learning, AI and ways of streamlining
mundane workplace functions; such as
using technology to replace zero related
value functions including scanning invoices,
matching purchase orders to invoices,
reconciling money spent and matching it
to a cost code, systemising audit checking
of spend.
How do you deal with stress and
unwind outside the office?
Exercise such as running is a good source of
stress relief. I’m also a workaholic, so I like
to read and write about the industry during
my downtime. Running helps me to gather
my thoughts while praying first thing in the
morning helps me to settle my mind.
If you could go back and change one
career decision what would it be?
I don’t have a career regret, some roles I did
in the early days were never just an executive
role they often were emerging market
positions which enabled me to learn the skills
I needed to think about the bigger picture
for the market.
What do you currently identify as
the major areas of investment in
your industry?
control on all aspects of spend will be
the major investment in my industry and
I expect to see investment in integrating
various processes, from end-user platform to
the look-and-feel, etc.
What are the region-specific
challenges when implementing new
technologies in MENA?
Changing the culture of per diems and
allowances. Many companies here give
blanket per diems without even asking
employees for a receipt to account for the
spend (tickets for flights, hotels, meals etc) by
giving a blank cheque of money companies
that need to manage cash flow can save
huge amounts by putting an actual receipt
process in place. This will mitigate over-spend.
What changes to your job role have
you seen in the last year and how do
you see these developing in the next
12 months?
No changes in my role really, I have
taken on additional responsibility with
“
FINDING WAYS
IN WHICH
PEOPLE CAN
CONNECT EASIER,
COMMUNICATE
FASTER AND
SHARE MORE
INFORMATION
AND GET
VISIBILITY OF
THEIR DATA
IS KEY.
overseeing sales, marketing, business
development functions for MENA South
for SAP Concur. I have also seen success
in new regions such as Oman, so my role
has expanded to involve the country MDs
of SAP such as Egypt, Qatar and Oman,
including development of a SMN small
business strategy as we expect to see these
businesses grow over the coming years.
What advice would you offer
somebody aspiring to obtain C-level
position in your industry?
Collaboration between different functions is
key. Spend time in different roles as you work
your way-up the professional C-suite ladder. •
Over the long run there will be continuous
investment in the employee intelligent
spend story. Intelligent spend can mean
many things from contingent worker spend,
to employee spend, procurement spend
for indirect and direct spend. Having a
80 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com