Description

I am a results-driven Business Development leader with 13 years of experience specializing in building and scaling multi-million dollar enterprises across 30+ markets in Africa and the Middle East. Currently managing an $18M MEA Exports business for a global FMCG leader, I bridge the gap between high-level strategy and hands-on operational execution.

I help organizations navigate the complexities of frontier markets, from establishing greenfield operations to optimizing existing distribution networks for double-digit growth. My expertise lies in turning volatile, high-potential geographies into process-led, profitable entities.

Industry field of expertise

Languages

English
Native or bilingual

Workplace preferences

Remote only

Primarily works remotely

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. (GCPL)
Regional Manager – Middle East & Africa Exports
IMPORT AND EXPORT
June 2015 - Today (11 years)
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Full P&L accountability for GCPL's MEA export business. Built and leading a cross-border team while scaling from a transactional model to a demand-driven, process-led operation—growing the business double digit for last 5 years and achieving 100%+ topline and bottom-line targets.
• • 4X in 3 years Spearheaded Africa GTM strategy across new geographies; Francophone business grew
• • Structured and launched new product categories from the US portfolio into Egypt, Morocco & Sudan—demonstrating cross-sector commercial thinking.
• • 11% of total revenue: Built alternate channels (E-commerce, Salon, Institutional) from scratch
• • Directed 3P manufacturer partnerships and sourcing network across multiple continents—including Indonesia— generating $0.5M in cost savings.
• • Transitioned geographies to zero-credit terms, dramatically improving working capital health.
• • $0.3M in savings. Led trade marketing optimization in Modern Trade
• • Managed GCPL Africa's largest key account with cross-functional coordination across 5+ countries.
• • $1M business in Year 1.Led GCPL's product launch into Egypt, establishing North Africa as a priority market
• • Mentoring 4 direct reports; achieved 2 promotions and zero attrition in 4 years.
Growth hacking Project Management Business development P&l delivery
Francophone Africa & Angola
Country Manager
January 2019 - April 2020 (1 year and 3 months)
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Established GCPL's presence across Francophone Africa from the ground up—defining market strategy, appointing partners, and building operational infrastructure across 6 markets in under 15 months.
• • Appointed 8 new distribution partners across 6 Francophone markets; built the foundation for a 4X growth story.
• • Steered Angola business through a 500% currency devaluation, delivering 104% topline and 102% bottom-line— demonstrating resilience in frontier markets.
• • 3X brand growth in 12 months. Dismantled a counterfeit network for Inecto Hair Colour
• • Conducted pre-acquisition due diligence in Ivory Coast; presented local market dynamics to central management committee.
Exports, Middle East, North & East Africa
Asst. Manager
June 2015 - January 2019 (3 years and 7 months)
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Managed key African and GCC markets from scratch, building a $5M business through distributor appointments, GTM planning, and category launches.
• • Built $5M business across Tanzania, Uganda & Kenya through new distributor appointments and market entry plans.
• • Grew Sudan business 3X in 3 years across Personal Care and Hair Care.
• • Launched HIT (Africa-specific insecticide) and Cinthol Antibacterial Soap in GCC & Africa—generating $2M in incremental revenue.
• • Optimized Modern Trade promotions in Oman, improving bottom-line by $250K.