CLASS PROFILE 2017
GLOBAL
EXECUTIVE MBA
Redefine the way
you think and lead.
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INSEAD Global Executive MBA (GEMBA)
The INSEAD Global Executive MBA programme is designed for experienced managers,
executives, and professionals who seek to enhance their knowledge, develop leadership skills,
and expand their international networks to accelerate their career progress. The programme is
delivered in a modular format on three fully integrated campuses in Europe (France), Asia
(Singapore) and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi).
Each GEMBA class has an unparalleled diversity of nationalities and professional backgrounds,
enabling participants to learn from each other and build a close-knit yet globally distributed
network.
Multiple Perspectives
221
Participants
37 Years
Average Age
13 Years
Average Work
Experience
59 Nationalities
46 Work Countries
20%
Female
Participants
52%
Living Outside
Home Country
Geographical Diversity
33%
26%
13%
11%
10%
7%
Western Europe
Asia Pacific
Middle East / Africa
Eastern / Northern Europe
North / South America
Southern Europe
54%
21%
18%
7%
Corporate Sector
Financial Services
Technology, Media and
Telecommunications
Consulting
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The Qualities of a Leader
As described by the GEMBA class of 2017
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GEMBA CLASS OF 2017
Name Page No.
Section
Nationality
Work Country
Ula Abdul Ahad 8
Dilmar Abdulaev 8
Sulaiman Al Ali 8
Laila Al Ameri 9
Mohammed Al Buraidi 9
Faisal Al-Gharabally 9
Alawi Al Jefri 10
Nael Al Koudsi 10
Claude Allaoua 10
Faisal Majid Al Muhaidib 11
Wina Andreini 11
Usman Anzaar Usmani 11
George Arhin 12
Nicholas Armstrong 12
Jan-Jaap Atema 12
Samer Azem 13
Sylvain Azzarelli 13
Agnes Baekelandt-Dagoneau 13
Godwill Kader Bancole 14
Mohit Batra 14
Blaise Baudry 14
Ala Ben Abbes 15
Mouna Benyahia 15
Adrien Berot 15
Muktha Bharathy 16
Tzvetomir Blajev 16
Clément Boulle 16
Aurélien Breton 17
Subhan Burke 17
Andy Bushell 17
Mathew Campbell 18
Gil Carrasquinho 18
Chris Cartwright 18
Charles Cessot 19
Pramod Chalak 19
Dimitri Chichlo 19
Youssef Choucair 20
Lauren Chung 20
Andrea Cioccarelli 20
Gaëlle Clemencot 21
Gildas Coldeboeuf 21
Pascal Conte-Jodra 21
Patrick (Paddy) Corr 22
James Crennan 22
Guillaume Crunelle 22
Sofiane Dahmam 23
Richard De Palmas 23
Philip De Schoenmaeker 23
Bob De Smedt 24
Mathieu Devillard 24
Anas Diab 24
Yulia Dorozhkina 25
Troy Doyle 25
Daniel DuBois 25
Laurenti Dyogi 26
Maan El-Rayes 26
Sallam Elwadya 26
Middle East
Europe
Middle East
Middle East
Middle East
Middle East
Middle East
Middle East
Europe
Middle East
Asia
Middle East
Middle East
Europe
Europe
Middle East
Europe
Europe
Europe
Asia
Asia
Europe
Asia
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Asia
Europe
Middle East
Asia
Europe
Asia
Asia
Europe
Asia
Asia
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Middle East
Europe
Asia
Asia
Asia
Middle East
Europe
Lebanese
Russian
Emirati
Emirati
Saudi Arabian
Kuwaiti
Emirati
Canadian / Syrian
French / Algerian
Emirati
Indonesian
Pakistani
British
Australian
Dutch
British
French
French
Beninese / French
Indian
French
French / Tunisian
French / Algerian
French
Indian
Bulgarian
French
French
American
British
Australian
Portuguese
American / British
French
Singaporean
French
Lebanese
Australian
Italian
French
French
French / Spanish
Irish
Australian
French
French / Algerian
French
Belgian
Belgian
French
Palestinian / Canadian
Russian
Australian
British
Filipino
Canadian
Palestinian / French
United Arab Emirates
Russia
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
France
Saudi Arabia
Indonesia
Angola
Ghana
France
Netherlands
United Arab Emirates
France
France
France
Singapore
Malaysia
France
Singapore
Spain
Singapore
Belgium
France
Bulgaria
United States
Switzerland
Australia
Switzerland
Hong Kong
France
Singapore
Switzerland
United Arab Emirates
Hong Kong
Italy
Singapore
United Kingdom
United States
Hong Kong
Australia
France
Singapore
Canada
Netherlands
Belgium
France
United Arab Emirates
France
Singapore
Singapore
Philippines
United Arab Emirates
Italy
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Jean-Luc Ferraton 27
Celso Ferrer 27
Enea Fracassi 27
Daniel Freed 28
Bastien Gambini 28
Frédéric Gandolfo 28
Frederik Gerner 29
Vassilis Gkatzelis 29
Henry Goodwin 30
Edouard Guillou 30
Tuna Gülenç 30
Nikita Gulyaev 31
Mohit Gupta 31
Avadhesh Gupta 31
Ghassan Haddad 32
Haroon H. Hamid 32
Baqar Hasnain 32
Alessandra Heinemann 33
Deborah Hong 33
Carmit Hoshen Glik 33
Marine Huguenin 34
Asad Hussain 34
Toto Maringan Hutabarat 34
Paul Huynh 35
Alla Idrisova 35
Khaled Ismail 35
Felipe Jacome 36
Mukul Jain 36
Sushant Jain 36
Dhruv Jairath 37
John Jicha 37
Catherine Jonathan 37
Sujit Joshi 38
Aidar Kaliev 38
Kah Ken Kam 38
Fahad Kanoo 39
Karan Keswani 39
Khalil Ketari 39
Nabil Khan 40
Stella Sang-Im Kim 40
June Koh 40
Selda Konokcu 41
Michael Kuerschner 41
Kaushik Kulkarni 41
Neeraj Kumar 42
Simon Kyaga 42
Miguel de Laburu Bayon 42
Aymeric Lacroix 43
Muhammad Akbar Laghari 43
Ramy Lahoud 43
Alexandre Le Belleguy 44
Florence Le Fur 44
Fabien Leduc 44
Hugo Lehmann 45
Gisela Lesmana 45
Marcin Lewczuk 45
Oliver Lewin 46
Sangwook Lim 46
Anton Lin 46
Seng Chuan Ling 47
Redmond Lloyd 47
Oscar Loza 47
Ray Lui 48
Ai Makino 48
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Europe
Middle East
Europe
Asia
Middle East
Middle East
Middle East
Asia
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Middle East
Europe
Europe
Europe
Middle East
Europe
Asia
Asia
Middle East
Asia
Asia
Asia
Europe
Asia
Middle East
Middle East
Asia
Middle East
Asia
Europe
Europe
Asia
Asia
Asia
Europe
Asia
Asia
Middle East
Middle East
Asia
Middle East
Asia
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Asia
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Asia
Asia
French
Brazilian
Italian / French
British
French
French
Dutch
Greek
British
French
Turkish
Belarusian
Singaporean
Canadian / Indian
Lebanese
American
Pakistani
Brazilian / German
Canadian
Israeli
French
Indian
Indonesian
American
Dutch / Russian
Egyptian
Brazilian / French
Indian
Indian
Indian
American / Australian
American
Indian
Russian
Malaysian
Bahraini
Indian
French / Tunisian
Canadian
Korean
Singaporean
Turkish
Austrian
Indian
Indian
Swedish
Spanish
French
Pakistani
Lebanese
French
French
French
Argentine
Indonesian
Polish
British
Korean
British
Singaporean
Australian
Colombian / French
Australian
Japanese
Sweden
Brazil
France
Australia
France
France
Singapore
Egypt
Singapore
Congo
United Arab Emirates
Belarus
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
Lebanon
United Arab Emirates
Singapore
France
South Korea
Netherlands
France
United Arab Emirates
Indonesia
Australia
Netherlands
United Arab Emirates
France
Singapore
Singapore
India
Australia
Switzerland
Singapore
Russia
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
India
Indonesia
Qatar
Singapore
Singapore
Turkey
Malaysia
Singapore
Malaysia
Sweden
Singapore
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
China
Brazil
Indonesia
Poland
United Kingdom
Japan
United Kingdom
Singapore
Australia
France
Australia
Singapore
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Emanuele Marelli 48
Malgorzata Maroszek 49
Reto Marx 49
Ali Matar 49
Theo Mathikolonis 50
Sanjeev Mathur 50
Michal Mazur 50
Neha Mehta 51
Vaibhavi Mehta 51
Ammar Mikati 51
Oleg Mikhaylov 52
Graham Mitchell 52
Philip Tranberg Moe 52
Omar Mohatarem 53
Cesar Morillas 53
Simon Morris 53
Mahendra Muralidhar 54
Karim Nagaty 54
Raed Nahhas 54
Sébastien Nahon 55
Trisha Naidoo 55
Kok Hwee Ng 55
Kathrin Niederlaender 56
Samuel Ocheho 56
Pascal Okoro 56
Nicolas Olive 57
Benny Ong 57
Tom O’Reilly 57
Alex Osho 58
Satoko Ozeki 58
Siddharth Parameswaran 58
Elena Parker-Kaplun 59
J Nathalia Parra Bernal 59
Romain Pechard 59
Priit Pedaja 60
Kyriakos Petrakakos 60
Matthew Phelan 60
Anne Philipona-Hintzy 61
Robin Pho 61
Francois Pignat 61
Jason Poh 62
Louis Poisson 62
Jacobo Perez Polaino 62
Ehsan Rahman 63
Andrew Roberts 63
Dylan Ross 63
Daphné Roussis 64
Anna Ryabinina 64
Julien Sallaind 64
Philani Sangweni 65
Alexis Scheid 65
Reto Schilt-Lu 65
Adam Schindhelm 66
Mikkel Seidelin 66
Evgeniya Setrakova 66
Elle Shi Ying 67
Marwan Shurrab 67
Jonathan Siegel 67
Ujjwal Singh 68
Mattijs Slee 68
Puneet Srivastava 68
Chun Yang Su 69
Michele Suria 69
Marc Syz 69
Asia
Europe
Asia
Middle East
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Asia
Middle East
Europe
Europe
Europe
Middle East
Europe
Asia
Asia
Middle East
Middle East
Europe
Europe
Asia
Europe
Middle East
Europe
Middle East
Asia
Middle East
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Europe
Middle East
Asia
Asia
Asia
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Middle East
Asia
Europe
Europe
Europe
Middle East
Asia
Middle East
Asia
Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe
Asia
Asia
Italian
Polish
Swiss
Lebanese
Greek / Cypriot
Indian
Polish
Indian
Indian
Lebanese
Russian
British
Danish
British
Peruvian
British
Indian
Egyptian / Italian
Saudi Arabian
French
South African
Singaporean
German
Nigerian
Nigerian
French
Singaporean
American
Nigerian
Japanese
Australian
German / Ukrainian
Colombian / Canadian
French
Estonian
Greek
British / American
French
Singaporean
French / British
Singaporean
French
Spanish
Norwegian
American
American
Belgian
Russian
French
South African
French
Swiss
Australian
Danish
Russian
Chinese
Jordanian
American / Irish
Indian
Dutch
Indian
Singaporean
Italian
Swiss
Singapore
Poland
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
Greece
Singapore
Poland
Abu Dhabi
Singapore
Saudi Arabia
Russia
Ukraine
Denmark
Saudi Arabia
Peru
Singapore
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
France
South Africa
Singapore
Switzerland
Nigeria
Nigeria
United Arab Emirates
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
Singapore
Australia
Switzerland
Canada
France
Russia
Singapore
United Kingdom
France
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
Singapore
Indonesia
Indonesia
France
Switzerland
Singapore
Belgium
Russia
France
South Africa
Singapore
Switzerland
Australia
United Kingdom
Russia
China
United Arab Emirates
United States
India
Netherlands
Germany
Singapore
Singapore
Hong Kong
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
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Abraham Takom 70
Michael Tamvakologos 70
Cheng Kwee Tan 70
Norman Tan 71
Ying Shi Tan 71
Osama Tariq 71
Teresa Tay 72
Michael Teoh 72
Olivier Too 72
Alison Tran 73
Matteo Trinca 73
Pasquale Tuosto 73
Selim Turki 74
Clement Turnier 74
Elena Tyutyunnikova 74
Ifeanyichukwu Uka 75
Andres Urb 75
Francis Van Acker 75
Dirk Van Der Mast 76
Keti Vashakidze 76
Sophie Vauzelle 76
Jobilal M Vavachan 77
Mara Vavassori 77
Matija Vaavrous 77
Manav Verma 78
Steve Vermant 78
Alban Vital 78
Markus Widmer 79
Chao Wu 79
Erika Yuniarti 79
Ruslan Yunusov 80
Syed Zahid 80
Marilyn Zakhour 81
Anita Zielina 81
Europe
Asia
Asia
Asia
Asia
Middle East
Asia
Asia
Asia
Europe
Asia
Europe
Middle East
Asia
Europe
Middle East
Europe
Europe
Asia
Middle East
Europe
Middle East
Asia
Europe
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Europe
Asia
Europe
Asia
Europe
Europe
Cameroonian / French
Australian
Singaporean
Singaporean
Singaporean
American
Singaporean
Malaysian
French
British
Italian
Italian
Tunisian/French/Italian
French
Russian
Nigerian
Estonian
Belgian
Dutch
Georgian
French
Indian
Italian
Croatian
British/ Indian
French
French
Swiss
Chinese
Indonesia
Russian
Pakistani
Lebanese / Canadian
Austrian
Luxembourg
Australia
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
Singapore
Malaysia
Singapore
United Kingdom
Australia
France
United Arab Emirates
Hong Kong
Russia
United Arab Emirates
Estonia
Belgium
Singapore
Georgia
France
United Arab Emirates
Singapore
Croatia
United Kingdom
Australia
United Kingdom
Switzerland
Germany
Singapore
Russia
United Kingdom
France
Switzerland
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
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Ula Abdul Ahad
Middle East
Lebanese
Managing Partner, Insights Management Consultancy
United Arab Emirates
Ula set up her own consultancy company in 2007, which caters to service-oriented businesses in the
UAE with a focus on women. Additionally, she is a board member of her family-owned business, Al
Husam Group, which was established in the Middle East over 40 years ago. Al Husam’s core
business is construction, but also includes healthcare, hospitality, trading, and transportation. Ula’s
experience lies in finance, marketing, organisational design, policies and procedures.
With the GEMBA, she hopes to gain a more in-depth and advanced knowledge in business
management with a primary focus on entrepreneurship and corporate governance.
Dilmar Abdulaev
Europe
Russian
International Investments Director, Uralkali
Russia
Dilmar is responsible for all aspects of developing projects in the
company’s international portfolio, ranging from go-to-market strategy and origination, to analysis of
opportunities, execution of M&A and JVs, and performance monitoring. Dilmar has primarily focused
on investments in upstream and downstream metal mining and oil and gas, and held various positions
in Russia and southern Africa. His experience lies in managing cross-functional and cross-cultural
teams, corporate entrepreneurship, private equity, and innovations in traditional industries.
He would like to improve his skills in leadership, negotiation, and cross-cultural management, and
looks forward to global networking.
Sulaiman Al Ali
Middle East
Emirati
Director, Yahsat
United Arab Emirates
Sulaiman’s career till date has primarily focused on the telecom sector
with international stints in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Ivory Coast. He is well-versed in marketing, sales,
leadership, motivation, and strategy.
Sulaiman would like to improve his financial and leadership skills, and build more knowledge in
corporate governance and international business.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
9
Laila Al Ameri
Middle East
Emirati
Vice President, Financial Strategy and Treasury, Abu Dhabi Airports
United Arab Emirates
In her current role, Laila manages internal and external financial reporting, planning, and forecasting.
She is also in charge of revenue assurance and treasury.
With the GEMBA, she would like to strengthen her profile and gain more experience in leadership.
Mohammed Al Buraidi
Middle East
Saudi Arabian
Investment Manager – Real Estate, AlFozan Holding
Saudi Arabia
Mohammed manages a portfolio of local and international real estate including properties, subsidiary
companies and funds. He is experienced in finance, corporate finance, investments, mergers and
acquisitions, and accounting.
Mohammed hopes to become an outstanding leader.
Faisal Al-Gharabally
Middle East
Kuwaiti
Assistant General Manager, Gulf Bank Kuwait
Kuwait
Faisal currently heads the contracting finance division within the
corporate banking department, offering services and products for corporate clients who are mainly
engaged in the contracting sector. His experience lies in marketing and sales, portfolio management,
risk management, and business planning.
Faisal would like to improve his coaching and leadership skills and become better suited to working
under pressure and in cross-cultural environments
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
10
Alawi Al Jefri
Middle East
Emirati
Maintenance Project Manager, Emirates Global Aluminum
United Arab Emirates
Alawi leads a team of discipline supervisors, planning engineers, and contract engineers. He
interfaces intensively with lawyers, financial and commercial analysts, HSE engineers, and supply
chain engineers. Internationally, Alawi was exposed to various areas of renewable deployment in the
UAE, UK, Senegal, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and USA.
Alawi aspires to advance his career in the energy industry in the Middle East.
Nael Al Koudsi
Middle East
Canadian / Syrian
Managing Director, New Country Healthcare (NCH)
United Arab Emirates
Nael leads the development of his family business’ goals and strategies and is directly responsibility
for bottom-line sales growth, marketing efforts, supply chain processes, and investments. His
company represents more than 25 global brands, and distributes healthcare products within GCC. His
experience lies in sales and marketing, operations, and managing cross-functional teams.
Nael would like to strengthen his skills in leadership, finance, corporate structure, mergers and
acquisitions.
Claude Allaoua
Europe
French / Algerian
European Business Development Manager, TOBII Technology
France
Claude is responsible for developing TOBII’s market share in France, Spain, Portugal, and Poland
through both direct and indirect sales channels. He spearheads operations and manages sales,
business development, marketing, and OEM partnerships. Claude is experienced in product
development, business development and sales, both in large and start-up enterprises, SaaS / cloud
communications and application software solutions, and working in cross-cultural environments and
virtual teams.
He would like to improve his leadership skills and broaden his business, strategic, and financial
acumen with a view to venturing into entrepreneurship or corporate development.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
11
Faisal Majid Al Muhaidib
Middle East
Emirati
General Manager, Masdar Technical Supplies Group
Saudi Arabia
Faisal leads the team that manages the day-to-day operations of
Masdar Technical Supplies, the region’s largest trader, distributer and fabricator of Fasteners and
Fixings with 27,000 ready SKU’s, 28 showrooms and two fabrication units. His experience lies in
operations, with 17 years’ experience in the building materials sector around the Middle East. In
addition, he is a board member in various companies that specializes in the construction industry,
FMCG and real estate.
He would like to gain the tools, learnings and knowledge of INSEAD’s EMBA to develop, enhance and
strengthen his skills, to better serve his post. In addition, Faisal is looking for entrepreneurial ideas
and networking opportunities with other professionals around the world.
Wina Andreini
Asia
Indonesian
Country Manager, Smartmatic
Indonesia
Wina is working on technology adoption for nationwide election
processes in Indonesia and is responsible for establishing the
Indonesian market and secure projects, especially in the government administration sector. In her
current profile, Wina collaborates with teams in APAC, Panama, Amsterdam, and London. Previously
she worked on IT transformation projects in telecommunications and finance, involving cross-border
projects with clients and colleagues from South East Asia, Europe, China, and South America.
She would like to develop entrepreneurial skills, gain new perspectives on market entry strategy and
expand her professional network.
Usman Anzaar Usmani
Middle East
Pakistani
Control Systems Consultant, Angola LNG-SOMG
Angola
Usman has worked in Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Angola, and has travelled extensively both
for work and pleasure. He has started networking with investors and venture capitalists who would be
interested in setting up a fund to invest in companies in developing nations, particularly in Asia and
Africa.
He would like to explore opportunities in energy and venture capital.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
12
George Arhin
Middle East
British
Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Ghana
George leads PwC’s energy, utilities and mining industry group and
the PwC Business School. His role comprises overall responsibility for
client relationship management, business development, financial
planning, development, and delivery of PwC’s assurance and advisory services to a range of clients,
including public companies, international groups, government organisations and privately owned
organisations. George is also the human capital leader for PwC Ghana, with resource planning and
development, recruitment and retention responsibilities.
He would like to improve his skills in the areas of leadership and corporate dynamics, and share his
experience with his staff and clients.
Nicholas Armstrong
Europe
Australian
Partner, Psinos Innovation Partners
France
Nicholas works with entrepreneurs to grow and fund their early-stage
ventures, and in business development, fund raising, structuring, and legal aspects. His experience
lies in commercialising new technology, collaborative R&D, start-up, joint ventures, M&A and law.
He would like to grow his network of like-minded people passionate about innovation, technology and
entrepreneurship, and become better equipped for bigger roles in organisations.
Jan-Jaap Atema
Europe
Dutch
Vice-President, ING Bank
Netherlands
Jan-Jaap’s role requires him to originate, manage and close various
complex, cross-border financing transactions. Being responsible for
client coverage in CEE and the Nordics, among others, he advises CFOs and other decision makers
across industries on how to improve their financial performance and designs financing solutions
tailored to their needs. In addition, Jan-Jaap leads a team that syndicates out part of ING's credit
exposure to investors.
He is keen to learn more about key business topics, to better understand the multi-cultural complexity
of the world’s business environment and to improve his ability to lead, in an effort to further accelerate
his career. Jan-Jaap also looks forward to expanding his network with bright-minded people from
across the globe.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
13
Samer Azem
Middle East
British
Portfolio Manager, Lama Holding Company (KSA)
United Arab Emirates
Samer is responsible for business development of seven underlying
private businesses in sectors including manufacturing, distribution, and real estate. His experience
lies in corporate governance, change management, and strategy.
He would like to develop his personal leadership skills, refresh and challenge his business skill set,
and meet like-minded peers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Sylvain Azzarelli
Europe
French
Head of Casualty, Middle East and Africa, XL Catlin
France
Sylvain’s career has primarily focused on managing commercial and
technical teams in major insurance companies and later, setting up
new operations in France for a major London-based insurer. Sylvain’s
experience lies in law (liability), risk management, managing teams, cross-border collaboration,
strategy, business plans, communication, commercial prospection and development.
He would like to improve his leadership and finance skills, and further develop his understanding of
strategic markets such as Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Agnes Baekelandt-Dagoneau
Europe
French
Communication and Sustainability Director, Pacific Area Director,
ANDROS
France
Agnes recently set up the Pacific sales and industrial subsidiaries of
Andros Group. In parallel to remotely managing the Pacific area, Agnes is now in charge of
implementing the global communication policy as well as the sustainability vision of the French family-
owned group and its 34 factories in 20 countries. Her expertise lies in communication, ethics,
sustainability, event management, business development, business planning, due diligence, general
management and recruitment.
With the GEMBA, Agnes hopes to gain more confidence, support, tools, as well as corporate
governance, leadership, and coaching skills in order to meet her ambitious company goals.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
14
Godwill Kader Bancole
Europe
Beninese / French
Finance Manager, Renault
France
Godwill's career has focused on developing strong quantitative,
communication and cross-functional skills. He took responsibilities as
Logistics IT project manager, IT investments and operations controller and corporate internal auditor.
Currently, he leads P&L and cash flows performance in business to business with General Motors,
Daimler, Fiat and Nissan. Covering overall financial aspects, he manages relationships with external
and internal stakeholders. He reports results to his business unit board of directors, builds forecasts
and evaluates risks and opportunities. His experience lies in finance, partnerships, IS/IT, logistics,
automotive and telecom sectors.
Godwill would like to enhance his leadership skills and accelerate his career.
Mohit Batra
Asia
Indian
Director, Edelweiss Investment Advisors
Singapore
Mohit is responsible for revenue from Asia and Middle East markets,
and focuses on India-inbound investments with an emphasis on equity futures and options. His clients
include hedge funds and long-only funds. Mohit’s international exposure ranges across Hong Kong,
Singapore, India, UAE, and South Africa. His expertise lies in equities, derivatives, Fx-capital markets
and sales management.
Mohit would like to learn core concepts around business building and strategy, and network with like-
minded professionals.
Blaise Baudry
Asia
French
International Tax Director, Eastern Hemisphere, Baker Hughes Inc.
Malaysia
Blaise leads a team of 25 tax professionals across multiple locations
and cultures in the Eastern Hemisphere. His responsibilities are built around advisory and risk
management, and cover the entire tax life cycle of the company. He also leads M&A activities.
Blaise would like to acquire core competencies in areas he hasn’t yet covered through his work, and
become a better leader.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
15
Ala Ben Abbes
Europe
French / Tunisian
Transformation Programme Operational Manager, Electricité de
France
France
Ala is an advisor to the organisation’s Commercial Operations and Performance Senior Vice
President. He is also in charge of innovation, new business models, corporate synergies, producing a
new B2B commercial policy and securing its operational implementation. Ala’s experience lies in
energy, innovation, team and project management, and Africa.
He would like to acquire better insights about management and leadership as he is working towards
managing a business unit or building his own company.
Mouna Benyahia
Asia
French / Algerian
Director of Strategy and Transformation, Veolia
Singapore
In her current role, Mouna covers the management of support and back-office functions in Asia as
well as all of the company’s business efficiency improvement projects, leading 30 professionals over
six countries. She is an engineer who moved to strategy and management consulting for six years
before coming back to the industry in 2012. Mouna’s strengths lie in industrial operations and
productivity improvement, digitisation, human capital, and change management.
She would like to strengthen and further develop the skills necessary to grow into a successful leader.
She also expects to develop professionally and personally by interacting with the other participants.
Adrien Berot
Europe
French
Sales Programme Manager, Southern Europe, Oracle
Spain
Adrien’s team oversees defining the go-to-market strategy for small and medium business units. He is
most experienced in sales and marketing strategy, creating a marketing engine from scratch,
marketing automation and data driven-marketing, hiring and training sales people.
Adrien would like to have some fun, meet interesting people and discover businesses, models, and
best practices from other industries before he starts to think his IT jargon actually makes sense.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
16
Muktha Bharathy
Asia
Indian
Brand Licensing Manager, Asia Pacific, Chemours
Singapore
Muktha’s current responsibilities include marketing the Teflon brand, launching new brands, and
development and deployment of new offerings. She leads a team comprising sales, marketing, and
technical functionalities across the globe. Muktha’s experience lies in rapid technology assessment,
product development and commercialisation, introducing new concepts to markets, strategy, people
management, and cross-functional work.
She is looking to expand her skills in various aspects of business management such as finance,
supply chain, and sales.
Tzvetomir Blajev
Europe
Bulgarian
Coordinator, Operational Safety, EUROCONTROL
Belgium
Tzvetomir leads a varied portfolio of projects and services, chairs
official consultation meetings of the 41 EUROCONTROL member
states, and facilitates multi-party decision-making processes within the
area of his responsibilities. He is also a board member and executive secretary of a board of an
international not-for-profit undertaking. Tzvetomir is experienced in leading product development and
supervising a portfolio of coherent and mutually supportive products and services, negotiations, and
international facilitation and coordination.
He would like to build on his international leadership experience and gain the business skills and
credibility to pursue his professional mission to lead change for globalised, competitive air traffic
operations.
Clément Boulle
Europe
French
Senior VP - International business development, AdUX France
France
Journalist and entrepreneur, Clément was the CEO of Local Media, his
own digital advertising start-up (7M€, 40 employees) during the past
six years. AdUX (65M€, 230 employees), a French public company,
acquired Local Media in early 2017 and appointed him as a Senior VP in charge of international
business development. Before being an entrepreneur, Clment was editor-in-chief at a newspaper,
and pursued an MA in Media Management from University of Westminster, London. He is
experienced in the media industry, news production, digital marketing, advertising, entrepreneurship,
strategy, general management and politics.
Clment is looking for partners in order to build the next big thing in the news industry!
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
17
Aurélien Breton
Europe
French
General Manager, Servier
Bulgaria
Aurélien leads the Bulgarian affiliate of Servier, a France-based
independent pharma company. The Bulgarian operation promotes Servier’s medicines locally, while
achieving a strategic business development ambition. He has vast experience in the pharma industry,
mainly in marketing and sales at both local and corporate levels in Sanofi and Servier, in Turkey,
France, Slovenia, Belgium and Switzerland. He is well-versed in marketing and sales operations,
market access, leadership and people development.
Aurélien would like to challenge himself academically to become a wiser and more skilled leader,
entrepreneur, manager and decision maker.
Subhan Burke
Europe
American
Managing Partner, Cohesive Synergy Inc.
United States
Subhan started CSI in 2002, and has been growing it steadily with
business operations spread over North America and Europe. He has
managed large projects all over the USA and in Prague, London, Munich, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore,
Pakistan and Dubai. Having started small, his business is now growing, and he is hiring, delegating,
and focusing on building relationships and strategic direction.
Subhan would like to become a better leader and learn effective change management strategies.
Andy Bushell
Europe
British
Global Programme Head, Novartis
Switzerland
Andy is accountable for all aspects of of Galvus Group and LIK066, a
new molecule in development in the metabolism field. He has lived in
the UK, Spain, and the USA, and now lives in Switzerland. He has more than 30 years of experience
covering the entire process of discovery, development, marketing and sales for medicines worldwide.
Andy is the founder of challenge-based ideation at Novartis, and founded the Chronic Disease
Foundation Initiative with IBM and Vodafone. He has also contributed to the World Innovation Summit
for Health Diabetes paper in 2013 and partnered with WHO / ITU on the ‘Be Healthy Be Mobile’
initiative.
He would like to improve his business acumen in preparation for forming an NGO in South Africa and
assuming more senior roles at Novartis.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
18
Mathew Campbell
Europe
Australian
Chief Operating Officer, Clarendon Homes
Australia
Mathew is involved in all strategic decisions, including investments,
branding, marketing, product design and executive recruitments in his
family business. His responsibilities fall into four main categories - treasury and finance, IT, legal, and
HR. Mathew’s experience lies in Australian real estate development and volume home building as
well as development finance.
Mathew would like to expand his thinking through the exchange of ideas among a diverse talent pool
covering a variety of industries, and hopes to become a stronger leader who is able to grow the family
business and provide a platform for future generations.
Gil Carrasquinho
Europe
Portuguese
Head of Medical Affairs, EMEA, Santen Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Switzerland
Gil’s primary responsibilities are general management of the
department and line management of a team of 25, covering over 40 countries. He is responsible for
setting up a vision, defining the organisation’s architecture and budget, and focusing on people
growth and development. Gil is experienced in business strategy, pharmaceutical commercialisation
operations, working across different cultures, and change management.
He would like to gain formal training in business management while developing his leadership skills.
Gil also looks forward to meeting people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Chris Cartwright
Europe
American / British
Director, EVO Jet Services / EVO Fuels
Hong Kong
Chris heads a small global aviation services and fuel company with
around €30 million in annual sales. He focuses primarily on building sales and improving supply costs
while ensuring integration of the latest technology and apps. Chris is experienced in managing small
businesses, supply contracts, negotiation, international agreements, international joint ventures, sales
and brand ambassadorship.
He would like to fill the gaps in his business knowledge and understand M&A, private equity/VC,
scaling, pricing and to network with like-minded individuals.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
19
Charles Cessot
Europe
French
Vice President M&A, Strategy and Development, TechnipFMC
France
Charles is responsible for delineating the strategy for the mid and long-term vision at Technip. This
involves benchmarking with peers, getting feedback from the market, and defining and implementing
actionable plans. In his career, Charles has primarily focused on the oil and gas industry, where he
has held consulting roles and corporate positions. Charles is experienced in corporate development,
portfolio management, capital expenditures, acquisitions, disposals and alliances, and processes and
negotiations on private and public assets worldwide.
He would like to improve his leadership skills in a cross-cultural environment and become better at
leading virtual teams with P&L responsibilities.
Pramod Chalak
Asia
Singaporean
Global Service Manager, Vodafone Global Enterprise
Singapore
Pramod is accountable for all aspects of customer relationship and
stakeholder engagement, account management, operations team
management, driving new business opportunities, and revenue
assurance for large accounts. His career has evolved from IT to telecom industries, and he has
worked for large conglomerates holding various leadership positions. Pramod’s experience lies in
managing cross-functional teams across different cultures, account management, and team
leadership.
He would like to improve his knowledge in corporate finance, account management, leadership
development and change management.
Dimitri Chichlo
Europe
French
Vice President Information Security and BCM, Edmond de Rothschild
(Suisse) S.A.
Switzerland
Dimitri is responsible for creating, developing and implementing
information security and business continuity frameworks for the bank.
He is also advising on cybersecurity topics for internal projects, advocating on and proposing
initiatives in order to improve cybersecurity readiness, and leading awareness and educational
initiatives on cybersecurity topics, business continuity and data protection. Dimitri is experienced in
operational risk management, information and cyber-security, fraud risk business continuity, as well
as process analysis, change management and strategic thinking.
He would like to review and expand his business knowledge, gain new professional perspectives,
expand his network, take time to reflect on his career and develop his leadership skills.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
20
Youssef Choucair
Middle East
Lebanese
Global Business Analysis Manager, Aramex
United Arab Emirates
Youssef is responsible for creating solutions that drive informed decisions across all aspects of the
business, from finance to operations; he established a business analysis unit that supports the
decision-making globally across 48 countries. He is experienced in cross-functional processes,
managerial reporting, and strategic decision-making. Youssef comes with more than 10 years of
experience in the transportation and logistics industry and has a strong understanding of conducting
business in the Middle East.
Youssef seeks to refine his leadership skills and to develop a profound understanding of managing
cross-cultural teams and organisations. He is interested in entrepreneurship and is looking to grow his
network of like-minded people.
Lauren Chung
Asia
Australian
Senior Managing Director, Teneo
Hong Kong
Lauren provides high-level advisory services to senior management of
some of the world's largest corporations and financial institutions, to
address reputational and transformational challenges. This includes corporate restructuring, buyouts,
investments and divestments, M&A transactions, asset raising, activist attacks and litigation. She
specialises in the Asia region and oversees the company's offices in Greater China and Singapore.
Lauren joined INSEAD to strengthen her accounting and corporate finance skills and gain exposure to
people and perspectives from around the world.
Andrea Cioccarelli
Europe
Italian
Associate Director, KPMG Advisory
Italy
Andrea manages advisory for corporate finance and strategy
engagements and is involved in several cross-border transactions. He is experienced in corporate
finance, business planning, M&A, strategy and valuation.
He is looking forward to interact with peers in a multicultural environment and develop his technical
and personal skills and entrepreneurial thinking.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
21
Gaëlle Clemencot
Asia
French
Regional Account Director, GIVAUDAN
Singapore
Gaëlle’s role comprises of handling the L'Oreal account in the APAC region. This means growing the
top lines whilst ensuring an appropriate profitability level and the right level of resources, as well as
establishing a strong and professional relationship with the client at all levels.
She has spent close to 15 years in Asia, working in Thailand, Japan and Singapore for both Unilever
and Givaudan. Gaëlle is sound in strategic thinking and marketing. She would like to further develop
her managerial skills, and learn how to capitalise on her entrepreneurial spirit to grow in her current
company or create her own business. Gaëlle also looks forward to learn more about herself via the
Leadership Development Programme.
Gildas Coldeboeuf
Asia
French
Former European Retail Sales Director, Canon
United Kingdom
Gildas is on a break after working for 21 years at Canon in France,
Netherlands and the UK. Until June 2016, he was European Retail Sales Director at the company,
responsible for consumer business in 19 countries. Gildas’ experience lies in sales and marketing in
the retail environment of Europe in consumer electronics.
Now based in Singapore, he is looking forward to meeting and working with people from various
countries and cultures. By leveraging his strategic thinking and passion to deliver change and results
in international environment, he would also like to get exposure to other industries to challenge his
own way of thinking and working.
Pascal Conte-Jodra
Europe
French / Spanish
Global Vice-President of Finance, Marc Jacobs (LVMH)
United States
Pascal oversees financial planning and analysis, business controlling,
and organisational development across all business channels for the Marc Jacobs brand. He heads a
team in the New York headquarters and oversees the local CFOs and their teams in Europe, Middle
East, Japan, China, and APAC subsidiaries. Pascal is well-versed in the luxury and fashion industries
with a focus on operations, finance, licensing, strategy, change management and brand repositioning.
He is looking to improve his leadership abilities to become an inspiring global leader, learn from the
other participants, challenge himself intellectually, and expand his skills to successfully launch a
business.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
22
Patrick (Paddy) Corr
Asia
Irish
Co-CEO Asia Pacific, YouGov PLC
Hong Kong
Patrick’s job entails general management of YouGov’s Asia business, spread over seven offices and
employing over 50 people in sales, marketing, key account management, client delivery, operations,
product development, technology, finance, and HR roles.
He would like to improve his general management skills in corporate/managerial finance and learn
more about himself under the Leadership Development Programme. He also hopes to build a
complete toolkit to help him start his next entrepreneurial venture.
James Crennan
Asia
Australian
Army Captain, Australian Army / Specialist, Westpac Banking
Australia
James is currently on secondment leave from the Australian Army to
work within the banking sector. His current role involves the origination
and syndication of fixed-income primary market issuance across a range of collateral classes and
borrower types. His army responsibilities primarily involve commanding units of up to 100 personnel
with varying specialisations, and his most significant international exposure was as a platoon
commander in Afghanistan as part of Combined Team Uruzghan in 2012.
He would like to develop a greater appreciation for differing cultures and leadership styles, challenge
his management assumptions, and develop a diverse network of colleagues.
Guillaume Crunelle
Europe
French
Partner, Deloitte
France
Guillaume leads the automotive industry practice for France, which
comprises more than 200 professionals. His role includes developing
go-to-market, talent, point of views and marketing studies. He is also
member of the firm’s think tank dealing with oncoming disruptions that will transform the mobility
ecosystem. In parallel, Guillaume is the auditor of a multinational company. Guillaume is experienced
in finance and accounting, managing cross-industry teams in multicultural environments, automotive
markets and strategy.
He would like to improve his leadership skills, develop his network, and enhance his competencies in
strategy and organisation.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
23
Sofiane Dahmam
Asia
French / Algerian
Director, Litmus Group
Singapore
Sofiane focusses on digital transformations with responsibilities that cover both business development
and delivery of consulting engagements, leading multidisciplinary teams of consultants across South
East Asia. He has worked in France, the UK, Spain, and more recently, Singapore. Sofiane’s
experience lies in operational and programme management, enterprise architecture and in innovation
and technology-led business transformations.
He aims to deepen his knowledge in business and strategy, challenge his thinking, learn from other
participants and grow as a leader.
Richard De Palmas
Europe
French
Managing Director, MRRM Inc
Canada
Richard’s first mission is to turn around and develop his company. His
second mission is to expand to the US market with new rice-based products and production facilities.
Richard is most experienced in putting a business back on its feet, change management, and
marketing and business development.
Through the GEMBA, he hopes to learn from others’ experiences to get the support needed to
succeed in his current North American mission as well as lay the foundations for leading, managing,
and developing a substantial family business.
Philip De Schoenmaeker
Europe
Belgian
International Team Leader, Boehringer Ingelheim
Netherlands
Philip is currently managing the commercial aspects of the specialty
care franchise in eight European countries while also setting up a new
division in the region. Philip is experienced in marketing, strategy, product launches, sales
effectiveness, and organisational behaviour.
He would like to further develop the technical and leadership skills needed for his current and future
roles. Philip is also looking forward to meeting new and like-minded people.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
24
Bob De Smedt
Europe
Belgian
Partner, Kunstmaan
Belgium
Bob is partner and strategic director of a marketing communication agency. His main responsibilities
are supervision of strategic branding advice delivered to clients, business development, and defining
the future course of the company. Bob’s experience lies in marketing communication, brand strategy,
communication strategy and planning.
He would like to improve his general management skills to help execute his company’s growth
strategy, extend his network, and learn from the experience of others.
Mathieu Devillard
Europe
French
Customer Business Unit Director, FAURECIA
France
Mathieu is responsible for the €600-million business (in annual sales),
and oversees P&L, customer and team management, and sales and
business development. He is also in charge of programme activity for the whole product life cycle
(acquisitions, development, and serial life). Mathieu has always worked in a multicultural and
international business environment. His experience is in automotive industry, managing international
programmes, multi-cultural environment negotiation and team management.
He would like to get ready for the next step in his career and develop himself further through meeting
and learning from others.
Anas Diab
Middle East
Palestinian / Canadian
Deputy General Manager. AL SUWEIDI Engineering Consultants
United Arab Emirates
Anas leads business expansion and operational development initiatives in his family business. He has
established new business units in the GCC region and new technical departments covering specialist
services in the architectural engineering field. He is also in charge of strategic operational decisions
covering organisation structure, executive recruitment, process design and implementation of new
technologies. Anas has plenty of experience managing multidisciplinary, multicultural teams. He has
worked with international designers based in Southeast Asia, Europe and North America on large-
scale construction projects in the UAE.
Anas would like to improve his business strategy acumen and leadership skills, and learn more about
opportunities in social entrepreneurship.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
25
Yulia Dorozhkina
Europe
Russian
Category Manager for Engineering & Project Management Services,
EMEA and Asia, Shell Global Solutions
France
Yulia leads contracting and negotiations for the category for engineering, project and construction
management services in EMEA and Asia, working with teams located across the world. Her
experience lies in contracting and procurement, and strategy development for large capital projects in
the oil and gas industry.
With the GEMBA, she strives to achieve greater results at her current job by bringing in cutting-edge
knowledge from different industries and as well as entrepreneurial ventures, improve her leadership
skills and expand her horizons.
Troy Doyle
Asia
Australian
Co-chair, Global Special Situations and Credit Funds
Group / Senior Restructuring Partner, Asia, Reed Smith
Singapore
Troy leads the firm’s restructuring and special situations practice
across Asia. His experience primarily covers the Asia Pacific region, including Indonesia, Hong Kong,
Greater China, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia.
Troy’s strengths lie in financial and corporate restructuring, informal turnaround and workouts of
companies, investments in distressed companies (debt/equity), insolvency proceedings, advising
directors and boards, stakeholder management, marketing, negotiation and legal solutions to cross-
border issues.
He would like to improve his skills in leadership, financial analysis, project analysis and assessment.
Daniel DuBois
Asia
British
Managing Director (Offshore Division), Clarksons Platou Asia Pte. Ltd.
Singapore
Daniel is responsible for the day-to-day running of the offshore ship brokerage team, which entails
defending market share, client liaison, international team co-operation across the group, and striving
to continuously improve the service offering. Daniel’s experience lies in negotiations, sales and
marketing, and team management.
Through the GEMBA, he hopes to improve his leadership and management skills and seeks to add
increased value in every facet of business.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
26
Laurenti Dyogi
Asia
Filipino
Head, TV Production, ABS-CBN Corporation
Philippines
Laurenti heads TV entertainment production and supervises the pipeline of entertainment
programmes for broadcast on the TV channel through the year. This also entails maintaining a
production organisation of around 4,000 creative, production, and technical staff plus artists, as well
as ensuring efficiency in the financial and production processes. His expertise lies in project
management.
Laurenti would like to improve his leadership skills and facilitate the transition of his organisation into
a global landscape of content creation, especially in the digital realm. He also wants to become well-
versed in finance, entrepreneurship and corporate governance.
Maan El-Rayes
Middle East
Canadian
Strategic lead to the COO / CEO, COMTINU
United Arab Emirates
Maan is the sales and P&L strategy leader for a 30-employee company
which currently runs business in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and UAE. His career has primarily focused on the
IT / telecom sector where he led several geographically-dispersed sales teams in Brazil, Asia Pacific /
Japan, and Africa. Maan is experienced in global entrepreneurship, corporate finance, global team
management, and leadership.
He would like to improve his financial acumen and corporate leadership, and broaden his perspective
beyond ICT/Telecom considerations.
Sallam Elwadya
Europe
Palestinian / French
Head of Oil and Gas Construction Department, Total
Italy
Sallam oversees all construction activities of oil and gas facilities spread
over more than 400sq km and involving more than 3,000 resources in
southern Italy. His career developed in an international environment (Middle East, Europe, Africa, and
Asia), where he held various operational and corporate positions. Sallam’s experience lies in major
scale oil and gas development projects, contracts management, development strategies and
planning, and managing cross-functional and multi-cultural teams.
He would like to upgrade his skills in corporate governance and better understand the dynamics and
challenges of modern economies. Furthermore, he would like to develop skills in investment decision
mechanisms, and exchange experiences with peers from other sectors.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
27
Jean-Luc Ferraton
Europe
French
Chief HR Officer, Intrum Justitia A.B.
Sweden
Jean-Luc’s responsibility covers all HR areas from group strategy to support of local units when it
comes to M&A or organisational projects. He previously held different HR roles in cleaning and
catering businesses. His experience lies in HR and leadership, change management, and corporate
culture in international environments.
Jean-Luc is looking to improve his leadership, as well as his financial and analytical skills in an
international environment with insights from experts and peers.
Celso Ferrer
Europe
Brazilian
Chief Planning Officer, GOL Airlines
Brazil
Celso is responsible for communicating and implementing the
company's strategy internally and externally, and managing all activities that generate revenue and
optimise costs. He oversees a team of 120 employees responsible for strategic planning, fleet
planning, network, revenue management, and alliances. His experience lies in strategic and business
planning, M&A assessment and strategy, and international partnerships.
Celso is looking to acquire skills related to finance and marketing, as well as update and enhance his
knowledge in strategic planning.
Enea Fracassi
Europe
Italian / French
Head of Engineering and Maintenance Planning, Corsair, TUI Group
France
Enea is responsible for all technical, contractual, and financial aspects
of the airline fleet (747-400 and A330). He leads a department of 25
people in charge of maintenance engineering and planning, long-term projects, and airline
multidisciplinary initiatives. His expertise is in the aerospace industry (from manufacturer to airline),
fleet strategy and financing, project leadership, cost control, contract management, people
management, and change management.
Enea would like to progress to general management roles for which finance, economics, and strategy
skills are needed. He is particularly interested in the Leadership Development Programme as he
believes this will challenge his career vision.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
28
Daniel Freed
Europe
British
Former Gas Business Development Manager, Total
Australia
Daniel has been responsible for building the gas purchasing and
business development activities of an $18.5 billion liquefied natural gas project co-owned by French,
Korean, Malaysian, and Australian partners. Prior to his roles in Australia, Daniel has held several
positions in Total’s head office in Paris and operating subsidiaries in the UK and Indonesia. His
experience lies in building and maintaining partnerships, finding creative business development
solutions, managing cross-functional project teams, acquisitions and divestments, negotiation, and
economics.
After more than 20 years in the energy industry and 18 years with the same employer, Daniel is
looking to the range of the GEMBA classes and diversity of the participants to gain perspective on
himself and his industry as he prepares for his next venture.
Bastien Gambini
Europe
French
Partner, Demeter Partners
France
Bastien is the Investment Director in a French cleantech private equity
fund and has led 17 investments since 2005. He is in charge of the
Demeter Spanish office since 2011 and a board member of several
companies. His experience lies in corporate finance and private equity, cleantech industry-renewable
energies and energy efficiency, recycling, water and waste treatment, and electric vehicles.
Bastien would like to expand his professional and personal network, and get to know people from
different backgrounds. In addition, he would like to challenge himself, and gain access to more work
and life opportunities for the next 30 years, possibly outside Europe.
Frédéric Gandolfo
Europe
French
Senior Key Account Manager, Europe, WHIRLPOOL EMEA
France
Frdric is responsible for driving Whirlpool Group’s business
performance with key retailers in 11 European countries. His career
has focused on marketing and sales, and he has held a wide range of
corporate positions (EMEA headquarters) and in France and Spain. Frdric’s experience lies in
strategic and operational marketing management (product, brand and trade), sales strategy and
negotiation, price and margin realisation strategies, and cross-functional projects.
He would like to gain cutting-edge know-how to tackle today’s business challenges and get insights
into entrepreneurial ventures and corporate governance. He is also looking to enhance his leadership
skills.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
29
Frederik Gerner
Asia
Dutch
Director, Ampelmann, Asia Pacific
Singapore
Frederik is part of the global management team and responsible for
Asia Pacific based in Singapore, where he focuses on business development and the operational
management of ongoing contracts. His region spreads from New Zealand to India and North East
Russia. As one of the founders of the company, Frederik has always been in a general management
role. His strengths are an overall view, a strong focus on strategy, and a drive for technology and
innovation.
Through the GEMBA, he wishes to meet new people that inspire and challenge him. He also wants to
develop himself as a stronger leader in order to be able to grow into his next leadership role.
Vassilis Gkatzelis
Europe
Greek
Managing Director, Philip Morris International
Egypt
Vassilis is currently accountable for the overall business, organisation and P&L of Philip Morris
International in Egypt, with annual net revenues in range of USD 600 million and approximately 2,000
people, including third parties in local manufacturing and distribution. His work experience has been
mainly in general management, marketing and sales. Vassilis has lived and worked in six countries.
Part of his career has been spent in the PMI Global Headquarters in Switzerland, where he served as
Director of sales strategy for Asia and EU regions, with more than 25 countries in his scope.
He wishes to increase his knowledge in start-ups and corporate governance.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
30
Henry Goodwin
Europe
British
Partner, PwC Legal
Singapore
Henry is responsible for leading the development of PwC Legal's new
technology and digital practice in Singapore, launched in February 2017. He specialises in advising
clients from the technology, media and consumer sectors on their growth strategies in Asia. Henry
previously worked in London and Paris and has been based in Singapore since 2008.
He plans to hone his analytical and decision-making skills, leadership capabilities and strategic
awareness as the professional services sector experiences unprecedented changes across the globe.
Edouard Guillou
Europe
French
Managing Director of the Infrastructure and Power Division, Rawji
Group
Democratic Republic of Congo
Edouard worked for 10 years in banking and consulting in Europe
before moving to Africa. He is in charge of the infrastructure and power
division within a family-owned conglomerate: he leads and defines the investment strategy, manages
the business development and selects and arranges deals ranging from 50M$ to 500M$ in central
Africa. Edouard is experienced in complex deals with international exposure and looks for new
business ideas to develop.
Through the GEMBA, Edouard wishes to develop strong leadership skills and meet a varied group of
executives.
Tuna Gülenç
Middle East
Turkish
General Manager, Daikin, Middle East and Africa FZE
United Arab Emirates
Tuna is in charge of Middle East and Africa operations at Daikin. He shouldered significant
responsibilities in establishing the operations as the first employee of Daikin in Turkey, followed by a
major acquisition, which eventually led to over 1,000 employees in 10 years. In addition, he held
strategic planning, sales and marketing management roles in Europe, Middle East and Africa and CIS
regions.
He wants to build an authentic leadership style and fuse his hands-on experience in a multinational
environment with the latest thinking of a leading business school to prepare for future leadership
roles.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
31
Nikita Gulyaev
Europe
Belarusian
CFO, Alfa-Bank
Belarus
Nikita is responsible for all aspects of financial management, reporting, efficiency improvement, and
investment evaluation. Before banking, he spent seven years in big four companies (PwC, EY), where
he was engaged in assurance (audits) and advisory projects. NIkita’s career has primarily focused on
the financial sector in Belarus, Russia, and other CIS countries. He is experienced in financial and
management accounting, auditing, due diligence, financial management and corporate finance, KPI
implementation, and process improvement.
He looks forward to improve his negotiations and leadership skills, and seeks to extend his outlook
and find ideas for new businesses.
Mohit Gupta
Asia
Singaporean
Partner and Director, Rain Tree Capital, Singapore
Singapore
Mohit is primarily responsible for portfolio management, investment
research, and trade execution. He also provides strategic support in
marketing to institutional investors and supervises legal and operational matters. Mohit has invested
in several special situations, distressed and out-of-favour securities across Asia Pacific, with
intermittent exposure to the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. His strengths lie in investment
research and analysis, portfolio management, financial accounting and corporate finance.
He wishes to hone his leadership skills, decision-making capabilities, and entrepreneurial mindset in a
thought-provoking environment.
Avadhesh Gupta
Middle East
Canadian / Indian
CEO, REALEX APP
United Arab Emirates
As a startup entrepreneur, Avadh built the business model, product
design and operations for his company, an innovative SmartCity
digitalisation solution, with offices in Singapore, Dubai and Hyderabad.
He now works across Asia Pacific, Middle East and North America to engage with customers,
investors and partners with a goal to go global. Prior to starting Realex, Avadh held various positions
in global technology and consulting companies, as well as technology startups. He has held
leadership roles in strategy, change management, business development, P&L and team
management across global projects in diverse industries.
He plans to use the GEMBA programme to equip himself with the required leadership, knowledge,
and networking skills to make his entrepreneurial journey meaningful.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
32
Ghassan Haddad
Middle East
Lebanese
Senior Vice President, Unifert
Lebanon
Ghassan is responsible for developing the fertiliser market for Unifert in
Africa. He is experienced in product management, marketing, supplier relationship management and
supply chain issues.
He looks forward to improving his entrepreneurial leadership skills and to gaining a comprehensive
understanding of financial aspects and strategy.
Haroon H. Hamid
Middle East
American
Deputy Head of Finance, Structuring and Execution
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
United Arab Emirates
Haroon works with the investment team and collaborates with the regional CFO as well as
internal and external advisors on a variety of global real estate transactions. These include
acquisitions, dispositions and financings of assets in North and South America, Europe and Asia.
He plans to improve his understanding of the language of business - including but not limited to
finance and accounting - while developing new ways of approaching problems, enhancing his
leadership and management skills, and expanding his network of mentors and peers.
Baqar Hasnain
Asia
Pakistani
Senior Cloud Manager – ASEAN, Oracle Corporation Singapore Pte.
Ltd.
Singapore
Baqar is responsible for driving cloud computing software and solutions
adoption for Oracle partners and resellers across ASEAN, supporting
enablement, migration, marketing, and go-to-market initiatives collaboratively with software vendors
and system integrators within Asia and around the world. His international exposure includes software
sales and channel functions for infrastructure and business intelligence software across Singapore
and other growing South Asian economies. Baqar’s experience lies in alliances, channel
management, and sales.
Apart from gaining education from a top rated and globally acclaimed business school, he wishes to
enhance his overall skills as a leader.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
33
Alessandra Heinemann
Europe
Brazilian / German
Programme Manager, Social Protection, Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development
France
Alessandra manages an initiative that aims to support 10 developing countries in Africa and Asia to
reform their social security systems. This involves research and advising governments on policy
reform and implementation. Prior to joining the OECD in 2015, she held various positions at the
United Nations in New York, Bangkok, and Kathmandu, and at the World Bank in Washington DC.
Alessandra’s experience is in policy analysis and reform, economic development, and political
economy.
She wishes to improve her leadership skills, learn about organisational behaviour, and broaden her
horizons.
Deborah Hong
Asia
Canadian
Head of PR and Communications, International Vaccine Institute
South Korea
Deborah is responsible for marketing, PR, communications, and donor
relations. She has worked in Canada, the USA, China, South Korea and has travelled to India, Sri
Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Netherlands, United
Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Norway, Germany, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru. Deborah’s
experience lies in marketing, PR and communications, strategy, and external relations.
She aims to become a better leader and manager, improve her financial management skills, and learn
more about strategy, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Carmit Hoshen Glik
Europe
Israeli
Director, Damco, part of A.P Møller Maersk Group
Netherlands
Carmit has the overall responsibility for global tender management
located in Asia, Europe, Americas and the Middle East. She also manages a diverse team of senior
managers while defining the teams’ vision and KPIs, and oversees staff performance, recruitment,
and coaching. Carmit has over a decade of experience in senior management while working in global,
regional, and country level positions in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Her experience is in
designing and managing cross-functional and virtual teams, sales, sales excellence, and project
management.
She plans to build strong communication and negotiation skills, sharpen her leadership style, and
inculcate organisational effectiveness.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
34
Marine Huguenin
Europe
French
WW Creative and Design Agencies Category Manager, L’Oral
France
Marine’s role is to design global purchasing strategy, roadmaps and
priorities, and to coordinate with relevant stakeholders. She also manages sourcing and supplier
relationships and co-owns the partnership with internal stakeholders to optimise the category and to
provide expertise. Through her prior experience at EY and current position at L’Oral, Marine has
acquired a broad experience in project management, consulting, marketing, and advertising-related
topics.
She wishes to increase her knowledge in terms of business management, to add theoretical basis
and up-to-date academic research to the practical knowledge she acquired during the past 11 years
in the field.
Asad Hussain
Middle East
Indian
Programme Manager, GE
United Arab Emirates
Asad is responsible for the strategy and execution of digital
transformation programmes impacting USD 3 billion of business. He designs and implements
programmes focused on productivity improvements and operational integration. In the process, Asad
works to align a diverse set of stakeholders on a simplified vision for business operations. Asad’s
professional career has spanned across consulting, industrial, and R&D sectors, as well as across
multiple geographies including India, the USA, and the Middle East. His top career interests are in
innovation management, business transformation and technology investments.
Through the GEMBA programme, he plans to develop general management skills, entrepreneurial
capabilities, and leadership traits.
Toto Maringan Hutabarat
Europe
Indonesian
Petroleum Architect, Total E&P, Indonesie
Indonesia
Toto is responsible for the company’s development plans. He manages
multi-discipline studies, including subsurface, drilling, project
construction, operations, and commercial evaluation. Toto’s career has mainly focused on the oil and
gas industries, where he has held various positions in international companies. His experience lies in
oil and gas-related field development, and project construction management.
He wishes to hone up on business strategy, marketing, finance and business decision knowledge,
and improve his leadership skills.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
35
Paul Huynh
Europe
American
APAC Head of Programmatic Solutions and Market Development,
Google
Australia
Paul manages a team of specialists spanning Australia, China, Japan, and Singapore. His team is
responsible for crafting monetisation strategies and product development for Asia’s leading digital
publisher partners. He has been living in Sydney for seven years, and in the past, has lived and
worked in Hong Kong, New York City and London. Paul’s experience lies in digital advertising,
publisher technology, sales, performance and brand marketing, managing cross-regional and cross-
cultural teams, coaching for business results, and leading virtual teams.
He looks forward to developing leadership and expertise in the areas of global strategy, not-for-profit
social enterprise, commerce in emerging markets, and innovations in business.
Alla Idrisova
Europe
Dutch / Russian
European Business Process Analyst, Canon, Europe
Netherlands
As part of the Europe transformation programme at Canon, Alla is the
main point of contact for customers and internal teams that address financial processes-related
inquiries. Her role also serves as a bridge between business, finance, and IT delivery teams to
safeguard the optimisation of different modules of ERP. Alla is most experienced in SAP / Oracle
transformations and implementations, IT business strategies, and all major financial processes.
She wishes to enhance her entrepreneurial and leadership skills, expand her professional network
with INSEAD alumni, and evolve from operational into strategic roles.
Khaled Ismail
Middle East
Egyptian
Marketing Manager - Middle East, Africa, and Turkey
Johnson & Johnson
United Arab Emirates
Khaled is responsible for leading the acquisition team, developing a multi-channel MEA marketing
plan, and driving the business in the top five markets. He is experienced in sales, marketing, country
P&L, leadership, change management, and cross-functional team management.
He looks forward to further improving his leadership skills, diversifying his experience and network
through cross-cultural interactions, and to gain a better understanding of topics such as finance,
accounting, and corporate governance.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
36
Felipe Jacome
Europe
Brazilian / French
General Manager – Western Europe, Middle East and Africa, Motul
France
Felipe is accountable for the P&L of 45+ countries, and manages a multi-cultural team of sales,
marketing and operations executives. The industries he deals with include FMCG, mobile and
automotive. He has also been involved in entrepreneurial ventures, founding and owning different
businesses, from start-ups to a sports marketing agency focusing on high-performing athletes' career
management and international transfers and negotiations.
Felipe is looking forward to improving his leadership skills and strategic thinking, and build a lifelong
global network of friends.
Mukul Jain
Asia
Indian
Chief Operating Officer, APAC, Getronics Solutions (S) Pte. Ltd.
Singapore
Mukul is responsible for forging and managing existing relationships
at the senior management level in customer organisations to secure and expand current revenue
streams. He represents the executive level in customer governance processes, understanding
customer feedback, their business challenges and future strategies. His expertise lies in managing
cross-functional teams, change management and P&L management.
He wishes to prepare himself for international leadership roles and acquire the skills necessary to
manage and change businesses for success.
Sushant Jain
Asia
Indian
Technical Manager - Residue Upgrading Catalyst (AP Region), SHELL
Singapore
As the technical manager for petroleum residue upgrading catalyst
technology for Criterion Catalysts and Technologies (a 100% Shell
owned company), Sushant is responsible for providing high quality technical services to clients
located in North and South Asia (mainly South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China) and the Middle East.
His key efforts are to help define a clear direction for R&D programmes for new product development.
Sushant’s experience is in R&D, manufacturing operations, and technical consultancy within the
context of petroleum refining business.
He would like to develop strategic thinking and commercial and leadership skills. He looks forward to
gaining external perspectives through networking with people from other business domains.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
37
Dhruv Jairath
Middle East
Indian
Director of Operations, CAPITA
India
Dhruv heads an outsourcing business, with P&L responsibility for a
multi-client portfolio of U.K. based retail (e-commerce), telecom,
insurance and logistics businesses. His broad leadership experience lies in business strategy, setup
of new businesses, client relationship management, developing multichannel digital customer
interaction solutions and customer experience strategies, innovation and continuous improvement,
and leading large teams.
Dhruv would like to sharpen his business acumen, get a broader understanding of the economics that
drive the world of business and deepen his leadership skills.
John Jicha
Asia
American / Australian
Principal Project Manager, Technology, BHP Billiton
Australia
John is responsible for overseeing the delivery of major projects within
the Technologies Global Production Systems team. His career has evolved from engineering to
project/portfolio management, and recently to major project delivery (up to US$250M). Previously,
John worked for seven years in the USA, and subsequently, has spent the past seven in Australia.
His experience lies in management of project / engineering teams, change management, and
management in an operational environment.
He wishes to develop towards taking the next step in his career, interacting with multi-cultural teams,
and acquiring more international exposure and contacts.
Catherine Jonathan
Asia
American
Regional Procurement Manager, Roche
Switzerland
Catherine is responsible for indirect aspects of procurement in six
countries and 12 establishments. With a background in biochemistry, her career to date has primarily
focused on supply chain, operations, finance, and procurement. She has held various international
and corporate positions in San Francisco, Shanghai and Singapore. Catherine’s expertise lies in
process improvement, managing cross-functional and cross-cultural teams, and change
management.
She is excited about disruptive innovation and looks forward to sharpening her business acumen,
honing her commercial strengths, and growing as an 'intrapreneur.'
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
38
Sujit Joshi
Asia
Indian
Finance Director, Emerson Process Management
Singapore
As business partner, Sujit is involved in strategic planning and financial analysis for a business with
an annual revenue worth $350 million in Asia Pacific. He joined Emerson in India as a financial
analyst in 2006, remotely supporting the European business, and moved to Dubai in 2008 as Finance
Controller for the MEA region. He then moved to Singapore in 2011 to lead the finance function for
Asia Pacific. Sujit’s experience lies in financial / managerial accounting, internal controls, corporate
governance, managing transfer pricing, and leading multicultural teams.
He hopes to gain knowledge of different functions, learn about business strategy, and discover
himself in the process.
Aidar Kaliev
Europe
Russian
Senior Vice-President, VTB Bank
Russia
Aidar looks after senior client coverage in Russia and Kazakhstan,
business origination, and development. Previously, he used to manage a number of venture capital
funds with investments across Russia, Europe, and the USA. He is experienced in banking, venture
capital, TMT, and energy.
Through the GEMBA programme, he wishes to upgrade his senior management capabilities, get a
360-degree view on major managerial and economic issues, and refresh his general vision.
Kah Ken Kam
Asia
Malaysian
Senior Vice-President, Wah Hin & Co
Singapore
Kah Ken is responsible for constructing a global private equity portfolio. He spends time identifying
industry trends and market issues / cycles, evaluates fund managers with their track records, and
sources co-investments and proprietary illiquid credit deals. Kah Ken’s experience is in investment
related issues, financial analysis, and market research.
He wishes to build senior management and leadership skills, and work with the best individuals
coming from diverse business backgrounds. He looks forward to analysing complicated business
problems and issues from the perspective of a corporate CEO.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
39
Fahad Kanoo
Middle East
Bahraini
Executive Director, Kanoo Group
United Arab Emirates
Fahad reports the group’s UAE business performance to the board, represents the group on various
joint venture boards, and manages the group’s shipping business across Asia. He is experienced in
logistics, shipping, travel, insurance and trading.
He wishes to gain the necessary tools to address major challenges that stand before him, and is also
looking to improve his leadership skills and enhancing his management expertise.
Karan Keswani
Middle East
Indian
Director of Operations, Aluplex India Pvt Ltd
India
Karan is responsible for marketing, sales, factory and project management. He is experienced in
leadership, MIS, corporate finance, IPOs, private equity, marketing, and growth in new markets.
Karan is looking to set up a new division of his company in the Middle East and Europe.
He wishes to obtain the management skills to grow the business across India and professionalise the
company.
Khalil Ketari
Asia
French / Tunisian
Project Control Manager, Saipem
Indonesia
Khalil leads a team of project controllers to meet cost and schedule targets, minimising financial and
operational risks. He has been located in Indonesia for the past year and a half. Prior to this, he
worked in Angola and Nigeria for almost seven years. Khalil’s experience lies in cost and scheduling,
estimating, project organisation, and execution.
He aims to acquire strategy skills, exposure to new business tools, an understanding of global
business evolution, and looks forward to networking with a set of diverse, accomplished individuals.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
40
Nabil Khan
Middle East
Canadian
Director of Corporate Planning, Es’hailSat
Qatar
Nabil leads and facilitates corporate strategy and business planning for
the organisation and ensures that such exercises are in sync with the overall objectives of the
company. He has previously worked in consulting and financial services in Japan, Mexico, and
Canada. Nabil is experienced in corporate finance, strategy, and programme management.
He plans to further build upon his existing technical skills and refine his soft skills. Additionally, he
wishes to learn new methodologies and approaches to leverage technological disruption in the space
sector.
Stella Sang-Im Kim
Asia
Korean
Senior Director, Business Development and Operations, Sony Pictures
Singapore
Sang-Im is responsible for pay-TV, digital media and entertainment
business for Korea. She is based in Singapore, the headquarters for the brand’s Southeast Asia
business. She is also engaged in projects for the SEA region. Sang-Im’s focus has been on
international business development, project management, market analysis, content strategy, affiliate
channel sales, digital media, channel launch, set-up and management of joint ventures, and pay-TV
operations including content acquisitions, programming, marketing and communications, and content
production.
She hopes to upgrade her overall management skills, make better business decisions, and explore
how to effectively deal with management challenges.
June Koh
Europe
Singaporean
Former Country Sales Manager, Genesys
Singapore
June’s responsibilities included enterprise sales, business development
and channel management in Singapore, Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia. Her experience
lies in consultative solution selling of digital and customer experience software to enterprises across
various industries like airlines, telecommunications, banking, financial, government, education,
healthcare and hospitality.
At INSEAD, she wishes to enhance her leadership skills and entrepreneurship capabilities, and hopes
to broaden her perspectives of the corporate world.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
41
Selda Konokcu
Europe
Turkish
Sales Director, General Electric
Turkey
Selda’s responsibilities include account management, new engine and service contracts, and sales in
the Middle East, Central Asia, and Turkey. She is experienced in customer business, sales,
marketing, corporate strategy development, and account management.
Selda wishes to garner insights from professionals from other customer-oriented businesses, and
gain more exposure to the inner workings of corporate finance.
Michael Kuerschner
Asia
Austrian
Business Opportunity Manager, SHELL International
Malaysia
Michael is responsible for realising the maximum value from investment
opportunities. His key areas include managing (government)
stakeholders, ensuring techno-commercial integration, and managing project risks across the TECOP
spectrum. His career has primarily focused on the international oil and gas industry, where he has
held several international assignments with progressively higher levels of responsibility. Michael’s
experience lies in project / opportunity management, business development, decision quality,
stakeholder management, leadership of cross-functional teams, collaboration with partners across
company boundaries, and governance.
He looks forward to learning more about leadership development and corporate strategy, and wishes
to widen his influencing repertoire. He aims to become a powerful motivator and gather new ideas
and perspectives for his professional career.
Kaushik Kulkarni
Asia
Indian
Head of Client Services - Asia Pacific, Intercontinental Exchange
Singapore
In his current role, Kaushik owns customer management and technology support for Intercontinental
Exchange’s Trading Solutions business across Asia Pacific. He manages a team spanning five
nationalities and spread across three countries in Asia, which provides support to over 500 global
customers in five languages. His career has been primarily in IT, with various stints in the USA, India,
and Singapore. Kaushik’s expertise lies in technology conception and execution, business processes
innovation, technology operations and change management.
He wishes to learn more about strategy, leadership, multinational corporations and finance.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
42
Neeraj Kumar
Asia
Indian
Advisor and Team Leader, ROC Oil
Malaysia
Neeraj is responsible for subsurface activities to explore and produce hydrocarbon for the company in
Malaysia. He has previously worked with Mubadala Petroleum as technical team leader, and with
Cairn Energy and Premier Oil as an expert Geophysicist. Neeraj’s experience lies in subsurface risk
and uncertainties, hydrocarbon reserve estimation and managing cross-functional teams.
He seeks to learn more about finance, strategy and entrepreneurship. He also wants to improve his
leadership and management skills in a multicultural environment.
Simon Kyaga
Europe
Swedish
Medical Manager, Otsuka
Sweden
Simon’s responsibilities include drafting and delivering strategic plans in
a complex matrix organisation that is an alliance between four different countries - Sweden, Norway,
Finland, and Denmark. He is experienced in both healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, as well as
in medical research and clinical work.
He wishes to learn more about management, the psychological aspects of leadership, innovation, and
also gain a global context over and above the immediate area of his work.
Miguel de Laburu Bayon
Asia
Spanish
Senior Business Development Manager, TÜV Rheinland
Singapore
Miguel works for TÜV Rheinland, a German company that has a
presence in 69 countries with over 500 offices and 200 labs and a total revenue of €1.7 billion. He is
responsible for the development of renewable energy consultancy and certification in APAC. Miguel’s
experience is in analysis, strategy and development.
Through the GEMBA, he would like to focus on developing his leadership skills and gain insights in
finance, economics, and entrepreneurship, and eventually apply them.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
43
Aymeric Lacroix
Asia
French
Managing Director, South East Asia, Swarovski
Singapore
Aymeric serves as the Managing Director of Swarovski's consumer goods business in South East
Asia, and is responsible not only for the implementation of the company's business strategy in the
region, but also the development of the brand in terms of sales, distribution, marketing and
communication. Aymeric's expertise covers retail, marketing and brand management in the luxury
industry as well as leadership and organisation development.
He aims to deepen his knowledge in finance and strategy, sharpen his leadership skills and connect
with a broader network of individuals.
Muhammad Akbar Laghari
Middle East
Pakistani
Chief Human Capital Officer, Abdul Latif Jameel International
United Arab Emirates
Akbar is currently serving as the global head of the HR function at his organisation which is comprised
of diversified businesses across the world. In his career of over 26 years, he has served at different
locations and roles in consulting and corporate functions.
Akbar believes in continuous learning and investment in one’s self, for continuous improvement and
growth. Joining the INSEAD GEMBA programme is a manifestation of that belief. He wishes to make
the best of his time at INSEAD by sharing his knowledge and experience with others and learning
with/from them to help develop his skills, knowledge, network and entrepreneurial credentials.
Ramy Lahoud
Middle East
Lebanese
Director Channel Sales, Dassault Systèmes, MEA FZ LL
United Arab Emirates
Ramy is responsible for all aspects of marketing, sales, and business
development of 3DS partners in the MEA region covering 12 countries
in 12 different industries and a large portfolio of enterprise engineering software solutions. He is
experienced in channel business development, cross-functional team management, driving large
complex technology solutions, and customer management.
He looks forward to networking with like-minded individuals, and developing winning strategies
combined with leadership and corporate governance to drive complex organisations in emerging
markets.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
44
Alexandre Le Belleguy
Asia
French
Category Global Supplier Manager, Schlumberger
Singapore
Alexandre is in charge of issuing the worldwide Schlumberger supply chain strategy, implementing it
on a daily basis, and functionally managing a team of 30 people around the world (mainly in Japan,
Singapore, China, Malaysia, France, Norway, the UK and the USA). His experience lies in electronics,
engineering, sales, supply chain, manufacturing, and academic skills in finance.
He seeks to improve his financial and entrepreneurial skills and gain a comprehensive understanding
of executive management.
Florence Le Fur
Middle East
French
Senior Investment Manager, Emirates REIT
United Arab Emirates
Florence manages REIT’s deal flow from origination to acquisition. The fund, listed on Nasdaq Dubai,
has over $680 million in assets under management in the UAE. Till date, her career has focused on
the real estate industry. Florence has international experience in France, Central Europe, and the
MENA Region in corporate structure and start-ups.
She looks forward to improving her leadership skills and has a strong interest in strategy.
Fabien Leduc
Asia
French
Plant Operations Manager, Poclain Hydraulics Shanghai
China
Fabien manages operations and aftermarket activities of the Poclain
Hydraulics Shanghai plant. He previously worked in the Czech Republic as project manager and
aftermarket manager before moving to India and then China to take on the responsibility of
operations. Fabien’s expertise is in supply chain, industrial project management, assembly,
machining, and management of international and cross-functional teams.
He seeks to learn more about strategy development, finance, and marketing, while also improving his
leadership and management skills to better suit his multicultural environment.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
45
Hugo Lehmann
Europe
Argentine
On Trade National Sales Director, Heineken, Sao Paulo
Brazil
Hugo is responsible for a turnover of €350 million and leading a team of 78 people that focuses on
increasing profitable market share. His role involves developing and implementing trade marketing
strategy. He has been part of extensive projects in Portugal, Lithuania, Ukraine, France, Spain and
Sweden. Hugo’s experience lies in sales, trade marketing, negotiation, business development, project
management, managing, and working with cross-functional and multicultural teams.
He plans to improve his entrepreneurial, leadership and financial skills, and would like to meet
inspiring people and make new friends.
Gisela Lesmana
Asia
Indonesian
Vice-President Equity Sales, Ciptadana
Indonesia
Over her 13 years in the company, Gisela has evolved from sales-
trading to the equity capital market desk, and is currently responsible for leading the sales-trading
team, managing client portfolios, investing in the Indonesian stock market, as well as overseas
exchange including Singapore and Hong Kong. She is experienced in the capital market and
corporate finance, investment, sales, marketing, and family enterprise.
She would like to expand her knowledge in other financial fields such as private equity, hedge fund
management and sovereign wealth funds, and also extend her professional network.
Marcin Lewczuk
Europe
Polish
Vice-President, Franklin Templeton Investments
Poland
Marcin is responsible for equity investments in emerging European companies with particular focus
on CEE, Russia, and Turkey. He manages the Eastern European fund ($300 million) and is also
involved in Templeton’s private equity strategy with a focus on emerging markets. Marcin’s
experience lies in finance, financial analysis, equity investments, investment valuations and portfolio
management.
He wishes to deepen his understanding of corporate strategy, management, value creation for
shareholders and entrepreneurship, and improve his leadership skills.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
46
Oliver Lewin
Europe
British
Business Manager, Orthodontics by Eva
United Kingdom
In addition to supplying the support that growing businesses typically
require, Oliver’s responsibility currently includes NHS contract bidding.
Prior to healthcare, he worked for a company that specialises in
intelligence management and analysis, and spent much of his time embedded with the UK military in
Afghanistan. He has also worked as an engineer in Germany, and as a supply chain consultant in the
UK with global clients. Oliver’s experience is in operations and supply chain, intelligence analysis, big
data capability development, project management, operating in hostile environments and running a
small business.
He seeks to interact with dynamic and provocative thinkers in an international environment, gain and
consolidate business thinking, and potentially use the GEMBA programme as an opportunity to form a
new business.
Sangwook Lim
Asia
Korean
Corporate Strategies Manager, FUJITSU Limited
Japan
Sangwook is responsible for overseas business strategies and is now
working on a redesign of the group and reporting structures of four
major regions - EMEA, Americas, Oceania, and Asia. Prior to his current role, he was based in
Singapore with ASEAN, and was responsible for oversight and coordination of governance, risk, and
compliance. He is experienced in product marketing, financial and management accounting,
corporate governance, and corporate IT strategy.
He now wishes to expand his professional network outside of his company and enhance his
management and leadership skills.
Anton Lin
Europe
British
CEO, Healdan
United Kingdom
As the founder and CEO of a startup, Anton’s focus is on strategy,
liaising with partners and clients, and quality control. His company employs people in Cape Town,
Amsterdam and Geneva, and works with clients from around the world. Anton is experienced in the
process of setting up several small companies and hence, fund raising and strategy are his strengths.
He looks forward to receiving formal leadership training in a corporate context, and a better
understanding of larger companies and how they work.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
47
Seng Chuan Ling
Asia
Singaporean
Vice-President, OCBC Bank
Singapore
Seng Chuan is responsible for growing the market share and managing the interest margins and
costs of the franchise. Prior to this, he was the regional lead for quality improvement (Singapore,
Malaysia, China, Indonesia), and has also worked as a consultant in Australia. His experience lies in
quality methodologies, process and operations management, and statistics.
He seeks to enhance his leadership, strategy formulation and management skills to function better in
a culturally diverse workplace.
Redmond Lloyd
Europe
Australian
General Manager – Innovation, Boral Australia
Australia
Redmond’s key responsibilities are developing the company’s
innovation programme and strategy, managing new product development portfolios and leading a
team of materials scientists (including P&L responsibility). Redmond interacts with universities and
companies in the USA, and to a lesser extent, Europe. His experience lies in science and
engineering, R&D, innovation processes and open innovation.
He wishes to improve his leadership skills, develop a well-rounded understanding of business,
financial literacy, and also try some of the famed French cheeses.
Oscar Loza
Europe
Colombian / French
Project Manager, Engie Cofely
France
Oscar works in the public-private partnerships division and is
responsible for setting up teams and coordinating their efforts to create
compelling projects for clients all over Europe. He also runs a fair-trade start-up called Apalaanchi
that sells ethnic bags, sneakers, and fashion accessories made by indigenous people from his
country. Oscar is experienced in project management, cross-functional management, project finance,
PPP legal frameworks, and imports and exports.
He wishes to acquire new skills in marketing, strategy, corporate finance and leadership, and develop
his business network.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
48
Ray Lui
Asia
Australian
Commercial Finance Manager, Medibank
Australia
Ray is responsible for both commercial planning and the attached reporting teams. He was also
involved in the recent Medibank IPO by the Government of Australia. Before this, he spent eight years
with Deloitte in the consulting sector, with three previous years of experience in London working on a
number of UK and international corporate-finance transactions. Ray’s experience lies in corporate and
market strategy, leadership, competition and M&A.
He looks forward to learning more about leadership, thinking with a greater strategic focus, and
challenging himself.
Ai Makino
Asia
Japanese
Head of Corporate Office, Astroscale Pte Ltd
Singapore
Ai works for an innovative start-up whose mission is to clean up human-made space debris by
sending up small satellites, capturing the debris and de-orbiting it or burning it during re-entry into the
Earth’s atmosphere. Her profile covers a broad range of functions including corporate development,
accounting, finance, investor relations, legal, human resources and day-to-day operations. Ai’s
experience is in business analysis for constructing logic / algorithm for software development, and
how to improve operational processes by implementing and deploying applications.
She seeks sharpen and broaden her academic business knowledge, and to eventually apply the
methods and approaches she learns to her current work.
Emanuele Marelli
Asia
Italian
CEO, FAFOW
Singapore
Emanuele founded his company in Singapore and is now overseeing its growth in the second phase
as it expands in Asia. He is experienced in marketing and business development.
He wishes to enhance his network, share business ideas, and expand his business thinking.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
49
Malgorzata Maroszek
Europe
Polish
Head of Marketing, wonga.com
Poland
Malgorzata is responsible for the Polish market at Wonga, a company which operates in the B2C
online market offering short-term loans. Her job involves developing and maintaining company
strategy, initiating marketing strategies, empowering the marketing team through constant
development, and keeping a clear vision of the brand. Malgorzata’s experience lies in leadership,
personal development, finance, P&L, economy, and company management at the CEO level.
She hopes to exchange experiences with her peers, gain motivation and leadership skills, and
enhance her decision-making in the areas of finance, economy, and P&L.
Reto Marx
Asia
Swiss
Managing Director, UBS AG
Singapore
Reto is currently a Senior Manager Wealth Management and Regional
Head APAC of the Global Financial Intermediary segment. Previous roles included Head International
Wealth Management, Market Head Australasia On- and Offshore as well as Board Member and
Branch Manager SEA. Reto’s experience lies in financial services with focus international wealth
management, development and implementation of market and sales management strategies with full
P&L responsibilities, operations including definition of risk and governance frameworks and regulatory
liaison.
He wishes to expand his academic knowledge, gather experience beyond the financial sector and
widen his international network to include like-minded global citizens.
Ali Matar
Middle East
Lebanese
Senior Director, EMEA Emerging Markets, LinkedIn
United Arab Emirates
Ali is responsible for LinkedIn business in MENA regions and LinkedIn Talent Solutions for Southeast
and MENA regions. He is experienced in go-to-market strategies, using data to drive decisions,
leadership and mentorship, and starting up a business including challenges and opportunities.
He wishes to expand his network and gain a global perspective that will help him stay competitive.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
50
Theo Mathikolonis
Europe
Greek / Cypriot
Senior Manager, Piraeus Bank
Greece
Theo is a debt restructuring professional advising the management of
the bank in non-conventional solutions and restructuring of non-
performing loans (NPLs) across entire sectors, where the bank has high concentration of debt. In the
past, he has worked as an investment banker in various M&A and privatisation deals, and as strategy
consultant with Capgemini and Deloitte in London and Paris, working closely with international
investors and funds. Theo is experienced in corporate finance, business strategy, debt restructuring,
as well as negotiation, structuring, and execution.
He seeks to extend his international and professional network, improve his leadership skills, and
reenergise and challenge himself.
Sanjeev Mathur
Asia
Indian
Fleet Commercial Manager, Rio Tinto
Singapore
Sanjeev is responsible for 17 Company-owned ships. He has served in
the Merchant navy for 18 years on various types of ships and travelled all over the world. He was in
command of oil and chemical tankers for 7 years. He has worked in shore-based roles in India, Hong
Kong, Australia and Singapore and has been involved in HSE, Operations and commercial aspects of
shipping during this time. Sanjeev has hands on experience in shipping and logistics, audits,
investigations, training and budgeting.
He seeks to enhance his entrepreneurial skills and learn to manage a large multinational team in a
corporate environment.
Michal Mazur
Europe
Polish
Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Poland
Michal looks after the transportation and logistics industry within PwC which focuses on four key
segments - railways and infrastructure, logistics and posts, airlines and airports, and shipping and
ports. He is also the global head of Drone Powered Solutions (DPS), which is PwC’s first global
centre for excellence and focuses on the commercial use of drone technology. Michal is experienced
in strategy development, business transformation, new products development, innovation, and R&D.
He wishes to enhance his motivation skills in a cross-cultural environment and gain insights on
leading virtual teams.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
51
Neha Mehta
Europe
Indian
Operations Manager, Schlumberger
Abu Dhabi
Neha is in charge of the UAE Well Integrity business, managing upstream operations for O&G
customers, ensuring enhanced recovery and longevity. She is in charge of operations management,
client relations and business development for the region. Neha has worked in 10 countries in several
multi-cultural and cross-functional teams. She is experienced in operations, managerial accounting,
organisational design and change management.
Neha wishes to learn from people in other industries and enhance her leadership, finance and
strategy skills.
Vaibhavi Mehta
Asia
Indian
Assistant Vice-President, Axis Re
Singapore
Vaibhavi covers the Asia Pacific business for Axis Re in 27 countries and oversees business
development, underwriting, portfolio management, legal and compliance matters, enterprise risk
management, and broker network management with both top- and bottom-line targets. Her
experience lies in developing strategy, risk management, business development, project
management, analytics, audit, and training.
She seeks to cultivate visionary leadership skills to lead through innovation, garner financial skills for
strategic planning, and develop skills to be a better people’s person.
Ammar Mikati
Middle East
Lebanese
Engineering Manager, Mikati Contracting Est.
Saudi Arabia
Ammar’s career started in Dubai as a civil engineer. After gaining
valuable experience, he moved to Jeddah into his family business, where he first covered operations
and then progressed into middle management. His current responsibilities include handling tenders,
eliciting client requirements, exploring new technologies, and participating moderately in strategic
planning. Ammar is experienced in estimation and tendering, procurement, and construction site
operations.
He is seeking academic development in the fields of finance, private equity and M&A’s in order to
move into higher management, and also hopes to explore other entrepreneurial opportunities.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
52
Oleg Mikhaylov
Europe
Russian
Deputy General Director for Economics, Russian Coal
Russia
Oleg is responsible for preparing budgets, implementing cost-reduction programmes, strategic
planning, and scenario analysis. Russian Coal is one of the fastest growing thermal coal producers in
Russia. During his career, Oleg has focused on strategic planning and financial modelling at various
positions in metallurgy, engineering, and consulting sectors. He is experienced in M&A and business
development, strategy implementation, operational improvement, and cost efficiency.
He wishes to enhance his skills in corporate strategy and international M&A activities, and also hone
his leadership style, cross-functional management, and decision-making capabilities.
Graham Mitchell
Europe
British
Consultant, Consultivate
Ukraine
Graham works in the areas of strategy and innovation, as well as core
consulting activities such as identifying market trends, performing
competitor analyses and opportunity assessments and building business models. He regularly works
with the most senior executives and has made presentations at the company board level. He has
worked in more than 15 industry sectors but specialises in high-tech clients. Graham has lived and
worked in four continents.
He seeks to broaden his knowledge and capabilities and to network with high achievers, in
preparation for a more challenging leadership role.
Philip Tranberg Moe
Europe
Danish
CEO, Simatek A/S
Denmark
Philip was in charge of the company’s turnaround process during the
past four years. His role was to drive the process forward and guide employees in the right direction.
Philip has worked and lived outside Denmark for a total of eight years, mostly in Germany, the USA,
and Finland. He is experienced in operations, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and
change management.
He wishes to learn more about developing strategy, and to enhance his skills in the areas of M&A,
sales, marketing, and LPO. And of course, to network.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
53
Omar Mohatarem
Middle East
British
PMO Manager – Post Trade, Tadawul
Saudi Arabia
Omar is responsible for managing Tadawul’s programme to reform the Saudi capital markets’ post
trade structures in line with the government’s 2030 plan to attract more foreign investment to the
kingdom. Over the last six years, he has worked at other GCC exchanges (Qatar, Kuwait) on similar
initiatives. Prior to this, Omar worked in IT, first in technical roles and then in project management
positions. He is experienced in project and change management, managing cross-functional teams,
and IT.
He looks forward to improve his management skills, particularly in financial planning, analysis,
strategic planning, and leadership.
Cesar Morillas
Europe
Peruvian
Founder / Sub General Manager, Grupo Morillas / Clinica Morillas
Peru
Cesar is responsible for leading the team behind the development of a
$60 million real estate project. He created the financial structure and chronogram of the entire pre-
project phase, and supervises negotiations with future operators and funding partners. At Clinica
Morillas, Cesar is responsible for managing the overall business operation and medical functions. He
also represents a Spanish health consultancy company in Peru, and is designing an entrepreneurship
project in Chile. His experience lies in service quality, change management, marketing, negotiation,
patient safety, and team leadership.
He wishes to gain insights on management in order to be able to face business challenges in other
sectors besides healthcare. He also wishes to enhance his corporate governance skills and learn
from the experiences of others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Simon Morris
Asia
British
Vice-President, Rolls-Royce plc
Singapore
Simon oversees customer management for 26 airlines across six
continents, and leads the procurement team. He is responsible for
planning, programme management and business development, and also acts as deputy CEO. The
company (SAESL) is the largest maintenance shop for Rolls-Royce wide-body engines in the world,
and has annual revenues of over $2 billion and over 1,000 employees. Simon’s strengths lie in
operational management, leading sustainable performance improvements through cross-functional
teams, and strategy development and deployment.
He seeks to understand varied approaches for business management across different sectors and
cultures, and also hopes to complement his existing professional experience with structured study
and academic rigour.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
54
Mahendra Muralidhar
Asia
Indian
Regional Consultant, Asia Pacific & Japan, Marketing, Dell
Technologies
Singapore
Mahendra leads marketing strategy and planning for Dell Technologies’ enterprise business in the
Asia Pacific and Japan region. He has lead large and complex projects for multinational organisations
in India, the USA, the UK, Asia Pacific, China and Japan. His strengths are programme management,
building effective multiregional teams driving mission-critical projects, product marketing, product
lifecycle management, IT operations and services management. His long-term goal is to lead strategy
and planning for an organisation.
He believes the GEMBA course will enhance his leadership and business management skills.
Karim Nagaty
Middle East
Egyptian / Italian
Founder & Managing Partner, Decode-D "A Digital Transformation
Consultancy”
United Arab Emirates
After 15 years in the corporate world in C-suite roles with leading Fortune 100 Companies such as
Procter & Gamble and Samsung, managing multi-billion dollar businesses across Europe, Middle
East, Africa, Turkey, Russia and South Asia, Karim was inspired by INSEAD to start his own venture.
"Decode-D" is an end-to-end transformation consultancy, digitising the retail, hospitality and
governmental space, leveraging the power of big data and O2O technology to build digital capabilities
and redesign customers’ experiences, merging the virtual and real world.
With his ambitious vision, Karim joined INSEAD to sharpen his saw, leading disruptive innovation and
leverage the GEMBA network as he scales his venture to the next level.
Raed Nahhas
Middle East
Saudi Arabian
Quality Assurance Manager, Al Nahhas Trading
Saudi Arabia
Raed is responsible for improving the work processes of his organisation as a whole, and of each
department separately. He also oversees supply chain operations and employees’ development.
Raed is experienced in business, supply chain operations, organisational structure development, and
HR management.
He would like to gain a good foundation in diverse business areas, build upon his experience, and
improve his abilities as a business leader in order to take his career and organisation to the next level.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
55
Sébastien Nahon
Europe
French
Head of International Retail Banking, BRED
France
Sébastien leads retail banks, banking representative offices, and equity participation in banks in the
South Pacific, South East Asia, and the Horn of Africa. He oversees a staff of over 1,200 spread
across 10 countries, and is a member of the executive committee of BRED Group, and Chairman of
BRED Bank in Cambodia and Fiji. His experience lies in maintaining relationships with corporate as
well as SME and individual clients, the management of large teams in France and abroad, and in risk
management. Now, he is mainly involved in strategy, governance, and development of new banking
activities abroad.
He wishes to strengthen his knowledge in areas like strategy, marketing, macro economy and data
management, as well as to meet people from other countries and professions.
Trisha Naidoo
Europe
South African
Manager Metallurgy, Ivanhoe Mines
South Africa
Ivanhoe Mines is currently developing three world-class, multi-billion
dollar projects. As metallurgy manager for this junior mining company, Trisha’s department is
responsible for extracting minerals from mined ore and making it fit for sale in the open market. She
has travelled across Southern Africa, Canada, China, and Australia to benchmark best practice
operations. Her experience is in process and operations management, change management, and
sustainable mining.
She seeks to enhance her business, finance, strategy, and leadership skills and is looking to explore
entrepreneurial opportunities.
Kok Hwee Ng
Asia
Singaporean
Senior Manager, Mondelez International (former Kraft Foods)
Singapore
Kok Hwee heads the marketing team for the impulse and gifting
portfolio, which includes more than 10 brands under Cadbury and
Toblerone, spread geographically from Australia to SEA to India. Prior to this, she had a marketing
career spanning over 10 years where she has held various roles in global and regional capacities,
and managed international brands ranging from luxury beauty to consumer electronics to food. Kok
Hwee’s main experience lies in marketing, innovations, consumer insight, media and PR, business
management, P&L, leading virtual multicultural teams, and working in a matrix structure.
She hopes that the GEMBA course will help her transit from a functional leadership role into that of a
well-rounded business leader, and widen her influence by leading with a vision and sound strategy.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
56
Kathrin Niederlaender
Europe
German
Regional Process Champion EAME Flavors, Givaudan SA
Switzerland
At Givaudan - the global leader in the flavor and fragrance industry - Kathrin is responsible for
developing and implementing a new operating model (Givaudan Production System) across the
EAME Liquids sites and is part of the regional leadership team. Her operations background covers a
mix of consulting, site management, and project roles in FMCG and pharma. Having lived and worked
in more than 20 countries in Europe, America and Asia, Kathrin is experienced in operations
management, performance improvement, change management, cross-functional and cross-cultural
leadership, consulting and FMCG.
She wishes to complement her operations background with a better knowledge of general
management and strategy, strengthen her leadership skills, and expanding her network.
Samuel Ocheho
Middle East
Nigerian
Head, Global Markets, Stanbic IBTC Bank (a member of the Standard
Bank Group)
Nigeria
Samuel is responsible for the overall management of the fixed income
and currency business of Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC. In addition, the equities business has a dotted
reporting line to him, and he is also tasked with other administrative duties, such as being an EXCO
member and chairman of the Bank’s Disciplinary Committee. Samuel is responsible for providing his
team with strategic direction, career development, and necessary performance management tools. He
is experienced in financial markets, sports, and risk management.
He wishes to enhance his leadership skills and expose himself to an international educational
experience to aid his strategic decision-making and change management capabilities in an
increasingly complex global environment.
Pascal Okoro
Europe
Nigerian
Senior Marketing Officer, Nigeria LNG Limited
Nigeria
Pascal's team interfaces with several natural gas product buyers mainly
in Europe and the Far East. With over 13 years work experience in the
energy industry, his current responsibilities include the development of product sales strategies as
well as negotiating new sales and purchase agreements, and relevant lifting agreements for an
annual product portfolio valued in excess of US$ 1 billion. Pascal is experienced in LNG process
technology, business development and supply chain management.
He seeks to hone his leadership and managerial skills and also develop entrepreneurial skills that will
aid him in planned new business ventures.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
57
Nicolas Olive
Middle East
French
Projects Manager, TOTAL, seconded to ADCO
United Arab Emirates
Nicolas oversees a multibillion-dollar project at ADCO, which is, at present, in the development-study
stage. He leads a multicultural taskforce of 60 engineers from all technical disciplines. He has been
working in the oil and gas industry for 17 years in the USA, Africa (Angola, Nigeria), Europe (France,
Scotland), Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Yemen) and Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Indonesia, and
Singapore). Nicolas is experienced in team leadership and organisation, project management,
budgeting and controlling.
He wishes to boost his career, to direct it from the technical domain into a new direction such as
business development in a strategic decision-making position.
Benny Ong
Asia
Singaporean
Services and Project Director (SEA), Intergraph
Singapore
Benny is responsible for services and projects delivery in seven
countries in SEA and achieving the yearly services budget. In his previous jobs, he was based in
Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi) for two years and in the USA (Phoenix, Arizona) for one year.
Benny’s experience lies in professional services delivery, project management, programme
management and resource management.
He looks forward to increasing his professional exposure at an international level, learning about
business management, and networking.
Tom O’Reilly
Middle East
American
Chief Technology Officer – EMEA, Dell EMC - CPSD
United Arab Emirates
Tom is currently responsible for technology strategy in the converged
platforms and solutions division of Dell EMC, ensuring customers can take best advantage of the
benefits of cloud technologies. He has 15 years of international experience in management roles
throughout the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Tom has worked for leading companies in
hospitality, transportation, technology, and oil and gas sectors. His focus has been on exceptional
customer experiences, superior technical capability, large-scale public speaking, and technology
strategy.
He aims to expand his business competence beyond technology, especially around leadership,
finance and corporate strategy.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
58
Alex Osho
Europe
Nigerian
Head, Financial Advisory/M&A, FBNQuest
Nigeria
Alex provides transaction advisory services on M&A, restructuring and private equity transactions
across multiple sectors in Nigeria and West Africa, working closely with strategic investors and SSA-
focused PE funds. He has spent most of his 11 years’ experience in investment banking and advisory
and participated in domestic and cross-border transactions estimated at over $8 billion. Alex’s
experience lies in accounting, corporate finance and private equity.
He is keen to develop an effective leadership style to suit complex cross-cultural environments,
deepen his international exposure, and also master complex negotiation and decision-making skills
while also seeking to drive PE investments in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Satoko Ozeki
Asia
Japanese
Regional Consultant, Asia-Pacific, OgilvyOne Worldwide
Singapore
Satoko’s responsibility as a digital marketing strategy consultant covers
all of Asia. She travels frequently around the region to work with local offices and clients. Satoko’s
experience lies in marketing, strategy, behavioural economics, psychology and finance.
She looks forward to gaining higher education in a truly international and diverse environment,
developing her global leadership skills, and acquiring a more holistic view of corporate business.
Siddharth Parameswaran
Europe
Australian
Executive Director, J.P. Morgan
Australia
As the lead analyst for J.P. Morgan’s non-bank financials and equity
research franchise in the Australian / Pacific region, Siddharth advises
on international pension funds and works with asset managers on their investments in listed financial
stocks and IPOs. He also advises boards of companies and senior managers of insurance companies
in Australia on factors affecting their companies and sector. Siddharth is experienced in finance,
decision-making, and quantitative methods.
He seeks to improve his leadership skills, understanding more about implementing company
strategies, taking his first courses in marketing, and experiencing a change from his usual work.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
59
Elena Parker-Kaplun
Europe
German / Ukrainian
Global Marketing and Business Development Director, Les Roches
Switzerland
Elena heads an operational team of over 20 marketing professionals across the five campuses and
corporate offices. She leads marketing and brand strategy for more than 100 markets, which includes
pricing, product development, and brand positioning activities. She also drives business development,
creating new partnerships, co-branding opportunities, and campus expansion. Elena is experienced in
marketing and brand management, business development, business strategy, digital marketing,
entrepreneurship, and leadership coaching.
She wishes to strengthen her leadership style and general management skills, and develop wider
organisational strategies.
J Nathalia Parra Bernal
Europe
Colombian / Canadian
Director of SIVIQ (Simulator Integration, Validation, Installation and
Qualification), TRU Simulation + Training
Canada
Nathalia is responsible for leading the hardware, software integration, installations, validation and
qualification teams for the delivery of commercial air transport flight simulation training devices
(FSTD). During her time in the organisation she has worked in engineering and management
positions with professionals from numerous cultural and technical backgrounds, and dealt with
customers from several countries in America, Europe and South East Asia.
Through the GEMBA course, she wishes to acquire better knowledge of management best practices,
strategic thinking, critical analysis, communications, leadership development and team building.
Romain Pechard
Europe
French
Consulting Director, DShapers
France
Romain provides strategic recommendations to an international set of
large corporate groups and grown-up startups regarding leveraging digital capabilities to grow
business and improve their process management. He is experienced in marketing, digital, P&L,
business models, change management, cross-functional teams, data analytics, entrepreneurship,
business unit setup, and acceleration.
He seeks to learn how to structure better business management processes for large corporate groups
transitioning into customer-centric strategies.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
60
Priit Pedaja
Europe
Estonian
Head of Capital Markets, Global Ports / Advisor to the CEO,
Globaltrans
Russia
Priit is responsible for capital market activities - issuance of equity and debt securities, ratings, and
investor relations - of Global Ports (JV with Maersk) as well as of Globaltrans. He is further advising
the latter’s CEO on strategy. Priit’s experience lies in equity and debt financing, business
development and strategy implementation, private equity investments, financial communication, and
multicultural management.
He wishes to broaden his perspective through classroom learning and discussing exciting subjects
and ideas with his peers as well as to improve his leadership skills.
Kyriakos Petrakakos
Asia
Greek
Director, Strategic Planning and Business Development, PPG
Singapore
Kyriakos heads the strategy function in a $500 million business unit and
has accountability for the entire M&A process, from target identification
to integration. Prior to his current role, he was leading the Middle East and Africa business for PPG,
and he has had experience managing teams and P&Ls in a number of countries in Europe, Asia
Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
He aims to learn how to better drive change through others and looks forward to broadening his
professional network and challenging himself intellectually.
Matthew Phelan
Europe
British / American
GP and Palliative Care Specialist, NHS and Weldmar Hospice Care
United Kingdom
Matthew is a partner at Newland Medical Practice and specialises in
Palliative Care. He is Deputy Chair for Cancer for the Clinical Commissioning Programme for Dorset,
and coordinates the Cancer Care education programme. Matthew also volunteers as a mentor to
fellow clinicians who are seconded to developing countries under the Improving Global Health
Programme at the Thames Valley and Wessex Leadership Academy. Apart from medicine, his
experience lies in managing teams and projects.
He wishes to improve his knowledge of business organisation, financial accounting and analysis, and
further develop his leadership and strategy planning skills.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
61
Anne Philipona-Hintzy
Europe
French
Managing Partner, Deloitte
France
Anne works with complex international, national, and regional clients in
the gaming, manufacturing and financial services industries. As managing partner of the Deloitte
Nancy office, she is the professional advisor to the Family Business CEO, and works on solving
strategic and financial issues and delivering financial advisory services for clients in private equity.
Anne is experienced in finance, accounting, auditing, and management.
She aims to strengthen her leadership skills to become an even more trusted business partner, and
enable herself to handle challenging strategic and political issues in a complex global environment.
Robin Pho
Europe
Singaporean
CEO, Executive Director, Right People Group of Companies
Singapore
Robin’s background is in private banking and wealth management
where he held roles at ABN AMRO and UBS. In 2008 he joined his family business and took over as
CEO in 2014. The RP Group of companies have diversified businesses from manpower services for
oil and gas, a gourmet lifestyle digital and print magazine called Epicure Indonesia, a non-profit social
enterprise and a Family Office. He is a strong advocate of family businesses and sustainability and
his latest venture is in renewable energy. Robin is also a commissioned officer in the Singapore Army.
He wishes to make full use of the platform INSEAD has provided him develop new business and
personal friendships around the world.
Francois Pignat
Middle East
French / British
Senior Advisor, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
United Arab Emirates
Francois is advising and managing assets of influential entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and
families in the Middle East and South East Asia. Prior to relocating to the United Arab Emirates, he
held several leadership roles in the financial services industry in Europe and in Latin America.
Francois is experienced in managing cross-cultural teams and clients. He is also advising startups,
charities and foundations on their financial and non-financial needs.
He wishes to improve his leadership skills, explore venture capital and social entrepreneurship
opportunities, build partnerships and expand his horizons by sharing insights, perspectives and
experiences with people from different regions.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
62
Jason Poh
Asia
Singaporean
Sales and Marketing Director, Cummins
Singapore
Jason is responsible for all aspects of sales and marketing which
includes P&L management, channel development, product management, pricing and promotion in 19
countries. He leads Cummins Singapore’s corporate responsibility initiatives, and has held a various
positions in financial valuation, strategy project management, and sales and marketing. His former
roles cover SEA and the wider APAC region.
He seeks to improve his leadership skills in cross-cultural and large group environments.
Louis Poisson
Asia
French
Country Head – Indonesia, Red Planet Hotels
Indonesia
Louis is currently the regional director for Red Planet Hotels Group in Indonesia, managing seven
hotels and 450 members of staff in the region. Louis’ experience lies in helping companies to develop
their activities and operations in a given market / country, by improving financial performances and by
developing the human capital.
His main objectives are to gain more knowledge and to increase his awareness of the business in
order to be able to find innovative options to help the growth of future employers.
Jacobo Perez Polaino
Asia
Spanish
Business Unit Flooring and Roofing Manager. Head of Key Projects
Department, PT
Indonesia
Jacobo is responsible for P&L, strategy, sales, marketing and product development for over 100
products included in the company’s portfolio. He leads a sales team that aims to penetrate the market
and build strong relationships with main stakeholders in the construction process. His experience is in
construction, sales and marketing in business-to-business environments, team building, and
leadership.
He wishes to improve his knowledge of finance, accounting, and human resources with a view to
prepare for future management roles.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
63
Ehsan Rahman
Europe
Norwegian
Global Relationship Manager, Lloyds Banking Group plc
France
Ehsan works closely with large French, Belgian and Swiss multinational
corporates within Lloyds. He covers the local continental European
market, and has been based in Paris since 2007. Ehsan is experienced in corporate finance,
corporate and investment banking, and business and relationship development.
He wishes to prepare for the next leg of his professional journey, acquire leadership skills, and build a
global business network.
Andrew Roberts
Europe
American
Global Programme Head, Novartis Pharma, AG
Switzerland
Andrew leads a cross-functional team in the development of new
therapies. This includes activities from pre-clinical testing through to
manufacturing and marketing. His career has evolved from project management to portfolio strategy
and project leadership, and includes overseeing projects spanning North and South America, Europe,
and Asia. Andrew is experienced in managing cross-functional teams, strategic thinking, project
management and clinical development.
He aims to build a better understanding of general business concepts and management skills, and
learn about concepts important to start-ups.
Dylan Ross
Europe
American
Regional Controller – ASPAC, Crane Worldwide Logistics
Singapore
Dylan is responsible for all aspects of financial reporting, treasury / cash management, budgeting,
financial analysis, and tax strategy for 11 countries. His career has primarily focused on logistics and
transportation. Dylan has held positions in Brazil and Singapore, and is experienced in accounting
and corporate finance, managing across cultures, and navigating international financial and
administrative challenges.
He aims to improve his leadership skills, build relationships with incredibly dynamic and intelligent
classmates and faculty, and enhance his understanding of corporate and international finance.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
64
Daphné Roussis
Europe
Belgian
HR Director Europe, Ravago
Belgium
Daphné carries the HR responsibility in the region, and works with a
team of 25 full-time, part-time, and associated HR professionals. She is
responsible for people and talent development, compensation and benefit implementations, HR
process optimisation, and corporate branding. Ravago was founded by her grandfather in 1961, and
has since grown into a multinational company, with over 5,000 employees, working across 57
countries worldwide. Daphné is experienced in organisational challenges, HR, corporate
communication, and people development.
She wishes to develop her international leadership skills, strengthen her financial and operational
expertise, practice managing gender dynamics in the business world, and expand her professional
network.
Anna Ryabinina
Europe
Russian
Director of Economics and Finance, Sea Port of Saint-Petersburg
Russia
Anna supervises finance-related activities and is responsible for
managing financial risks at both the tactical and strategic levels for a
group of companies with over $130 million in revenue. Her international experience varies from
interacting with banks, suppliers, customers and partners to supervising assets located in different
countries. Anna is experienced in process and operations management, finance, and management
accounts.
She seeks to change her transcendental paradigms, boost her leadership skills, and enhance her
skills in the area of global perspective and trends evaluation.
Julien Sallaind
Europe
French
Finance Director, General Electric
France
Julien is currently the financial director of a 250-employee unit at General Electric and manages 13
controllers in France and abroad. His organisation provides internal IT services to the whole group.
Therefore, his team is exposed to cross-borders projects and international interactions as they deal
with more than 60 countries. He specialises in financial controlling and has experienced various
positions in the finance field from headquarters to operations, audit, controlling, FP&A, consolidation
and treasury.
His objective is to step back and take some time to invest in himself, reinforce his leadership skills,
learn from others, refresh his knowledge and develop his network.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
65
Philani Sangweni
Middle East
South African
Chief Operating Officer, FUNDI
South Africa
Philani is responsible for strategy execution on behalf of the CEO, as
well as customer service operations, credit, innovation and product management, business analysis,
project and change management, and business process management. He is experienced in strategy,
operations, procurement, system integration, project management, innovation and product
development.
He aims to improve himself as a leader and learn more about the processes of innovation and
entrepreneurship.
Alexis Scheid
Asia
French
Regional Logistics Manager, Legrand
Singapore
Alexis manages the supply chain from worldwide suppliers to APAC
customers located in 20 countries. His work is divided into three main
parts - stock management, physical flows optimisation and transport purchase, and logistics projects
sponsoring and supervision. Alexis is experienced in specialised stock management software,
DRP/MRP and forecasts, and projects management.
He aims to reinforce his knowledge of finance, sales, and strategy, and learn from and share
experiences with classmates.
Reto Schilt-Lu
Europe
Swiss
Chief Operating Officer, Netcloud AG
Switzerland
Reto is responsible for business operations involving product
management, purchasing and order processing, as well as the inside
sales department and internal IT including business applications development. The company serves
Swiss-based customers on a worldwide scale. Reto is experienced in sales and operations,
establishing international support and sales networks, and in building, managing, and growing IT
infrastructure businesses.
He aims to learn about new business models and disruptive business changes, and how to sell to
business units instead of IT departments.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
66
Adam Schindhelm
Europe
Australian
General Manager, LX-Group
Australia
Adam is responsible for the company’s sales, marketing, project
delivery, finance, and legal aspects. The group currently operates in Australia, has 25 employees, and
has an annual turnover of AU$4.5 million. His career in multinational engineering companies has
provided him with global exposure. Adam is experienced in project and change management, cross-
functional team leadership, engineering management, sales issues and quality control.
He aims to improve his leadership skills and competencies in financial/P&L management.
Mikkel Seidelin
Europe
Danish
Director, Teekay Corporation
United Kingdom
Mikkel has lived in London, Vancouver, Houston, and Singapore during his 13 years in the tanker
shipping industry with Teekay Corporation. He is experienced in customer relations, market analysis,
trading, marketing, negotiations, strategic planning, and executing strategies.
He plans to gain theoretical and practical knowledge within his areas of strength and develop a
fundamental understanding and insight into new areas, specifically finance and organisational
planning.
Evgeniya Setrakova
Middle East
Russian
Managing Director, EUROEXPERT
Russia
Evgeniya is responsible for the day-to-day management of her
company. Both core divisions (valuation and construction consulting,
investment consulting and strategic marketing) and support functions report to her. Her company’s
business is spread mainly over Russia and neighbouring countries, with some projects in Europe.
Evgeniya is also a member of international professional organisations of consultants (RICS, IACVA,
CCIM). She is experienced in valuation and investment consulting, corporate finance, developing
markets and change management.
By attending the GEMBA programme, she expects to build upon her multicultural perspectives and
expand her professional network.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
67
Elle Shi Ying
Asia
Chinese
Global Corporate Auditor, Shell
China
Elle collaborates with management teams at all levels of the group with mainly EVPs and VPs as
main sponsors. She focuses on providing independent and objective risk-based insights, assurance,
and investigations to support Shell. Previously she has worked for several top Fortune 500 MNCs in
oil, FMCG, and biotechnology / agriculture industries. She is a certified finance professional, and a
member of ACCA and CIMA. Elle is experienced in performance and project management, finance
and business analysis, and JV management and audit.
She aims to enhance her leadership through the LDP course, and improve her negotiation skills and
entrepreneurial abilities.
Marwan Shurrab
Middle East
Jordanian
Head of HNW & Retail Equities Brokerage, Al Ramz Capital
United Arab Emirates
Marwan has over 13 years of experience covering MENA, frontier and
emerging markets with technical expertise in equities, fixed income,
structured products and alternative investments. He is currently the
Head of HNW & Retail Equities Brokerage for Al Ramz Capital, ranked the UAE’s No. 1 Financial
Services Firm for 2016. Marwan also manages investments focusing on both private and public
equities across MENA. Marwan acts as a strategic board member on a few organisations, and as an
observer on the board of the USA-based company MIAX. He also appears regularly on Arabia TV,
CNBC Arabia, local radio stations, and in newspapers.
Marwan is experienced in investment management, macroeconomics, and international political
analysis.
Jonathan Siegel
Asia
American / Irish
Chairman, Xenon Ventures
United States
Jonathan is responsible for acquisition and growth of early-stage
technology companies. His experience lies in entrepreneurship,
software as a service, cloud computing and performance marketing.
He wishes to complement his technology background with business fundamentals, grow a network of
peers, coaches and advisors, and develop an understanding of the Asian market.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
68
Ujjwal Singh
Europe
Indian
Lead Consultant, Wipro
India
Ujjwal is leading two software delivery teams of about 20 associates based in the USA and India to
achieve shared goals. He is responsible for project planning and execution. Ujjwal mainly works in
client relationship management, business development, and project execution. He has learned
valuable lessons by living on three continents, serving both the public and private sectors, and
working in manufacturing and telecom domains. Ujjwal’s experience lies in product development, pre-
sale activities, leading and managing cross-functional teams, and communication and collaboration.
He wishes to boost his knowledge of key business functions such as finance and marketing, improve
his leadership skills, understand organisational behaviour, and explore new roles or start his own
business.
Mattijs Slee
Europe
Dutch
Venture Principal, Shell Technology Ventures
Netherlands
Mattijs is responsible for sourcing, investing in and growing start-up
companies to advance technologies and disruptive innovations that are vital to help meet future global
energy needs. He has extensive experience is in New Business Development in Shell, including
opportunity (asset or company) valuations, due diligence and large-scale project management.
He aims to improve his knowledge of subjects like finance, strategy and entrepreneurship, build out
his cross-industry network and find inspirations to accelerate the energy transition.
Puneet Srivastava
Europe
Indian
Innovation Programme Lead, Bayer AG
Germany
Puneet is responsible for driving various global strategic innovation initiatives. He has worked in India,
Singapore, and Hong Kong. Puneet is experienced in leading global virtual teams and functionally
diverse initiatives.
He is looking for a comprehensive understanding of business and related operations, and learning
various management tools required in decision-making.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
69
Chun Yang Su
Europe
Singaporean
Assistant Vice-President, Changi Airport Group Pte. Ltd.
Singapore
Chun Yang’s current role is in the programme management office responsible for driving the
schedule, direction, and development of two key projects at Changi Airport - capacity expansion at
Terminal 1 and the construction of Project Jewel, a mixed-use complex. His work includes
engagement with multiple stakeholders and design development in collaboration with consultants,
contractors, airport partners, and government authorities. He is experienced in leading teams and
organisations, m anaging cross-functional teams, change and operations management.
Chun Yang wishes to improve his leadership and business skills, and learn from and network with
executives from different fields.
Michele Suria
Asia
Italian
Associate – Head of Architecture, Pomeroy Studio
Singapore
Michele leads the company’s multidisciplinary teams of architects,
designers and environmental specialist across architectural,
masterplan and sustainable design projects. Michele’s responsibilities
include client relationship management, business development, contracts negotiation and projects
budgeting. His core expertise lies in the residential, commercial and hospitality sectors and in the past
12 years he designed and lead projects across Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Michele would like to develop new strategic skills to be able to take rational decisions in a constantly
evolving real estate market.
Marc Syz
Asia
Swiss
Managing Director, ACE & Company
Hong Kong
ACE & Company is a global Private Equity firm with offices in London,
New York, Geneva, Cairo and Hong Kong. Marc heads the Asian operations and is the portfolio
manager of four strategies (ACE Consumer Wellness, ACE Pan Asian Opportunities, ACE Real Asset
Opportunities, ACE Global Venture Opportunities) leading a global team to source, execute, manage
and monitor investments across four continents. He is a member of the executive committee and
oversees the global business development efforts for the group. Marc’s experience lies in private
equity, alternative assets, financial markets, banking and asset management.
He aims to learn from his peers and transform the wealth and asset management industry. His goal is
to blend traditional products and services, alternative asset classes, and capital market services with
financial technology to serve emerging client needs.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
70
Abraham Takom
Europe
Cameroonian / French
Head of Corporate Services department, POST Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Abraham is accountable to the company’s chief information officer for the strategic and operational
management of his department, which provides full range of IT services to the company staff and
business entities. He takes direct responsibility for financial planning and management, as well as
staff management. Abraham is experienced in project management, IT operations management, and
IT-related topics.
He aims to beef up his business skills and gain a broad and comprehensive business background to
complement his professional experience.
Michael Tamvakologos
Asia
Australian
Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Australia
Michael is a Partner in an international law firm with offices in North
America, Australia, the UK and China. He also works as a domestic lawyer in Australia and provides
cross-border advice to multinational corporations. His strength lies in strategy.
He aims to advance his business skills and meet like-minded people.
Cheng Kwee Tan
Asia
Singaporean
Brigade Commander, Singapore Army
Singapore
Cheng oversees the administration and training of units that form part
of the standing military force responsible for Singapore’s defence and
security. He has travelled widely in the Middle East, Central, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. His
experience lies in leading dynamic teams, coaching and instruction, corporate communications, crisis
management, public policy formulation, planning and directing operations, and organising large-scale
events.
He aims to develop himself further as a strategic leader and hone his skills in organisational strategy
development, decision-making, and strategic communications.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
71
Norman Tan
Asia
Singaporean
Head of Financial IT Consulting Department, Nomura Research
Institute
Singapore
Norman is responsible for developing partnerships with financial institutions and service providers,
delivering systems solutions, and providing consultancy services to financial institutions throughout
Asia. His experience lies in change management, cross-cultural leadership, process and operations
management, business development and programme management.
He seeks to hone his business knowledge, improve his management and leadership skills, and
cultivate partnerships with like-minded individuals.
Ying Shi Tan
Asia
Singaporean
Vice-President of Procurement Strategy & Governance,
Singapore Technologies Engineering Limited
Singapore
Ying Shi is responsible for developing supply chain strategies and
governance framework that help to establish a sustainable procurement
excellence culture in the enterprise. She just joined ST Engineering in January 2017, and had prior
procurement and supply chain experience in multinational corporations for over 15 years. She has
also led global teams on projects focusing on operational excellence across the USA, Japan, Taiwan,
and Singapore. Ying Shi’s experience is in corporate finance, managing multi-cultural teams and
strategy.
She wishes to enhance her knowledge of social enterprises and how to use her experience and
knowledge to give back to the community.
Osama Tariq
Middle East
American
Contracts Manager, ADNOC
United Arab Emirates
Osama’s experience entails managing high-profile oil and gas
technologies, P&L and business development responsibilities across
North America and the Middle East. He has gained unique insight through this current role and
previously at the world’s largest upstream service provider, Schlumberger.
He aims to sharpen his knowledge to strategise better, ace financial management concepts and
influence organisational change to enter into MBB.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
72
Teresa Tay
Asia
Singaporean
Executive Director, AT Asset Management
Singapore
As co-founder and COO, Teresa oversees every aspect of the functional areas of the company to
keep track and ensure objectives and goals are achieved. These include developing and
implementing company strategies, marketing and sales, human resources, and accounting and
finance. She is well-versed in marketing and sales and human resource management.
She wishes to improve her leadership and organisational negotiation skills.
Michael Teoh
Asia
Malaysian
SVP Business Development and Strategy, Asia Aviation Capital (AirAsia
Group of Companies)
Malaysia
Michael leads the business development and strategy portfolio for
AirAsia’s aircraft leasing business, focusing on investment opportunities, joint ventures and strategic
alliances. Michael was a key member of AirAsia's Group Strategy team with involvement centred
around business planning, mergers and acquisitions and new business ventures. His career has
primarily focused on aviation, public sector and ASEAN conglomerates where he gained experience
in managing across cultures and navigating cross-border challenges in the region.
He aims to improve his leadership capabilities, to expand his network and contacts in related aviation
industries and to try his hands on entrepreneurship in the technology sector.
Olivier Too
Asia
French
Director, Vistra
Singapore
Olivier leads a team of relationship managers in Belgium, India, the Philippines and Singapore, and is
responsible for the delivery of services to a portfolio of international clients. His experience is in law,
company setup, international expansion, cross-border taxation, relationship management and
corporate governance.
Olivier aims to broaden his horizons, become a better manager and leader, develop new skills and
strengths, interact with fellow participants, and learn from their experiences and perspectives.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
73
Alison Tran
Europe
British
Managing Director, Mintrade, Dubai/London
United Kingdom
Alison manages sales in the Middle East region for a number of international suppliers of industrial
minerals. Her role involves handling existing sales as well as generating new business by scoping the
market for new mineral products, identifying buyers, executing trade sales, optimising logistics costs,
and organising bulk shipments. Alison established the business over five years ago, and now sells
approximately 250,000 tonnes of mineral products across the region. She is an expert on international
trade.
Her objective is to develop and consolidate her practical business knowledge, and increase her
network.
Matteo Trinca
Asia
Italian
Commercial Director, William Hill Australia
Australia
Matteo responsible for driving all business KPIs of his company. He has
studied and worked in three countries - Spain, Ireland and Australia. Matteo’s experience lies in the
use of data for strategy and marketing, and he built data analytics teams from scratch several times.
His aspiration is to become an influential leader and start his own business. He believes that the
GEMBA course will bridge the gap between what he is now and what he wants to be tomorrow.
Pasquale Tuosto
Europe
Italian
Manager, Generali France
France
Pasquale is responsible for identifying and managing mergers and
acquisition deals, issuing and optimising intra-group debt and group liquidity, and providing capital
optimisation solutions. His company operates in more 60 countries, and Pasquale specialises in
European markets with focus on Italy, France and Western European countries. His experience lies in
corporate finance, asset and liability management and derivatives pricing.
He wishes to improve his leadership and entrepreneurial skills, develop his understanding of
processes, operations and marketing, and strengthen his skills in decision-making and leading cross-
functional teams.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
74
Selim Turki
Middle East
Tunisian/French/Italian
Product Market Fit Director, Careem
United Arab Emirates
Selim is responsible for managing a product team in charge of roadmaps, functional specs and roll-
out of new features used by Careem customers, the car booking service. The company operates in
the MENATP region, and is one of the most successful unicorns valuated at $1 Billion. During his
career, Selim got the opportunity to join two successful technology start-ups at a very early stage until
the IPO phase. He mainly worked with international teams based in Europe, the USA, Asia and the
Middle East. Selim has held several roles mainly in R&D and software engineering teams, and has
been involved in operations, technology sales and private and government strategic partnerships.
He aims to improve his leadership and acquire new business skills to create his own technology start-
up!
Clement Turnier
Asia
French
Founder, OMNIIGROUP
Hong Kong
Thanks to his background in shopper marketing and retail design in the
Asia Pacific region, Clement is now helping innovative companies
accelerate their development in the region. His core focus is on retail
and real-time marketing technologies. He has worked from Singapore and China with projects in
India, South East Asia and China. His clients’ network spans from brands (FMCGs) to retailers.
Clement’s experience lies in retail, shopper marketing, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and
cross-cultural management.
He would like to strengthen his profile and widen his perspective on business while learning more
about finance, processes, growth structuring.
Elena Tyutyunnikova
Europe
Russian
Partner, Accounting Advisory, FBK Grant Thornton
Russia
Elena heads the Accounting Advisory at her company, which is one of
the Russia's major audit and consulting groups recognised by Wall
Street along with the Big 4. Elena is responsible for financial advisory for key clients in oil and gas,
electricity and construction. As an expert, she was a key person in an accounting reform project
instituted by the European Union for the benefit of the Russian Federation. She also guides a
strategic committee delivering advisory support to the Board of Directors. Elena is experienced in
financial reporting and management accounting, project management and leading changes.
She wishes to develop her leadership and networking skills and looks forward to moving into general
management or management consulting.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
75
Ifeanyichukwu Uka
Middle East
Nigerian
Reservoir Engineer, ADCO
United Arab Emirates
Ifeanyichukwu is responsible for the development of new assets from a subsurface perspective and
the management of producing assets. In addition, he also mentors new employees and manages
contracting processes to ensure that the technical and business objectives are met. Ifeanyichukwu is
experienced in corporate planning, production and development planning, upstream contracting,
personnel management and change management.
He plans to improve his leadership skills, acquire a relevant network for business development
funding, learn financial engineering and grow his potential overall.
Andres Urb
Europe
Estonian
Partner, Head of Wealth Management, Triple Net Capital
Estonia
Andres is responsible for structuring investments as well as taking care
of the process for acquiring new clients. His entire career has been
dedicated to investment management and sales and marketing. Andres has worked with several
nationalities as both clients as well as colleagues in Stockholm, Moscow, and Helsinki, and is based
in his hometown, Tallinn. He is experienced in investment management, structuring, sales process
management, investor relations, marketing and P&L.
He aims to become a more assertive and motivational leader who is at ease working with and being
part of a multi-cultural team.
Francis Van Acker
Europe
Belgian
Derivatives Trader - KBC Bank / Co-Founder DesignRepublic
Belgium
Francis’ main objective is to ensure profits for KBC bank. He is
responsible for the Czech interest rate derivatives market and takes
over risks from a wide variety of professional customers in a tailor-made way. At DesignRepublic, a
branding and packaging design company that he co-founded in 2009, he is responsible for all finance
aspects. He co-leads a team of seven that serves a diverse and international client portfolio, for
example, Dutch/Belgian retailer Ahold-Delhaize, French dairy group Savencia, Dutch-Asian food
company Go-Tan, the Heineken group, and many more. Francis is experienced in finance,
accounting, P&L, and design.
He wishes to broaden his scope by learning about marketing, strategy, and leadership, and to widen
his network.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
76
Dirk Van Der Mast
Asia
Dutch
LNG Front End Development Manager, Shell
Singapore
Dirk’s current job is a mix of project development and new business development activities. His
project management responsibilities entail developing three LNG re-gas projects in South East Asia.
Dirk’s experience is in LNG, gas, international relations, project development and new business
development in gas / LNG markets.
He aims to deepen his knowledge in the commercial and financial fields, gear up for a future general
management role, and widen his network outside the oil and gas industry.
Keti Vashakidze
Middle East
Georgian
Deputy Director, LTD Chirina
Georgia
Keti manages the company’s executive team and serves as the link
between them and the CEO. Her focus areas are threefold: overseeing
operational metrics to be aligned with production targets, long-term growth strategy development, and
attracting the best management talent. Keti has worked closely with agro-sector executives from
Israel, Britain, Germany and France to establish herself as an expert on the food and agribusiness
industry.
She looks forward to developing her leadership skills, deepening her knowledge in finance, and
interacting and studying with executives from different parts of the world.
Sophie Vauzelle
Europe
French
Group International Marketing and Strategy Director
France
Sophie is responsible for the realisation of the Group's strategy in marketing and international
development. She oversees the retail prospection at a holding level for the Fashion division. Sophie
thrives in a cross-cultural environment and is experienced in strategy, marketing, international
prospection and development, branding and management of cross-functional teams in Fashion and
luxury industries.
She seeks to improve her leadership skills and general management expertise, to eventually move
from an operational to a corporate governance and strategic-thinking position.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
77
Jobilal M Vavachan
Middle East
Indian
CEO and Assistant Vice-President, Aster Pharmacy
United Arab Emirates
Jobilal is responsible for P&L and the growth of Aster Pharmacy, the largest pharmacy network in
UAE with operations in four countries. He is experienced in business development, sales and
marketing, change management, and team building.
He wishes to enhance his leadership and management skills and gain a global perspective through
structured learning in a multicultural setting at INSEAD.
Mara Vavassori
Asia
Italian
Product CFO, GE Power SPS
Singapore
Mara is responsible for developing growth strategies, executing
profitability objectives, and leading a global finance team. To date, her career has focused on the
healthcare industry, where she has held various positions based in London. In 2016, Mara moved to
Singapore and took a new role in the power industry. Her experience lies in financial accounting,
planning and analysis, manufacturing and supply chain, managing global teams and acquisition
integration.
She aims to enrich her leadership skills and build a diverse and global network.
Matija Vaavrous
Europe
Croatian
CEO, INETEC
Croatia
Leading a company that operates solely in international markets (Europe, the USA, China and
Russia), Matija employs approximately 60 people and generates €10 million in annual revenue.
Before his promotion to company CEO, he was an engineer and later department manager,
organising and leading service activities worldwide. Matija is experienced in leading multidiscipline
teams, negotiations and public procurement, and budgeting.
He wishes to enhance his leadership capabilities and attain a deeper knowledge about business on a
global scale.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
78
Manav Verma
Europe
British/ Indian
Transformation Manager, AIG Europe Limited
United Kingdom
Manav leads the global / regional delivery of some of AIG’s strategic change initiatives. Most recently,
he played a leadership role on a global programme that included designing, developing, and
implementing a new operating model for more than 90 AIG offices across Europe, APAC and Latin
America. Manav is well versed in strategic planning, business transformation, problem solving, risk
management, finance and accounting.
He wishes to acquire knowledge in innovation, leadership, corporate entrepreneurship, and also learn
about cultural sensitivities.
Steve Vermant
Asia
French
Managing Director and Head of Lifescience, Merck
Australia
Steve is responsible for sales, marketing, customer services, after
sales services, branding and compliance at Merck. He is currently
driving the integration of a company acquired by Merck last year. Steve
has been working in the USA for the last 17 years, and is frequently found at the company
headquarters in Boston. He came to Asia for business in 2005, and then moved to China in 2010. His
experience is in marketing and sales issues, general management, P&L, managing cross-functional
teams, change management, matrix organisation and compliance.
He believes that the GEMBA will expand his skills in finance, manufacturing operations, marketing
and economics.
Alban Vital
Europe
French
Head of Western Europe Syndications, SMBC
United Kingdom
Alban is in charge of syndicated loan activities for all of SMBC’s
corporate clients in Western Europe. His experience lies in corporate
financing, including origination, and structuring and distribution of loans in European capital markets.
He aims to widen his scope for future career opportunities through acquiring additional skills,
improving his professional network and self-discovery.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
79
Markus Widmer
Europe
Swiss
Senior Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Switzerland
Markus is currently leading due diligence teams on international M&A transactions with a focus on
Europe, the USA and the Middle East. He is experienced in financial accounting, due diligence
assistance and M&A project management.
He wishes to enhance his cultural awareness, expand his technical expertise and further develop his
leadership skills
Chao Wu
Europe
Chinese
Lab Team Leader, BASF
Germany
Chao currently heads a R&D lab at BASF, a Global Fortune 500 chemicals company, and focuses on
delivering technical solutions for the emerging printed electronics industry. He received his PhD in the
USA and has been working for BASF in Singapore and Germany. Chao is experienced in managing
the development of new technology from early stage. His expertise spans from scouting and
incubation to R&D and innovation management.
He would like to gain a comprehensive knowledge on the business side and enhance his leadership
potential in order to direct his career towards general management and/or fields related to VC and
M&A.
Erika Yuniarti
Asia
Indonesia
Managing Director, Afogreen Build Pte Ltd and PT. Afogreenbuild
Energi Efisiensi.
Singapore
Erika manages both companies in Singapore and Indonesia, including
branding, sales, quality control and resources. She is also responsible
for venturing into other countries or other complementary green businesses with current customers
and consultant partners located in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, the UK, the USA and
Spain. Erika’s experience lies in organisational behaviour, managing cross-functional teams and
cross-cultural start-up companies.
She wishes to learn more about corporate leadership from professionals.
RETURN TO INDEX
| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
80
Ruslan Yunusov
Europe
Russian
CEO, Russian Quantum Center
Russia
Ruslan is responsible for general management, PR and government
relations. His role involves travelling to Europe, Asia and the USA to meet with leaders at universities
and high-tech companies, and participating in international conferences. Ruslan is experienced in
physics and applied management in small and medium companies.
He wishes to improve his soft-skills, and reconsider his general strategy to move ahead with his future
plans.
Syed Zahid
Asia
Pakistani
Director, Production Services IHS-Markit
United Kingdom
Syed is responsible for software, service and architecture delivery consulting, and all aspects of
production service support within the Foreign Exchange division of IHS Markit. Syed's experience is in
technology management, global functional support development and talent acquisition and retention
in the Financial Services industry. He has been with IHS Markit for over ten years and has worked in
various regional offices, most recently in Singapore.
He aims to develop stronger leadership and business management skills, enhance his cultural
awareness and transition into strategic management.
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| GEMBA PROFILES 2017
81
Marilyn Zakhour
Europe
Lebanese / Canadian
Senior Vice-President, Keeward Group
France
Marilyn is currently in charge of product development and B2B services teams in her group. She
leads 60 people in three continents, managing over 50 projects yearly. She is experienced in sales
and marketing, user experience and design thinking, recruitment and management, digital media and
digital business models, strategy, and organisational behaviour.
On a daily basis, her decisions affect the livelihood of 160 families, so she wants to ensure that she
has the right tools to make those decisions.
Anita Zielina
Europe
Austrian
Chief Product Officer, NZZ
Switzerland
Anita is responsible for improving existing and developing new digital
products for NZZ media group. This includes apps, websites or joint
ventures with other media players. She is part of the management board and responsible for driving
innovation initiatives in the company. NZZ is one of Europe’s oldest media houses, with businesses
running since 236 years. NZZ publishes Switzerland’s most renowned newspaper, the Neue Zuercher
Zeitung. The company has 1,600 employees and is active in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Anita is experienced in product management, managing cross-functional teams and specifically
innovation and change management. Before her time in media management, Anita worked as a
journalist and Editor-in-Chief at various media outlets. She also spent time in Stanford/Silicon Valley
to do research on innovation methods.
Anita wishes to improve her business and management skills, and acquire thorough knowledge of
corporate governance, finance, P&L and operations.
RETURN TO INDEX