Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Hobbies and Interests
Generic
Abbass Janos Daher

Abbass Janos Daher

Dubai

Summary

Talent Development leader with 15+ years across luxury retail, FMCG, and corporate environments in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Experienced in designing learning strategies, launching academies, and embedding competency frameworks into performance culture. Strong track record in retail training, talent management, and succession planning, while also professionalizing Talent Acquisition and Rewards. Recognized for driving engagement, ensuring compliance with nationalization programs, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance learning and client experience.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Group Talent Development Leader

SARA Group (Regional HQ)
12.2020 - Current
  • Define and execute the company-wide Talent Development and Learning strategy, embedding the competency framework into the performance enablement culture and aligning development with business goals.
  • Build and lead structured academies and programs including the Sales Academy, Managerial Development, Retail Progression, and Senior Leadership, ensuring a robust pipeline for succession planning and high-potential development.
  • Oversee Talent Acquisition and Rewards functions, professionalizing recruitment processes, aligning rewards with the market, and ensuring performance-linked recognition frameworks.
  • Implement and champion TAWWER 2.0 (Mesh) by embedding goal-setting, feedback, reviews, and coaching into daily practices, while driving digital adoption and innovative learning methods.
  • Direct the full L&D lifecycle from training needs analysis and IDPs to design, execution, and evaluation, leveraging external partnerships and world-class providers to deliver impactful programs.
  • Lead employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives such as Cultural Day, Wellness Sessions, and frontline recognition programs, ensuring sustained Great Place to Work standards.
  • Partner cross-functionally with business leaders to align training with commercial objectives, monitor impact on retail and distribution performance, and reinforce client and employee experience.
  • Manage L&D budgets, vendors, and external partnerships, ensuring cost-effective delivery of best-in-class training and continuous innovation in learning practices.
  • Serve on the Emiratization Committee, ensuring compliance with national hiring quotas by recruiting UAE nationals with strong competencies and integrating them effectively into the business.



Group Learning & Development Manager

Malia Group (Regional HQ)
11.2018 - 12.2020
  • Upgraded company-wide L&D offerings by designing and delivering innovative workshops, onboarding, and development programs.
  • Built and managed a network of training suppliers while aligning content with competency gaps and organizational needs.
  • Designed and implemented individual learning plans to drive performance, career mobility, and employee growth.
  • Founded Malia Academy and the Wellness & Readership Clubs, introducing programs in upskilling, mental health, and crisis management during COVID-19.
  • Applied project management approaches to execute, track, and continuously improve training initiatives.
  • Developed and managed the annual training budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
  • Represented the company at corporate and HR events, while supporting global affiliates through remote and onsite training visits.

Senior Talent Development Expert

Fattal Holding Group (Regional HQ)
03.2017 - 12.2018
  • Led the design and implementation of talent development initiatives, introducing advanced training topics and continuous follow-up measures.
  • Managed the company’s Performance Management system end-to-end, ensuring objective setting, appraisal processes, and talent reviews were executed effectively.
  • Founded and launched the Fattal Sales Academy, creating a structured framework for sales capability building.
  • Conducted comprehensive training needs analyses to address local and regional skill gaps with targeted programs.
  • Reviewed existing talent development practices to identify and act on opportunities for improvement.
  • Delivered coaching on soft skills to support employee adaptability and change readiness.
  • Delegated specialized tasks across the team to foster fairness, collaboration, and accountability.

Trainer & Development Specialist

Azadea Holding Group (Regional HQ)
01.2013 - 03.2017
  • Designated Sales Excellence trainer across all Inditex brands on a regional scope, delivering large-scale training programs that elevated retail performance and client experience.
  • Introduced the Managing Training & Development (MTD) module into trainer certification, embedding it as a cornerstone of Azadea’s three-part training framework.
  • Conducted regional training needs assessments across diverse markets (Qatar, KSA, Ghana, Algeria, Oman, Cyprus, Bahrain, Egypt, UAE, Jordan), adapting and enhancing training content to local and cultural contexts.
  • Co-founded “Shoulder to Shoulder”, a cross-functional program enabling employees to explore internal mobility and broaden career opportunities through hands-on job rotations.
  • Traveled extensively to train store and back-office teams across MENA and Africa, aligning service standards with global brand expectations and ensuring consistency in customer engagement.
  • Authored facilitator guides and training materials to support scalable delivery and consistent training outcomes across the region.
  • Partnered with brand leaders to embody Inditex retail culture, ensuring that frontline employees translated brand values into daily store performance.

Consular Administrator & Interviewer

Embassy of Hungary
09.2007 - 12.2012
  • Conducted Schengen visa interviews and processed applications in line with EU consular regulations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Supported the embassy in translation, document verification, and general consular services, contributing to efficient daily operations.
  • Balanced full-time university studies while managing professional responsibilities, developing strong organizational and multitasking skills.

Education

Professional Human Resources Diploma -

Haigazian University
01.2016

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - International Business

Lebanon American University
01.2012

Skills

  • Blended training design & delivery
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Onboarding strategies
  • Talent acquisition
  • Soft skills training
  • Assessment tools
  • Career development
  • Workforce planning
  • Learning management systems
  • Succession planning
  • Executive coaching

Certification

  • ICF, 2015 | Coaching Certification
  • PHI Management, 2013 | Train the Trainer Certification
  • Patrick Howell, 2020 | Mindfulness Based Life Coaching Practitioner
  • CIPD | CIPD Level 7 Strategic Learning & Development
  • Talent Management Institute | Certified Global Talent Management Leader (GTML)
  • English Football Association | Certified Football Coach - UEFA lv. D

Languages

English (fluent)
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French (elementary proficiency)
Intermediate (B1)
Arabic
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hungarian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Group Talent Development Leader

SARA Group (Regional HQ)
12.2020 - Current

Group Learning & Development Manager

Malia Group (Regional HQ)
11.2018 - 12.2020

Senior Talent Development Expert

Fattal Holding Group (Regional HQ)
03.2017 - 12.2018

Trainer & Development Specialist

Azadea Holding Group (Regional HQ)
01.2013 - 03.2017

Consular Administrator & Interviewer

Embassy of Hungary
09.2007 - 12.2012

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - International Business

Lebanon American University

Professional Human Resources Diploma -

Haigazian University

Hobbies and Interests

  • Wellbeing & Mindfulness: Freelance life and executive coaching, mindfulness-based practices
  • Sports & Outdoors: Archery, football, fitness, outdoor nature activities
  • Exploration & Learning: World discovery, history

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Abbass Janos Daher