Pratik Nihalani
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Accomplished business development professional with over 13 years of experience in revenue growth, corporate structuring, and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to generate AED 2.5M–3M in annual revenue, achieving up to 158% of sales targets through strategic client advisory and process optimization. Expertise in stakeholder engagement and international market expansion, utilizing tools like Zoho CRM for effective sales pipeline management. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and leading teams in conformity assessment and certification initiatives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Business Setup Advisor
Creative Zone
Dubai, U.A.E
2023.10 - Current
- Generated AED 2.5M–3M annual revenue, consistently achieving ~95% of targets, with peak performance at 158% in a single month
- Closed 68+ deals annually across mainland, free zone, and offshore structures, covering licenses, visas, banking, tax, and advisory services
- Built and managed a diversified pipeline via marketing leads, referrals, and partners, with 20% self-generated leads, improving deal ownership and margins
- Advised startups, SMEs, MNCs, and HNWIs on market entry, expansion, and asset protection strategies across UAE and common law jurisdictions
- Structured complex corporate frameworks including SPVs, Holding Companies, and Foundations in DIFC, ADGM, and RAK ICC, enabling asset protection and capital raising
- Led strategic advisory on multi-country expansion projects, including structuring for a luxury hotel group entering African markets
- Managed high-value restructuring mandates for diversified groups (retail, agriculture), aligning legal, tax, and operational frameworks
- Reduced sales cycle time by collaborating with Zoho developers to automate workflows, improving conversion efficiency and turnaround time
- Contributed to process design for new DIFC entity setup, enhancing operational scalability and compliance alignment
- Participated in cross-functional marketing initiatives to improve lead quality and conversion rates
- Recognized as Top Sales Performer (1x) and nominated twice within a 20-member sales team
Senior Executive – Quality
Landmark Group
Dubai, U.A.E
2020.09 - 2022.12
- Managed end-to-end quality and regulatory compliance for multiple product categories including electrical appliances, lighting, IT products, and food contact materials across Middle East and Egypt
- Reduced operational costs by 7% in the electrical category through strategic renegotiation with global laboratories
- Led compliance alignment with international and regional standards through coordination with BV, SGS, TÜV, SASO, and ESMA
- Enabled successful multi-country product launches by ensuring timely certification, inspection, and regulatory approvals
- Established robust inspection and quality control frameworks, reducing non-compliance risks and improving product acceptance rates
- Acted as a central liaison between buyers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, accelerating approval timelines and minimizing delays
Senior Conformity Engineer
SGS Gulf Limited
Dubai, U.A.E
2014.02 - 2020.09
- Delivered 10% business growth in the RoHS certification segment by acquiring new clients and expanding service adoption
- Led a team of 9 engineers, ensuring adherence to certification timelines and productivity KPIs across ESMA programs
- Developed and implemented Conformity Assessment Instructions, improving process standardization and audit readiness
- Achieved high client retention through a customer-first advisory approach, driving repeat business across multiple certification services
- Spearheaded the ADQCC lighting certification project, including team training and operational rollout
- Conducted international audits across UAE, Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia covering electrical safety, RoHS, FCM, risk management, and QMS
- Supported clients in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, improving compliance turnaround and approval success rates
Team Leader – Alienware
Dell Middle East
Dubai, U.A.E.
2011.10 - 2014.01
- Drove 9% year-on-year sales growth, strengthening market positioning of Alienware as a premium gaming brand
- Expanded regional market presence by developing channel engagement and customer acquisition strategies
- Led frontline sales operations, contributing to increased revenue volume and brand visibility
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Heriot Watt University
Dubai, U.A.E 09/2010 - 06/2013
Skills
- Business Development & Revenue Growth
- Corporate Structuring (SPVs, HoldCos, Foundations)
- Regulatory Compliance & Quality Management Systems
- Client Advisory (Startups, SMEs, MNCs, HNWIs)
- Sales Pipeline & CRM Management (Zoho CRM)
- Stakeholder & Partner Management
- Process Optimization & Automation
- International Market Expansion
- Conformity Assessment & Certification
- Team Leadership & Training
Languages
English
Fluent
Hindi
Advanced
Urdu
Upper intermediate
Arabic
Beginner
Accomplishments
- Awarded Salesperson of the Month Award.
- Nominated 2x for the Salesperson of the Month Award
- President’s Scholarship – University of Waterloo, Canada
- Founder & President – University Engineering Society
Certification
- ISO 9001 and ISO 50001 Lead Auditor
- Technical Certifications – Dubai Central Laboratory (EN & IEC Standards)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Business Setup Advisor
Creative Zone
2023.10 - Current
Senior Executive – Quality
Landmark Group
2020.09 - 2022.12
Senior Conformity Engineer
SGS Gulf Limited
2014.02 - 2020.09
Team Leader – Alienware
Dell Middle East
2011.10 - 2014.01
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Heriot Watt University
09/2010 - 06/2013