Sherif Soltan
Managing Director
Dubai
Summary
With close to twenty years of dedicated experience in sales and management in the energy industry, complemented by an MBA, I offer a proven track record of building and ramping up businesses to new heights of success. My management philosophy is anchored on two major pillars: curiosity and empowerment. I believe in fostering a culture where curiosity drives innovation, and I empower individuals to execute clear strategies effectively.
My expertise spans strategic planning, team leadership, client relationship management, and market expansion strategies. I have a clear understanding of market dynamics in every possible segment, leveraging this insight alongside strong negotiation skills to drive favorable outcomes.
Operating with a global mindset, I have navigated diverse industries and markets, managing P&L effectively to drive sustainable growth. Passionate about innovation and excellence, I excel in cultivating high-performing teams and fostering a culture of collaboration. Ready to leverage my experience, strategic acumen, and academic background to propel future endeavors to unparalleled success.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Managing Director
BBC Cellpack Middleast
04.2021 - Current
- Created and built the regional strategy with a clear vision and mission for Cellpack electrical products to achieve turnover growth, increase profitability, and establish strong local presence. This involved developing comprehensive plans and objectives aligned with company goals, identifying key market opportunities, and implementing strategies to capitalize on them effectively.
- Established the office in GCC, Dubai, Jebel Ali, starting with a team of one, and expanded to include 5 direct reports and 20 indirect reports.
- Significantly increased business profitability through strategic initiatives, including the successful implementation of value selling strategies that allowed for an increase in product prices without losing market share.
- Successfully doubled market sales in the GCC region for low voltage businesses by implementing targeted sales strategies and expanding the customer base through effective relationship building and market analysis.
- Spearheaded the localization of the business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by establishing a partnership with a leading manufacturer in KSA with very low investment, resulting in a clear increase in the top-line profit. This initiative involved establishing a strong foothold in the local market, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and paving the way for sustained growth and market penetration.
- Achieved substantial growth by increasing our market share in the KSA market through the execution of innovative marketing campaigns, forging strategic partnerships, and adopting customer-centric approaches that resonated with local audiences, positioning the company as a leader in the region.
- Drove successful qualification for our products with DCRP Oman and DEWA UAE, establishing credibility and trust with key clients and regulatory bodies, enhancing our market presence and paving the way for future collaborations and opportunities.
MENA & Turkey Business Development Manager
M&I Materials Middle East
7 2016 - 04.2021
- Identified and pursued valuable business opportunities within my territory (26 countries)
- Taking responsibility of leading Midel product activities in MENA and Turkey region to be considerable solution within electric transformers in different industries such as Utilities and O&G sectors
- Results are double digits growth in area YOY
- Driving the change of end-user’s specifications to adopt MIDEL as essential need in O&G sector
- Ex- Duqm Refinery Oman, 100% MIDEL products
- Developing the Turkey market to reach the highest sales figures in the business's history with a secured business for an upcoming couple of years
- Successfully acquired and coached the sales work force of the region
- Successfully built the agent network of the VIP areas in the MENA region.
UAE/KSA Sales Manager
NEXANS Middle East
04.2014 - 07.2016
- Build product development plan for my region from low presence to 100% Market share in some zones
- Acting as General Manager of the regional office to manage the local/regional business operations
- Established relationships with key decision-makers to promote growth and retention
- Capitalized on different industries trends to strategize/ enhance solutions & business operations
- Represented company and promoted products at conferences and trade association meetings
- Supervised team of 8 Senior sales managers in different countries within my region
- Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory
- Ex- Schneider Electric 100% MIDEL supply for three years
- Monitored competitive activity and market conditions to provide feedback to management
- Directed training and retraining of employees to boost performance and enhance business results.
Export Sector Manager
Nexans - Qatar
01.2013 - 03.2014
- Negotiated and signed long-term frame agreement worthy 30MUSD/Year with leading distributor in ABUDHABI Market
- Exceeded aggressively sales target by 40%.
Domestic Sector Manager
Nexans Qatar
03.2011 - 01.2013
- Got QICC brand approved with end users as ADWEA, FEWA, and DEWA beside major consultants
- Appointed as Market leader to manage survey regarding contractor's activities in UAE and KSA
- Appointed as Project Manager for LV/MV cables product management for UAE market which lead to increase profitability by 2%.
Sales Engineer
Energya Cables - UAE
02.2009 - 03.2011
- Established and boost Dubai office operations
- Achieved Energya brand recognition and approvals within main utilities such as ADWEA, SEWA, DEWA & FEWA
- That’s beside working as Procurement Engineer at Energya Egypt (from 2007 to 2009), responsible mainly for purchasing new manufacturing line of producing automotive cables as well as reducing inventory level 20% without affecting company deliveries.
Education
MBA - Business
University of Manchester
United Kingdom 04.2001 -
Bachelor Degree of Engineering - Engineering
University of Ainshams
Egypt, Cairo 04.2001 -
Skills
Timeline
Managing Director
BBC Cellpack Middleast
04.2021 - Current
UAE/KSA Sales Manager
NEXANS Middle East
04.2014 - 07.2016
Export Sector Manager
Nexans - Qatar
01.2013 - 03.2014
Domestic Sector Manager
Nexans Qatar
03.2011 - 01.2013
Sales Engineer
Energya Cables - UAE
02.2009 - 03.2011
MBA - Business
University of Manchester
04.2001 -
Bachelor Degree of Engineering - Engineering
University of Ainshams
04.2001 -
MENA & Turkey Business Development Manager
M&I Materials Middle East
7 2016 - 04.2021
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