Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Work Preference
Timeline
Generic
SOLOMON MERUGU

SOLOMON MERUGU

Seasoned Senior Professional
Dubai,Dubai

Summary

Seasoned Senior Professional with over 25 years of experience leading large-scale operations, strategic initiatives, and technology-driven projects across diverse global environments. Renowned for expertise in business planning, operations management, sales leadership, and vendor performance. Proven ability to drive organizational growth, streamline processes, and enhance strategic alignment. Adept at building high-performance teams, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and delivering impactful business results.

Work History

CPMO - AVP-Capacity and Resource Management

FIRST ABU DHABI BANK (FAB)
09.2023 - Current
  • Seasoned leader in capacity and resource management within the Central Program Management Office (CPMO).
  • Expertise in optimizing resource allocation, enhancing operational efficiency, and aligning capacity planning with business goals.
  • Analyzed data to identify areas of improvement, implementing changes that resulted in greater operational efficiency.
  • Successfully managed change within the organization, ensuring smooth transitions during periods of restructuring or process improvements.
  • Oversaw talent acquisition efforts, selecting top candidates who contributed significantly to organizational success.
  • Streamlined communication channels between departments, facilitating better collaboration on projects across the organization.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers, securing favorable terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by streamlining processes and implementing new strategies.

Program Manager - Setting up a Subsidiary

FIRST ABU DHABI BANK (FAB)
01.2019 - 08.2023
  • Led the setup of FAB's 100% subsidiary in India (FAB GBS), including legal entity establishment and compliance with company laws.
  • Managed the Administration and Governance related to GBS operations by partnering with Finance/Tax teams and normalizing vendor spend.
  • Subsidiary set up - including MoA, AoA, Capital Infusion, ECB (External Commercial Borrowings), LRN (Loan Registration Number), and following Central Bank's framework, Regulator Submissions, Procuring CB UAE approvals, Telecom Regulatory, Design, Architecture.
  • Performed secretarial function and appointment of directors as per quorum.
  • Managed Board Governance frameworks and was a special invitee for all Board Meetings and Annual General Body Meeting for the Subsidiary.
  • Oversaw key operational areas: entity setup, legal compliance, project budgeting, and vendor management.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Collaborated with business leadership to set priorities based on business needs, resource capacity and risk exposure.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
  • Implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential barriers to project success.
  • Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.

Data Management Consultant

AMOHA Technologies, India
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Consulted for a US Medical Affairs company on pharmaceutical analytics and IT processes, focusing on data auditing, NLP, and process improvements in data mining, scraping, and conversion.
  • Achievements: Standardized data for ~1 million organizations and 2+ million authors.
  • Enhanced script efficiency, increasing batch capacity from 500 to 2,500 scripts (400% increase).
  • Revalidated scripts, identified gaps, and optimized bandwidth for higher production.
  • Streamlined data collection methods to minimize analysis errors.
  • Automated repetitive tasks using scripting languages such as Python or R, saving time during the analytical process significantly.
  • Created and implemented new forecasting models to increase company productivity.
  • Utilized advanced querying, visualization, and analytics tools to analyze and process complex datasets.
  • Streamlined data synchronization across multiple systems, ensuring consistency in information access and usage.

Supplier IT Operations & Performance

Lloyds Banking Group
01.2013 - 01.2015
  • Oversaw delivery for core banking technologies and defined/redefined RFPs/SOWs with UK Lloyds Business Heads.
  • Ensured service levels and performance metrics were met, optimizing workforce for efficient solution delivery.
  • Led a team of Delivery Heads, Client Partners, and SMEs to address gaps, resolve issues, and drive process improvements.
  • Managed contractual relationships and business cases, ensuring compliance with SLAs and KPIs.
  • Achievements: Managed $174M in contractual revenue with 1,800 employees, improving relationships between Lloyds and vendors.
  • Established and negotiated new MSA and SOW contracts, saving $2.5M and reducing operational processes from 15+ days to 5 days (approximately 67% reduction).
  • Accelerated MPLS infrastructure setup from 180 to 45 days (75% reduction), enhancing SLA and KPI metrics, and reducing risk from 60% to 10%.
  • Enhanced overall supplier operations and performance, contributing to significant year-over-year benefits for the bank.
  • Conducted regular audits to maintain compliance with organizational policies and industry regulations.
  • Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, achieving significant cost savings for the organization.

Operations & Delivery Head - Brazil

Tech Mahindra
11.2009 - 01.2013
  • Led the setup of Tech Mahindra Brazil location in Sao Paulo, including legal entity establishment and compliance with local and Head Office company law.
  • Managed the Administration and Governance related to the operations by partnering with HO departments such as HR, Finance, Legal, and Tax teams.
  • Instrumental in conducting due diligence for a merger and acquisition with an organic SAP firm in Brazil, with a headcount of approximately.
  • 500 employees and a revenue of $120M.
  • Managed end-to-end technology and business operations, including application development and support.
  • Led a team of 4 Delivery Managers, 1 Finance/HR Head, and 3 Senior Sales Leaders.
  • Revamped vendor management and established new contracts, including TSA (Technical Service Agreement), enhancing invoice collections and reconciliation.
  • Fostered collaboration across South America, implemented corporate policies, and ensured compliance with local regulations.
  • Represented Gartner Brazil and participated in key conferences with LATAM Ambassadors and Indian officials.
  • Managed large, transformative initiatives impacting multiple delivery channels.
  • Led cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budget constraints.
  • Improved delivery efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously across different verticals ensuring timely delivery of all tasks and milestones.

Supervised delivery staff and general productivity.

Account Manager - Continental Europe (12 Countries)

Tech Mahindra
Hyderabad - Budapest - France - Germany
11.2006 - 08.2009
  • Was heading sales for Continental Europe, new business development, and hunting sales in new territories.
  • Oversaw a team of project managers and analysts in delivering IT solutions across 12 countries.
  • Established a Centre of Excellence for Production Support and implemented an efficient invoice reconciliation process.
  • Expanded business into 4 new countries and set up a Production Support Command Centre.
  • Negotiated contract terms with clients, securing favorable agreements for both parties.
  • Implemented strategies to increase revenue from existing accounts through upselling and cross-selling initiatives.
  • Cultivated long-term relationships with key stakeholders in assigned accounts, fostering trust and loyalty among clients.
  • Spearheaded coordination of cross-functional teams for delivering customized solutions that met client needs.
  • Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions, and close deals.
  • Successfully resolved escalated issues, preventing potential loss of valuable clients while maintaining positive relationships with all parties involved.
  • Maintained a high client retention rate by providing exceptional customer service and anticipating client needs.

Senior Business Systems Analyst- Orlando, FLORIDA

Tech Mahindra
Orlando, Florida
04.2002 - 11.2006
  • Led a team of 6 Technical Analysts for a multinational account across 9 countries.
  • Led the Business Analyst for Vision Plus (First Data) product and was part of the Product development team.
  • Ensure to comply with Master & Visa Card Compliance upgrades.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams, ensuring a cohesive approach to business analysis.
  • Conducted gap analyses to identify discrepancies between current and desired states, leading to actionable recommendations.
  • Implemented Agile methodologies within project teams, increasing overall adaptability and responsiveness.
  • Created detailed user stories for system enhancements, leading to improved functionality and user satisfaction.
  • Provided technical support for troubleshooting analytics and reporting issues.
  • Updated and developed scripts and queries to extract and analyze data from multiple sources.
  • Analyzed data to identify root causes of problems and recommend corrective actions.

Credit & Collections Unit Head

CITICORP Credit Services Limited
01.1997 - 01.2002
  • Managed a diverse portfolio, including Citibank's cards, loans, and AAFA products. Oversaw credit control, collections, risk management, and legal aspects.
  • Recruited and managed vendors for legal, fraud, and collections.
  • Implemented strict collection measures and legal recourse for delinquent accounts.
  • Reconciled collections, sundry accounts, and enforced operational policies across regional offices.
  • Trained staff on customer negotiation and interpersonal skills.
  • Utilized analytical skills to identify trends among delinquent accounts and develop targeted action plans.
  • Collaborated with legal counsel on complex cases, ensuring all necessary documentation was prepared for litigation.
  • Negotiated settlements with customers facing financial hardship to maintain goodwill while recovering outstanding debt.
  • Analyzed applicants' financial status and credit and property evaluations to determine loan feasibility.

Credit Card Authorizations & Merchant Services

CITICORP Credit Services Limited
01.1993 - 01.1997
  • First member of the team to be part of credit card authorizations and merchant services in Hyderabad.
  • Streamlined the process of analyzing transaction data, increasing efficiency within the department.
  • Reduced credit card fraud by implementing effective monitoring and detection strategies. Identified potential fraudulent activities through meticulous data analysis and pattern recognition.
  • Reviewed transactions and receipts to identify any suspicious activity.
  • Supported the launch of new sales programs by providing valuable feedback from merchants during pilot phases.
  • Ensured timely handling of disputes by coordinating resolutions between issuing banks, cardholders, and merchants.

Territory Sales Incharge

Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL)
09.1991 - 03.1992
  • Implemented territory management plans, organizing daily activities efficiently for maximum results.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely deliveries and accurate inventory data.
  • Led a team of distribution staff, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
  • Evaluated current storage practices regularly; reorganized warehouse layout for better space utilization.
  • Kept documentation and records accurate and up-to-date with latest data to prevent errors in processing or delivery.
  • Conducted periodic audits of inventory levels to ensure accuracy, identifying discrepancies for swift resolution.

Education

Global Business Leadership Program -

U21 Global & Harvard Business School

Master of Business Administration - undefined

Osmania University, India

Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management - undefined

India

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications - undefined

India

Skills

Operations Management

Certification

Enhancing Financials skills - FAB & ADGM

Accomplishments

  • Panel Member, Indo-Hispanic Conference - Central University, Hyderabad
  • Point of Contact for Gartner Brazil from Tech Mahindra
  • Official Photographer for the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI)
  • Photojournalist for Golf Plus Monthly
  • Completed a documentary for Tanager, an initiative for the United Nations Development Program
  • Media Partner for Project STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)

Affiliations

  • Member designate on Advisory Board group
  • Active Media related Participant in all the industry best Dubai Fashion Industry
  • Well, networked with business leaders and with high-level diplomats of Latin American countries.

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

On-SiteHybridRemote

Timeline

CPMO - AVP-Capacity and Resource Management

FIRST ABU DHABI BANK (FAB)
09.2023 - Current

Program Manager - Setting up a Subsidiary

FIRST ABU DHABI BANK (FAB)
01.2019 - 08.2023

Data Management Consultant

AMOHA Technologies, India
01.2017 - 01.2018

Supplier IT Operations & Performance

Lloyds Banking Group
01.2013 - 01.2015

Operations & Delivery Head - Brazil

Tech Mahindra
11.2009 - 01.2013

Account Manager - Continental Europe (12 Countries)

Tech Mahindra
11.2006 - 08.2009

Senior Business Systems Analyst- Orlando, FLORIDA

Tech Mahindra
04.2002 - 11.2006

Credit & Collections Unit Head

CITICORP Credit Services Limited
01.1997 - 01.2002

Credit Card Authorizations & Merchant Services

CITICORP Credit Services Limited
01.1993 - 01.1997

Territory Sales Incharge

Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL)
09.1991 - 03.1992

Global Business Leadership Program -

U21 Global & Harvard Business School

Master of Business Administration - undefined

Osmania University, India

Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management - undefined

India

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications - undefined

India
SOLOMON MERUGUSeasoned Senior Professional