Irfan Kawoosa

CEO

Dubai, United Arab Emirates12 yrs 6 mos experience
Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Led international expansion for EV ecosystems.
  • Achieved fivefold revenue growth in one year.
  • Built scalable market strategies across diverse industries.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a B2B growth strategist with expertise in international market expansion and revenue optimization.

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Skills

Core Skills

International ExpansionMarket EntryRevenue & Profit GrowthBusiness DevelopmentPartnershipsFundraisingMarket ResearchMarket PenetrationBusiness OperationsMarket ExpansionCorporate SalesMarket DevelopmentInternational Business DevelopmentDemand & Supply StrategyE-commerce

Other Skills

Business AlliancesBusiness AnalysisBusiness NetworkingBusiness scalingBusiness-to-Business (B2B)Channel PartnersClient RelationsClient ServicesCompetitive AnalysisConsultative Sales ManagementContract NegotiationCross-Border OperationsCross-functional Team LeadershipCustomer AcquisitionCustomer Profitability

About

I am a Business & Public Administration graduate with over 9 years of experience in business development, international expansion, and revenue growth, working across multiple industries and geographies. My core strength lies in building new markets from scratch and scaling them through a mix of strategy, partnerships, and on-ground execution. Currently, I serve as Assistant Vice President – International Expansion at Statiq, where I lead the company’s expansion across the UAE and Middle East. I am responsible for market entry strategy, go-to-market planning, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, revenue diversification, and international operations, with a strong focus on building scalable and commercially viable EV ecosystems. In my role, I work closely with government entities, regulators, enterprise customers, developers, and strategic partners to align business objectives with local market requirements. I have been deeply involved in setting up regional operations, planning local manufacturing and assembly, structuring partnerships, and driving consistent revenue growth in a new and competitive market. Prior to Statiq, I led market expansion and portfolio growth at GuestHouser and BluSalz (Hospitality & Holiday homes), driving entry into key Indian markets adding 100+ properties to the portfolio. I have also built and exited an entrepreneurial venture in handicrafts and traditional art, giving me first-hand experience of building businesses end-to-end. My professional journey spans EV Auto Tech, EdTech, Luxury Retail, and Hospitality, allowing me to transfer growth strategies across industries while adapting to local market dynamics. I have consistently worked on new revenue creation, market penetration, and scaling operations, balancing long-term strategy with day-to-day execution. Earlier in my career, I spent a year preparing for the Indian Civil Services, an experience that shaped my approach to leadership through discipline, resilience, and long-term thinking, values I apply to complex business and growth challenges. I thrive in high-growth and startup environments, particularly where ambiguity exists and markets need to be built rather than inherited. I believe strong outcomes come from clarity of strategy, depth of execution, and collaborative partnerships, with just enough humour to keep the journey enjoyable.

Experience

Statiq

4 roles

Assistant Vice President - Head of International Expansion

Promoted

Apr 2024Present · 1 yr 11 mos · On-site

  • Launched and scaled Statiq’s operations in the UAE from ground zero, establishing the company’s presence across the Gulf and Middle East and building the foundation for long-term regional growth.
  • Designed and executed the UAE market entry and go-to-market strategy, covering regulatory alignment, pricing models, partner ecosystem development, and revenue architecture across hardware, software, services, and enterprise deployments.
  • Spearheading strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and government collaborations, enabling accelerated market access and scalable execution across commercial, enterprise, and public-sector customers.
  • Leading the setup of regional manufacturing, assembly, and distribution capabilities, aligning operations with local compliance, industrial policies, and cost optimisation goals.
  • Managing high-stake negotiations with regulators, utilities, developers, fleet operators, and enterprise stakeholders to structure long-term partnerships and large-scale deployments.
  • Overseeing end-to-end international operations, including business development, commercial strategy, partnerships, project execution, and local team setup.
  • Scaled UAE revenues to approximately AED 1M per month within the first 9 months of launch, demonstrating strong product-market fit and rapid adoption.
  • Projecting ~AED 25M in annual revenue by year-end, driven by diversified revenue streams including EV charging hardware, software subscriptions, enterprise solutions, and strategic partnerships.
  • Targeting 11–13% market share in the UAE EV charging market, supported by a growing order pipeline, long-term contracts, and multi-year partnerships.
Financial PlanningMiddle East MarketsStartupsMarket PenetrationEurope, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)Government Relations+34

Business Head - Vertical

Oct 2023Apr 2024 · 6 mos · On-site

  • Strategic Asset Sale: With a keen eye for opportunity and a deep understanding of market dynamics, I have successfully orchestrated strategic asset sales, enabling the company to raise vital funds while optimising our portfolio for enhanced performance and value.
  • Partnerships: Helped forge impactful partnerships with key industry players such as Tata Motors, MG Motors, MercedesBenz, Audi etc fostering collaborative ventures that expand our reach, capabilities, and market presence. These alliances have not only bolstered our competitive edge but have also paved the way for mutually beneficial growth opportunities.
  • 5x Growth Achievement via-a-vis FY21-22 - FY22-23: With strategic planning and execution, I've contributed significantly to a notable fivefold increase in the company's revenue and market share. By introducing innovative strategies and promoting a culture of ongoing improvement, I've guided the organisation toward sustainable growth and enhanced success.
  • New Business Initiatives: Recognising the importance of innovation and adaptability, I have spearheaded the conception and implementation of new business initiatives aimed at diversifying revenue streams and driving future growth through strategic collaborations with partners, we've accelerated cash flow and streamlined project breakeven periods. From market expansion strategies (Regional footprint optimisation) to product innovation initiatives (Launch of market fit AC & DC chargers), I have been a part of cross-functional teams in bringing bold ideas to fruition, ensuring our continued relevance and competitiveness in a dynamic marketplace.
Financial PlanningMiddle East MarketsStartupsPartner Relationship ManagementFinancial ModelingMarket Penetration+46

Head of Investor & Franchise Relations

Promoted

Dec 2022Apr 2024 · 1 yr 4 mos · On-site

  • Tasked with raising funds through strategic asset sales, I stepped into the role with limited knowledge of finance but an unlimited willingness to dive headfirst into uncharted waters. Saying "no" was never my style, so I laced up my metaphorical running shoes and sprinted into the challenge.
  • The journey was nothing short of exhilarating. From crafting innovative revenue models to forging sustainable partnerships with investors, I along with the team navigated the twists and turns with persistence and creativity. Each day brought new opportunities and new spreadsheets as we worked toward achieving our ambitious targets. Along the way, I discovered that "trial and error" is less about failure and more about fine-tuning for success.
  • Eventually, we not only hit our goals but also identified a go-to-market (GTM) fit that aligned with our broader vision. The experience was a masterclass in adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking peppered with moments of brilliance and the occasional “why didn’t we think of this sooner?” epiphany.
  • In hindsight, it was a wild ride, but one that reinforced my belief in saying yes to challenges, no matter how daunting they seem at first. After all, growth isn’t just about the numbers it’s about the journey to get there.
Relationship BuildingFinancial PlanningStartupsPartner Relationship ManagementMarket PenetrationGovernment Relations+30

Manager of Anything/Everything/Random

Aug 2021Dec 2022 · 1 yr 4 mos · On-site

  • As a core team member of a newly minted organization, I wore every hat imaginable (and a few that didn’t exist) to keep things running smoothly and aligned with the founders' vision. From brainstorming groundbreaking ideas to fixing the ones that broke, my days were a mix of ideation, execution, analysis, and more than occasional fire-fighting, all while pretending I knew what exactly I was doing.
  • At the core of it all was our mission: creating a sustainable way to drive sustainable mobility. Whether it was taking bold leaps or learning (sometimes the hard way) what not to do, I embraced the startup chaos to build a greener, more innovative future. Rinse and repeat was the mantra and we did it all with resilience, creativity, and a sense of humor intact.
StartupsMarket PenetrationMarket ResearchTeam BuildingRevenue & Profit GrowthMarket Entry+13

Blusalz hospitality pvt ltd

Manager - Business Development & Growth

Aug 2020Sep 2021 · 1 yr 1 mo · New Delhi, Delhi, India

  • As a part of the early stage core-team at Blusalz Hospitality. I helped develop new markets and acquire new properties into the portfolio.
  • Responsible for overall supply through acquisition of new properties.
  • P&L management.
  • Set up India wide Channel Partner network.
Relationship BuildingStartupsMarket PenetrationMarket ResearchCustomer ProfitabilityRevenue & Profit Growth+20

Guesthouser

Manager - Luxury Home Consultation

May 2019May 2020 · 1 yr · Gurugram, Haryana, India

  • Guesthouser - A hospitality-tech company on the lines of Airbnb with an addition of in-house services to the guests.
  • Spearheaded expansion to Goa, Lonavala acquiring around 100 new properties.
  • Projected revenue worth 7 Crores for the FY 2019-20. Highest growth rate achieved.
  • Headed B2B tie-ups & partnerships with real estate companies.
  • The company was shutdown due to COVID outbreak.
Relationship BuildingStartupsMarket PenetrationMarket ResearchCustomer ProfitabilityRevenue & Profit Growth+19

Kawoosa arts & crafts

2 roles

Head of Corporate Sales

Sep 2016Apr 2019 · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • Headed corporate sales of Handicrafts, Luxury interiors & furnishings.
  • Onboarded chain stores for high volume sales including Tijori Stores (Oberoi Hotels), Sandouk Stores (Trident Hotels), Khazana Stores by Taj Hotels, AUX Stores (Lalit Hospitality Group) channelised high volume sale of handicrafts through these chain stores.
  • Worked with The Leela Kempinski Hotels, Marriot International, Rohit Bal, Sage Machado, Embassy of Italy, Embassy of France, Embassy of United Kingdom amongst many for corporate sales.
Relationship BuildingFinancial PlanningPartner Relationship ManagementMarket PenetrationEurope, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)International Joint Ventures+35

International Business Development Manager

Jul 2015Aug 2016 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Responsible for developing the International market for handicrafts export. Developed volume buyers in China, Japan, Australia, US, Germany, Switzerland, Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia. Worked extensively with these markets.
Relationship BuildingPartner Relationship ManagementMarket PenetrationEurope, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)International Joint VenturesMarket Research+24

Career break

Career transition

Apr 2013Jun 2015 · 2 yrs 2 mos · New Delhi, Delhi

  • Took a break to pursue Indian Civil Services (UPSC)

Indigo kashmir

Co-Founder - Demand & Supply Strategy

Oct 2011Feb 2013 · 1 yr 4 mos · Srinagar Area, India

  • Founded an online platform for online sales of local produce of Jammu & Kashmir including Handicrafts, Dry fruits, Apparel & accessories. Bootstrapped since the inception, we received orders worth 75 lacs with a profit margin of 40% during 3 quarters of 2012. Had to shut due to regional instability which affected internet.
Relationship BuildingFinancial PlanningStartupsMarket PenetrationEurope, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)Market Research+24

Education

Indira Gandhi National Open University

Master of Arts - MA — Public Administration

Jan 2016Jan 2018

University of Kashmir

Bachelor's Degree

Jan 2011Jan 2014

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