Jan 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 2 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Hybrid

• Helping businesses fix their product messes since before it was a LinkedIn trend.
• At UMC, we work with startups and mid-sized businesses to simplify the chaos - think product strategy, technology implementation, and digital transformation that actually move the needle. Whether it’s launching a product, optimizing operations, or rethinking a roadmap, we turn big ideas into real outcomes (without the fluff).
• With 15+ years in product management, software development, and business consulting - including scaling operations for major retail and e-commerce brands in the Middle East, Africa & India - I’ve learned most companies don’t need “more features,” they need smarter execution.
• What we do best:
• Product consulting with a business-first approach
• Reduce time-to-market and accelerate product development cycles
• Implement tech that boosts operational efficiency and customer experience
• Align business strategy with scalable, measurable execution
• Act as startup advisors and fractional product heads
• We don’t just give advice - we build, implement, and deliver. If you want a partner who understands growth, scalability, and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo (or your slide decks), you’re in the right place.

Nov 2021 – Jan 2024 · 2 yrs 2 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Eyewa is a prominent eyewear company operating both online and through its network of 100+ stores in the GCC region. With a wide range of products, including sunglasses, eyeglasses, colored contact lenses, and accessories, Eyewa is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of its customers across multiple channels.
• In my role at Eyewa, Ieading all product initiatives for the supply-chain and operations function. With a keen focus on optimizing efficiency and driving seamless operations, I also had the ownership of managing backend systems, ensuring smooth and streamlined processes throughout the organization

Feb 2020 – Oct 2021 · 1 yr 8 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• About the Group:
• Ghassan Aboud Group (GAG) is a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with diversified interests across automotive, retail, FMCG, logistics, media, and hospitality, operating in over 100 countries with regional hubs in the UAE, Belgium, Australia, and Jordan.
• Role Overview:
• As Head of Digital, led the group’s end-to-end digital transformation and product initiatives across multiple business verticals — automotive, grocery retail, logistics, and e-commerce.
• Worked directly with C-suite leadership to define the group’s digital roadmap, streamline operations, and build customer-centric platforms that drove measurable growth in revenue, efficiency, and experience.
• Built cross-functional teams from scratch, aligning strategy, design, and engineering to deliver scalable digital solutions across B2B and B2C businesses. Oversaw enterprise systems integration, process automation, and the rollout of group-wide tech standards.

Jan 2019 – Feb 2020 · 1 yr 1 mo · On-site

Feb 2017 – Jan 2019 · 1 yr 11 mos · On-site

Oct 2016 – Feb 2017 · 4 mos · On-site

• At Al Tayer Retail, I was at the forefront of transforming traditional retail operations into a digitally agile, customer-first ecosystem. With a mandate to grow online revenue, improve fulfillment efficiency, and create a seamless Omni-channel experience, I led a series of high-impact projects that drove business expansion and operational excellence.
• Built and Launched 5 Digital-First Brands
• Successfully launched and scaled five online brands—Mamas & Papas, Ounass, Nisnass, Nass, and Gap contributing to a significant uplift in digital revenue and brand visibility across the GCC.
• GCC-Wide Expansion & Operational Scale-Up
• Enabled cross-border business expansion by rolling out new warehouses and last-mile capabilities in all GCC countries, supporting international order growth and faster delivery SLAs.
• Single View of Inventory Implementation
• Spearheaded the integration of store and warehouse inventory, resulting in a unified inventory model. This drove a 70% increase in product availability for online shoppers and enabled true Omni-channel commerce.
• Cost Optimization Through Logistics Innovation
• Led strategic initiatives like Ship-from-Store and Warehouse Consolidation, which collectively reduced cross-country logistics costs by 30%, while improving delivery speed and flexibility.
• Seamless Order Fulfillment & Delivery Experience
• Oversaw end-to-end fulfillment operations, ensuring high on-time delivery rates and maintaining a strong customer experience across all digital channels.
• Business Alignment & Stakeholder Management
• Collaborated closely with commercial, tech, and ops stakeholders to define new features and enhancements, translating business needs into scalable, tech-enabled solutions.
• Website Operations & Issue Resolution
• Managed the digital operations team, swiftly resolving critical bugs and performance bottlenecks to ensure minimal downtime and optimal user experience.

Aug 2013 – Oct 2016 · 3 yrs 2 mos · London Area, United Kingdom

• At Tesco, I analyzed category order volumes for TESCO Direct, effectively supporting the achievement of business forecasts and sales targets. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in category management, providing valuable analysis on customer lead times and enhancing operational efficiency within the seller ecosystem. Collaborating closely with C-Suite and senior management, I delivered data-driven insights to drive operational initiatives.

Oct 2011 – Aug 2013 · 1 yr 10 mos

• In my role at Target, I analyzed and interpreted product/ inventory data to drive sourcing and merchandising decisions. This involved tracking SKU performance, monitoring customer demand, and predicting market trends. I provided insights into the optimal product mix and identified opportunities for new product introductions.
• Additionally, I played a key role in vendor selection and management by evaluating vendor performance and product quality.

Jan 2010 – Oct 2011 · 1 yr 9 mos