Saad Toma

CEO

Dubai, United Arab Emirates36 yrs 1 mo experience

Most Likely To SwitchAI Enabled

Key Highlights

Led IBM's growth across Middle East and Africa.
Established AI Centres of Excellence in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
Forged strategic partnerships with leading clients.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a senior leader in technology services with a focus on AI and cloud solutions.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Business OperationsAiBusiness DevelopmentArtificial IntelligenceBusiness AlliancesCloudTechnology SolutionsTechnical SupportService ManagementStrategyBusiness Management

Other Skills

AI ImplementationBusiness IntelligenceBusiness ProcessBusiness Process ImprovementBusiness StrategyClient EngagementClient ManagementClient RelationshipsData CenterDay-to-Day OperationsDigital PlatformsEnterprise SoftwareHybrid CloudIT OutsourcingIT Service Management

About

Saad Toma is the General Manager of IBM Middle East and Africa, where he leads the company’s growth and innovation across technology sales, consulting, technical communities, and IBM Research. He is deeply committed to advancing IBM’s success in the region by focusing on client relationships, talent development, and transformative technologies like AI and hybrid cloud. Under Saad’s leadership, IBM has expanded its regional presence, opening new headquarters and a software lab in Saudi Arabia, initiating an AI research collaboration with MBZUAI in the UAE, including plans for two AI Centres of Excellence in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. During his tenure, IBM has led several strategic partnerships with leading clients like Riyadh Air, e&, Saudi Data and AI Authority. Saad is a global leader with extensive experience across the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, UK, and Europe. He holds degrees from Oxford Brookes University and the University of Southampton, along with executive education from Harvard University.

Experience

Ibm

11 roles

General Manager, IBM Middle East & Africa

Promoted

Jul 2021 – Present · 4 yrs 8 mos

Responsible for IBM’s overall business operations in 67 countries across Middle East, Africa and Turkey, driving business growth and client satisfaction.

Business OperationsClient RelationshipsTalent DevelopmentTransformative TechnologiesAIHybrid Cloud

General Manager, Global Technology Services

May 2019 – Jul 2021 · 2 yrs 2 mos

Lead IBM's largest business across multiple countries in AP and working with clients to deliver value as they transform through Cloud, AI and Digital Platforms.

CloudAIDigital PlatformsClient Engagement

Chief Operating Officer

Promoted

May 2015 – Jul 2021 · 6 yrs 2 mos

Lead the operational discipline and profit performance for IBM's Global Technology Services to ensure consistent and profitable revenue growth.

Operational DisciplineProfit PerformanceRevenue GrowthBusiness Operations

General Manager, IBM Global Services Middle East & Africa

Jul 2011 – May 2015 · 3 yrs 10 mos

Operating at CEO level, Saad is General Manager, IBM Global Technology Services and is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of over 50 countries in Middle East & Africa - one of IBM's focus growth market units. Named to his current position in July 2011, Saad leads a team of professionals who provide industry-leading services and innovative solutions to help clients address some of their most difficult business challenges – locally and globally. Experience in start up operations of business unit and scale.

Strategic DirectionDay-to-Day OperationsService DeliveryBusiness Operations

General Manager, Global Technology Services

Sep 2008 – Dec 2011 · 3 yrs 3 mos

Oversee and lead IBM's technology services business in Canada - a business that delivers innovative technology solutions for corporate and mid size clients across multiple industries. A growing business that builds on IBM's global expertise and competencies.

Technology SolutionsClient Engagement

General Manager, IBM Americas Group

Jul 2007 – Sep 2008 · 1 yr 2 mos

Responsible for the US, Canadian and LA operations of IBM's maintenance, technical support and services. This business provided clients with a broad range of highly available services and solutions.

Technical SupportMaintenance Services

General Manager, Technical Services, IBM Northeast Europe

Jun 2005 – Jun 2007 · 2 yrs

Responsible for the day to day operation and management of the industry's leading services and support organization. Based in Zurich, Switerland, Mr Toma lead IBM's Northeast European operations which encompassed UK, Germany, Nordic countries, Switzland, Austria, Ireland and Central Europe.

Service ManagementSupport Organization

Vice President, EMEA

Feb 2002 – Jun 2005 · 3 yrs 4 mos

Based in Paris, France, Mr Toma was responible for the strategy, business development and operations at IBM's Integrated Technology Services providing assets and solutions to client in over 50 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Business DevelopmentOperations Management

Vice President, Delivery Management

Promoted

Jan 1998 – Jan 2002 · 4 yrs

Based in Raleigh, NC, Mr Toma held position in strategy, planning and development of IBM's North American delivery startegy for existing strategic outsourcing clients as well as new emerging markets such as e-business hosting services.

StrategyBusiness Development

Director, Personal Systems Group

Jan 1995 – Jan 1998 · 3 yrs

StrategyPlanning

Director, Hardware Options and Accessories

Jan 1990 – Jan 1995 · 5 yrs

Based in UK, Mr Toma was responsible for the options business that included storage, LAN adaptors and displays for the PC division - critial components for PC optimization as well as the profit mix of the business unit.

Business ManagementProduct Optimization