Aug 2025 – Present · 9 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Remote

• I partner with Pharma Talent Leadership Team to design and deliver a plug-and-play HR infrastructure that supports their expansion into the Middle East and assist with global transformation of the HR infrastructure. My work includes building HR systems from the ground up, creating clear policies, processes, and compliance frameworks, and training their internal team to confidently and compliantly manage day-to-day HR operations. The goal is to build and set up fully operational, scalable HR function that enables Pharma Talent to focus on growth while navigating the region’s unique regulatory and cultural landscape as well as support their global international HR infrastructure.

Jan 2025 – Present · 1 yr 4 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Remote

• Provided mentorship to startups and scale ups in Dubai, UAE, focusing on HR and talent acquisition strategy.
• Guided companies in setting up HR functions to drive growth and success in the competitive market.

May 2024 – Present · 2 yrs · United Arab Emirates · On-site

• I run a licensed HR setup and recruitment consultancy that specialises in hands-on A to Z HR setup, recruitment solutions, and fractional and retained HR partnerships for startups, scale-ups and small businesses in Middle East and the UAE.
• Why startups and scale-ups? Because I understand that in the early days, founders need to focus on product, sales, and profitability. But I also know that building your HR function early is not a nice-to-have - it is essential. It directly impacts your success, employee retention, and the kind of workplace you are building for the long run.
• That is where I come in. I make sure HR setup and the recruitment of top talent is fully taken care of, so you can focus on running your business.
• Here is what I offer:
• ➤ HR Consulting, Retained & Fractional HR and Talent Acquistion Partnership
• Whether you are starting from scratch or need to upgrade what you already have, I help build and optimise HR functions from the ground up. You can choose a full A to Z HR setup package or opt for fractional HR support tailored to your needs. I also train your internal team and provide guidance on policies, performance reviews, talent management, and compliance with UAE labor law.
• ➤ Recruitment & Executive Search
• I do not just fill roles, I find the right people who will drive your business forward. From job profiling to sourcing, headhunting, screening, and interviews, I manage the entire recruitment process. My network and personal approach help attract high-impact candidates who align with your company goals.
• ➤ Employee Training & Development
• I deliver training and coaching that actually sticks. From leadership development to executive coaching, soft skills, and team-building workshops, I help your people grow so your business can scale with confidence.

Aug 2022 – Dec 2023 · 1 yr 4 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates · On-site

• Being the second employee of the company after the CEO hired to develop and lead HR, and Admin departments and be the first HR Director hired for a high-growth fintech cryptocurrency exchange startup. M2 is a next-generation crypto investment exchange based in UAE and backed by the UAE and world pioneers of crypto mining and investments, specializing in building fintech, digital, crypto, and blockchain solutions with operations in UAE and globally with a team of over 300 employees. Hired to set up from the ground up the entire HR function and lead initiatives that support the Company’s ambition and vision of expansion and growth.
• Develop and implement elements of a high-performing, sustainable organization that achieves operational excellence
• Partner with the Leadership and C suite team to ensure alignment with vision and strategy
• Identify, develop, and roll out initiatives, strategies, processes, policies, and plans that build a robust, sustainable organization across all departments and functions, locally and globally
• Through performance management ensure all functional areas are fully aligned with the organizational strategy
• Lead, design, and implement recruitment strategy and talent acquisition program and lead the team of in-house recruiters, manage budgets
• Anticipate key business opportunities & establish the best operational solutions by ensuring the best talent acquisition and the most innovative systems are implemented
• Direct employee relations and development activities. Provide mentoring to managers to promote positive employee relations and engagement efforts
• Create a culture of Employee Engagement that delivers a highly motivated & loyal workforce
• Areas of Expertise: Strategic & Operational HR, Crypto, Fintech, Blockchain, Startups, Digital, Operations, Government, HR Management, HR Transformation, Talent Acquisition, UAE Labor Law & Compliance, Total Rewards, Policies & Procedures, HR Leadership, ADGM, Payroll, Projects, HRMS

Jan 2022 – Jul 2022 · 6 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hired to lead HR department and be the first HR Director hire for a high-growth fintech engineering startup specializing in building custom made fintech, digital, crypto and blockchain solutions for global customers with operations in UAE and other global locations with team of 50 employees. Hired to structure and optimize entire HR function and lead initiatives that support Company’s ambition and vision of expansion and growth.
• GOALS:
• Develop and implement elements of a high performing, sustainable organization that achieves operational excellence
• Partner with the Leadership team to ensure alignment with vision and strategy
• Identify, develop and roll out initiatives, strategies, processes, policies, and plans that build a robust, sustainable organization across all departments and functions, locally and globally
• Through performance management systems ensure all functional areas are fully aligned with the organizational strategy
• Build policies and guidelines, introduce employment handbook
• Select HRMS software and onboard it
• Lead, design and implement recruitment strategy and talent acquisition program and lead the team of in house recruiters, manage budgets
• Anticipate key business opportunities and establish best operational solutions by ensuring best talent acquisition and the most robust systems are implemented
• Bring in market best practices and new L&D trends
• Direct employee relations and development activities. Provide mentoring to managers to promote positive employee relations and engagement efforts
• Create a culture of Employee Engagement that delivers highly motivated and loyal workforce
• Areas of Expertise: Strategic & Operational HR, Crypto, Fintech, Blockchain, Startups, Digital, Human Resources, Government, HR Management, HR Transformation, Talent Acquisition, Onboarding & Offboarding, UAE Labour Law & Compliance, Total Rewards, Policies & Procedures, HR Leadership, Recruitment, Budgeting, Payroll, Operations

Oct 2017 – Present · 8 yrs 7 mos · United Arab Emirates · On-site

• Founder, Leadership & Career Coaching, Executive Coaching, CV & LinkedIn Optimization, Corporate Workshops, Learning & Development Initiatives, Clinical and NLP Hypnotherapist, CBT, NLP, Energy Leadership Master Practitioner

Mar 2013 – Jan 2022 · 8 yrs 10 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• HR: Group head of HR / HR Director for the Holding of 15 UAE based companies and close cooperation with other global locations, including coordination and communication among 15 companies, 7 different teams and 65 people of various nationalities and backgrounds.
• Operational & Strategic HR: Collaborated with management and successfully set up, established and managed an efficient and well-functioning HR department from company’s establishment stage, benchmarking to best market practices. Identified and introduced successful HR solutions by research, data analysis, policy development, documentation and guidance for the implementation of a successful HR function and business policies in UAE operations. Optimized and enhanced existing procedures and applied improved ones and managed its implementation both in UAE and in cooperation with company international subsidiaries and accordingly to UAE Employment & Labour Law, relevant free zones or applicable country law. Partnered with Management to deliver a well-functioning, effective and up to date HR services with best HRMS systems as SAGE. Advised and established an excellent collaboration with Operations, PRO and Administration Departments. Demonstrated excellence in HR regulatory compliance and UAE Labour and Employment Laws, in particular DIFC, DMCC and JAFZA. Coordinated and advised with management for yearly performance reviews, setting goals, designing new appraisal formats, performing salary benchmarking and reward structures. Introduced and successfully adopted a number of HR initiatives, which boosted performance and profitability and increased engagement.
• Specialties: Operational HR, Strategic HR, HR Process Design, HR Policies, Recruitment and Selection, Onboarding, Compensation, Payroll & Benefits, Manpower Planning & Budgeting, Organizational Planning, Team Building & Talent Management, Employee Engagement, Talent Acquisition & Retention, Learning & Development, Coaching & Mentoring, Performance Management

Nov 2011 – Mar 2013 · 1 yr 4 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hired to set up centralized HR function in UAE in collaboration with Management, Administration, PRO departments. Additionally ran the fit out project of new DIFC office from shell and core to completion and supervised all suppliers and service providers for the project.
• Was actively engaged in setting up, sourcing, securing, designing and facilitating administrative and operational processes in order to accommodate company and its team. Negotiated and performed regularly financial cost analysis to validate the economic and financial viability of proposed projects in order to minimize the costs of the supporting services and to performed quality analysis in order to choose the most qualified service providers. Tight collaboration with legal department in reviewing contracts and approvals, adjustments. Was solely responsible for the fit out of company's DIFC office and operational set up. Collaborating with relevant authorities for approvals. Coordinated and supervised enhancements of the new office operational functionality and optimization processes in cooperation with administration and other departments, as well as setting up office according to best Ergonomic standards. Was awarded with company bonus and award for excellent performance and execution of the project.
• Projects Development: Experienced in full cycle of PMP- initiation, development scope, planning, coordination, monitoring progress, execution and completion. Compiled appropriate feedback and pro-actively identified and addressed possible concerns and assured that project schedules are adhered to.
• Innovation & Business Set Up: Outperformed in research, monetization, value building, process development, sourcing for new businesses and keeping relevant parties accountable.
• Areas of Expertise: Strategic & Operational HR, Human Resources, Government, HR Management, HR Transformation, Talent Acquisition, UAE Labour Law & Compliance, Policies & Procedures, HR Leadership

May 2011 – Apr 2012 · 11 mos · Denmark

• In my role as a Business Management Consultant, I partnered with founders, executives, and leadership teams to design growth strategies and operations when bringing their business to Middle East.
• I brought a results-driven and analytical approach to every project while provided management consulting and feasibility research for companies, that were looking for new business opportunities in the Middle East
• Assisted with thorough research, competitor and market analysis and provided with recommendations for establishing business operations in the Middle East

Feb 2008 – Nov 2010 · 2 yrs 9 mos · Denmark

• As a business & management masters degree graduate was hired to assist treasury team on a timely payout and incoming funds execution on behalf of Saxo clients, partnering institutions and banks and perform effective controls by ensuring appropriate documentation legitimacy, authorization and control in accordance with banking regulations and AML principles.
• Achieved and exceeded targets: processing up to 50 manual payments a day, authorizing up to 150
• After only one year from joining promoted to senior position and team lead, this added to the list of duties and responsibilities
• Team leading performer with lowest error ratio, which saved bank numerous reconciliation and reimbursement fees
• Successfully trained several team members on various treasury tools, programs and pay out process execution
• After rewriting and updating treasury working manual significantly reduced training time of the new team members
• Repeatedly selected to represent team treasury at various meetings and presentations (audit, partners and colleagues)
• On a variety of occasions was praised for exceptional professional conduct and ability to resolve delicate issues
• Repeatedly received positive feedback from clients, account managers and Saxo colleagues
• Regularly appointed to attend professional development courses and introduce conceptual knowledge to the team
• First point of contact and support for Saxo Eastern European desk and their clients, due to Russian language ability
• Took on duties of producing daily nettings, funding, invoicing, interest calculations, partner commissions, preparing treasury reports, cash management statistics, updating treasury working manual and team work schedules
• Appointed to support IT on testing and providing feedback on new cash management tools and software
• Worked with a vast number of multinational clients and colleagues of 35 nationalities from around the globe

Sep 2007 – Aug 2010 · 2 yrs 11 mos · Denmark

• As a marketing degree graduate strategist was hired to identify, evaluate, develop and initiate marketing and PR activities in order to improve M-Bar immediate image and increase revenues. Utilized M-Bar popular location and helped to achieve impressive financial returns and popularity boost by developing and introducing brand new business concept: organizing a variety of events such as book readings, music concerts, art display, private events etc. This was achieved by initiating a thorough research, evaluating financial aspects involved and having prepared a meticulous strategic marketing plan.
• By consistently focusing on profitability significantly increased monthly revenues often up to 100%
• Saved considerable amount of money by focusing on alternative and cheaper marketing and media solutions
• Worked consistently on keeping events costs low by cooperating with young talented artists (art/music students)
• Marketing/Branding: improved and maintained M-Bar corporate image and identity, by improving its branding elements design, updated and designed website content, created product offerings
• Media: prepared monthly newsletter on event coverage and communicated events to media representatives: journalists, magazines, newspapers, social media, universities and local communities
• PR: Served as the contact person for all relations to maintain and enhance M-Bar image
• Established and maintained effective working relationships with performing artists, media representatives and clients and used these relationships to develop new business opportunities
• Maintained ongoing communication within social media sources and served as M-Bar media outbound editor
• Designed and coordinated private events activities: baptizing, birthday celebrations, corporate arrangements etc.

May 2007 – Dec 2007 · 7 mos · Denmark

• Successfully managed dual responsibilities of a HR Assistant and SPA Managing Assistant of a highly profitable luxury SPA establishment during the busiest for it time of the year, by taking care of various tasks including: bookings, planning, organizing schedules, prioritizing urgent matters, undertaking accounting, taking care of supply management etc.
• Consistently exceeded product sales and added to SPA profitability by providing exceptional customer service
• On multiple occasions increased gift voucher sales volume up to 50%
• Managed extensive diary management, appointments, travel and social arrangements of the SPA owner
• Redesigned, improved and introduced new working schedules system, which led to a greater time management
• Independently handled contact with external authorities, followed up and coordinated on major matters
• Coordinated staff meetings, prepared agenda, communicated relevant updates to the team
• Composed, edited and processed all written communications with highest level of confidentiality
• Reviewed and analyzed credit card statements and other expense statements, including daily accounting
• Analyzed stock status ordered and collaborated with suppliers on timely and precise stock delivery
• SPA: sales, reception duties, supervision of personnel, sale of gift cards, treatments and cosmetic products

Aug 2006 – Aug 2006 · 0 mo · Denmark

• Hired to support Frank Saul Fashions under Copenhagen Fashion week Fair 2006, which allowed to gain valuable experience and participate in a variety of fashion and retail business related activities: stand and showroom set up, visual merchandising, labelling, show materials distribution, model dressing before catwalk, assisting with orders etc.

May 2006 – Sep 2006 · 4 mos · Denmark

• Hired primarily to collaborate and assist then newly developed Eastern European desk of Saxo Bank on PR and communication initiatives. As a result was fully accountable for proposing and developing a database of the Russian media contacts to ensure greater presence and hence profitability of Saxo Bank in the Eastern Europe
• Achieved and exceeded targets by adding from 0 to 105 new contacts with established professional relationship into the media database
• Assisted PR manager in preparation of the organizational publications for internal and external audiences, including employee newsletters and updating Saxo internal info net website
• Performed proof reading of Russian language newsletters and other website material
• Assisted and cultivated relationships with recipients of the press newsletters and supported local PR activities

Jun 2005 – Jul 2005 · 1 mo · Denmark

• Recruited to efficiently provide support and assist on a variety of activities and workshops under General Motors worldwide Opel Zafira launch designed to provide knowledge and increase sales among its distributors and dedicated dealerships.
• Independently managed hospitality and information desk and supported a variety of administrative functions
• Efficiently supervised team members, assigned tasks and maintained daily records
• Provided single, extensive assistance to Russian speaking distributors due to Russian language ability

Feb 2005 – Jun 2006 · 1 yr 4 mos · Denmark

• Provided extensive event assistance to the established event management bureau, which created events of a diverse nature, served clients from a variety of industries and successfully accomplished many single projects as well as took upon several long term campaigns
• With dedication supported event managers on a variety of upcoming events and took on a variety of tasks
• Contributed enormously to day to day efficiency of the company by taking on administrative duties
• Was involved and learned a great deal about venue decorating and set up
• Provided excellent customer service and worked with local and international clientele in a very busy environments
• Worked in a small team which allowed taking lots of responsibilities and making decisions

Feb 2005 – Jul 2005 · 5 mos · Denmark

• Managed and assisted independently always busy Airport car rental branch of SIXT, where worked continuously on servicing and providing with excellent customer support international and domestic customers in the busy and dynamic international airport environment.
• Significantly increased revenues up to 30% by providing excellent customer service
• Quickly adapted to and successfully worked with comprehensive IT EDB booking and rental system: created rental reservations, contracts and maintained daily sales records for both walk-in and advanced bookings clients

Feb 2003 – Jan 2005 · 1 yr 11 mos · Copenhagen Metropolitan Area

• Hired to contribute effectively to a variety of the vital day to day activities of the fashion boutique by providing excellent customer service, achieving and exceeding sales targets, supporting administrative functions, handling payments, taking care of the visual merchandising, organizing merchandise, processing stock inventories, resolving customer disputes, training new stuff and representing shop in the best possible manner by being a part of the successful team
• Contributed consistently to improved by 30% monthly sales figures
• Learnt about merchandising principles for a retail fashion boutique
• Developed an understanding of the brand management, retail selling and in-store presentation principles
• Identified sales opportunities, trends and highlighted these to store owner