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Our Team

MEET KEIRETSU FORUM MENA TEAM

Mohammed Saeed

Managing Director

Samir Alkhaja

Rafed Alani

Advisor

Peter Janho

Strategic Business Leader & PMO Expert

Hisham kassim

Amal shabib

Business Transformation Leader | M&A Strategist | Due Diligence Expert

Haitham Samman

Advisor

Guy Sutherland

Advisor

Ala’a Al Share’

Strategic Consultant & Executive Leader

Committee

Due diligence

Mahmood Jassim

Chapter President

Mohammed Saeed

Managing Director

Amal shabib

Business Transformation Leader | M&A Strategist | Due Diligence Expert

Peter Janho

Strategic Business Leader & PMO Expert

Hisham kassim

Committee

Advisory Board

Haitham Samman

Advisor

Guy Sutherland

Advisor

Rafed Alani

Advisor

Investment Committee

Mahmood Jassim

Chapter President

Mohammed Saeed

Managing Director

Peter Janho

Strategic Business Leader & PMO Expert

Peter Janho

Nick Henderson

Nick Henderson

Nada Ameeruddin

Nada Ameeruddin

Mahmood Jasim

Hisham kassim

Hisham kassim

Hasan Alshami

Hasan Alshami

Amal shabib

Business Transformation Leader | M&A Strategist | Due Diligence Expert

Amal shabib

Adam Henderson

Adam Henderson

Mohammed Saeed

Managing Director

Mohammed is an investment executive and technology evangelist with over 20 years of experience, recognized for his success in technology advisory and evaluating tech-based investments. As a trusted advisor to major business groups and high-net-worth individuals, he has driven system efficiency and improvements in private equity investment, deal sourcing, structuring, valuation, asset and portfolio management, post-acquisition, and other investment activities.

Mohammed has held prominent leadership roles, including serving as Chief Operating Officer in governmental investment house at Dubai and Acting CEO for legal SaaS business in Abu Dhabi, UAE. His academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, and Master of Business Administration from the University of Manchester, UK, specializing in Venture Capital & Private Equity. Additionally, he has completed a Venture Finance from the University of Oxford.

Samir Alkhaja

Samir Alkhaja brings extensive banking and financial industry experience to Keiretsu MENA, where he plays a pivotal role in driving the platform’s success. With a strong foundation in Negotiation, Business Planning, Analytical Skills, Sales, and Investment and Wealth Relationship Management, Samir helps shape the company’s strategic direction. He holds a degree in Business Information Technology (BIT), enhancing his ability to integrate both technology and business solutions.

In his role, Samir excels at managing deal flows, connecting startups with investors, and creating growth opportunities. His deep understanding of financial markets and investment strategies allows him to provide tailored solutions that meet the needs of both entrepreneurs and investors.

Known for navigating complex financial situations, Samir has a proven track record of fostering strategic partnerships and delivering impactful results. His expertise continues to drive long-term value and sustainable growth for the platform and its network of startups and investors.

Rafed Alani

Advisor

An IT and Business executive, as CIO in blue-chip banks, coupled with 8 years managing large-scale subsidiaries, acquisitions, and investments for a major international airline – covering an international mandate for Hotels, Real Estate, Duty Free Retail, Logistics, Ground Services, Catering, and Hospitality investments.

True international experience, with 24 years in Canada’s largest bank (Toronto, Singapore, Wealth Management in the Channel Islands), in addition to 16 years of experience in Bahrain & Qatar. Now in the role of Advisor to the Board for an international IT company.

Peter Janho

Strategic Business Leader & PMO Expert

Peter Janho is a dynamic business leader with extensive ability in establishing and managing PMOs, driving operational efficiency, and fueling business growth. With a background in the FMCG and manufacturing sectors, Peter has played a pivotal role in guiding organizations through strategic transformations, with a strong focus on project management, operational excellence, and long-term planning.

Over the course of his career, Peter has proven his ability to streamline operations, enhance profitability, and skilfully navigate complex business environments. His comprehensive due diligence ensures that every decision is based on a thorough analysis, striking the right balance between opportunity and risk to achieve sustainable growth.

Peter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of Bradford and completed an Executive Program in Strategic Sales Management at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His blend of academic credentials and professional experience positions him as a leader who consistently drives success.

Hisham kassim

Amal shabib

Business Transformation Leader | M&A Strategist | Due Diligence Expert

Amal Rafiq Shabib is a dynamic leader specializing in business transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and startup growth. Known for optimizing structures and unlocking growth, she has led organizations to quadruple revenues by integrating startups and expanding into new markets.

Amal’s expertise in due diligence is pivotal, conducting comprehensive financial, operational, and market assessments to minimize risk and maximize value. She excels in aligning people, processes, and technology to drive operational excellence and future-proof organizations.

Fluent in Arabic and English, Amal holds an MBA from the University of California, a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Kuwait, and has completed executive education at MIT, Cornell, and Harvard.

Haitham Samman

Advisor

Haitham is an accomplished executive at the intersection of leadership, data & digital. He served leadership roles in blue chip organizations like PepsiCo, Vodafone, Nokia, Qatar Airways & IBM. In IBM he leads HR digital transformation and heads Change Management & Digital Experience globally. Haitham serves on the board of organizations like Awfar (B2B SAAS for retail), industry advisor for Abu Dhabi University post graduate school of business, media content creators (e.g. Digisay holding & Follk creative studios).

Haitham works across the start-up community in the Middle East & North Africa region, providing mentorship to a wide network of start-ups and incubators, facilitating and sponsoring start up financing through venture capital funds.

Haitham is an Insead Executive Program alumnae hence member of T20 (C level executives from top 20 universities), besides holding MBA, and was awarded leadership fellowship from Fulbright commission, USA and awarded HR digital champion across MEA among other awards. Haitham lives and travels across 60+ countries, is an avid cross-country cyclist and competitive triathlete, currently based in Dubai, UAE.

Guy Sutherland

Advisor

An accomplished Chartered Management Accountant and senior executive in corporate environments of varying size, complexity, and lines of business , both in the UK and Middle East, with significant business experience in Property, Retail, Investment, Asset Management, Operations as well as Finance.

Guy held various Senior Management roles in the UK for BAA plc including Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Heathrow and Commercial Director in Southampton Airports. Following this he was appointed Finance Director of the prestigious Searcys, one of the UK’s oldest hospitality Companies. In 2015 he moved to the Middle East to join the leadership of the Finance teams for the non-airline subsidiaries of Qatar Airways incorporating Retail, Real Estate, Hotels and Airline & Airport services companies, taking over the CFO-Subsidiaries role in 2018.

Ala’a Al Share’

Strategic Consultant & Executive Leader

Ala’a Al Share’ is a seasoned executive and strategic consultant with over two decades of experience leading organizations toward market leadership. His expertise spans operations, business development, due diligence, talent development, and business transformation, all while fostering sustainable growth and innovation across various sectors.

Ala’a is known for his ability to craft tailored solutions that align with business objectives, driving impactful results. His ability to analyse market opportunities and risks, positions organizations for long term success.

Ala’a holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, bringing a strong academic foundation to his vast experience in helping businesses thrive in competitive environments.

Mahmood Jassim

Chapter President

Global Business & Technology Leader and Board Member with over 20 years of experience in Investment Banking, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Fintech, Digital Transforming, Consultancy and worked for Unicorn Technologies across Middle East, MENA, and EMEA.

Mahmood is a Serial Entrepreneur and a Board Member for a few organizations in the USA, UK, and Middle East and he has founded many startups in the region.

Mahmood holds an Executive MBA Degree from University of Hull – UK, Bachelor Degree in Computer science from Greenwich University UK, and Fintech certification from University of Oxford.

Mohammed Saeed

Managing Director

Mohammed is an investment executive and technology evangelist with over 20 years of experience, recognized for his success in technology advisory and evaluating tech-based investments. As a trusted advisor to major business groups and high-net-worth individuals, he has driven system efficiency and improvements in private equity investment, deal sourcing, structuring, valuation, asset and portfolio management, post-acquisition, and other investment activities.

Mohammed has held prominent leadership roles, including serving as Chief Operating Officer in governmental investment house at Dubai and Acting CEO for legal SaaS business in Abu Dhabi, UAE. His academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, and Master of Business Administration from the University of Manchester, UK, specializing in Venture Capital & Private Equity. Additionally, he has completed a Venture Finance from the University of Oxford.

Amal shabib

Business Transformation Leader | M&A Strategist | Due Diligence Expert

Amal Rafiq Shabib is a dynamic leader specializing in business transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and startup growth. Known for optimizing structures and unlocking growth, she has led organizations to quadruple revenues by integrating startups and expanding into new markets.

Amal’s expertise in due diligence is pivotal, conducting comprehensive financial, operational, and market assessments to minimize risk and maximize value. She excels in aligning people, processes, and technology to drive operational excellence and future-proof organizations.

Fluent in Arabic and English, Amal holds an MBA from the University of California, a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Kuwait, and has completed executive education at MIT, Cornell, and Harvard.

Peter Janho

Strategic Business Leader & PMO Expert

Peter Janho is a dynamic business leader with extensive ability in establishing and managing PMOs, driving operational efficiency, and fueling business growth. With a background in the FMCG and manufacturing sectors, Peter has played a pivotal role in guiding organizations through strategic transformations, with a strong focus on project management, operational excellence, and long-term planning.

Over the course of his career, Peter has proven his ability to streamline operations, enhance profitability, and skilfully navigate complex business environments. His comprehensive due diligence ensures that every decision is based on a thorough analysis, striking the right balance between opportunity and risk to achieve sustainable growth.

Peter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of Bradford and completed an Executive Program in Strategic Sales Management at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His blend of academic credentials and professional experience positions him as a leader who consistently drives success.

Hisham kassim

Haitham Samman

Advisor

Haitham is an accomplished executive at the intersection of leadership, data & digital. He served leadership roles in blue chip organizations like PepsiCo, Vodafone, Nokia, Qatar Airways & IBM. In IBM he leads HR digital transformation and heads Change Management & Digital Experience globally. Haitham serves on the board of organizations like Awfar (B2B SAAS for retail), industry advisor for Abu Dhabi University post graduate school of business, media content creators (e.g. Digisay holding & Follk creative studios).

Haitham works across the start-up community in the Middle East & North Africa region, providing mentorship to a wide network of start-ups and incubators, facilitating and sponsoring start up financing through venture capital funds.

Haitham is an Insead Executive Program alumnae hence member of T20 (C level executives from top 20 universities), besides holding MBA, and was awarded leadership fellowship from Fulbright commission, USA and awarded HR digital champion across MEA among other awards. Haitham lives and travels across 60+ countries, is an avid cross-country cyclist and competitive triathlete, currently based in Dubai, UAE.

Guy Sutherland

Advisor

An accomplished Chartered Management Accountant and senior executive in corporate environments of varying size, complexity, and lines of business , both in the UK and Middle East, with significant business experience in Property, Retail, Investment, Asset Management, Operations as well as Finance.

Guy held various Senior Management roles in the UK for BAA plc including Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Heathrow and Commercial Director in Southampton Airports. Following this he was appointed Finance Director of the prestigious Searcys, one of the UK’s oldest hospitality Companies. In 2015 he moved to the Middle East to join the leadership of the Finance teams for the non-airline subsidiaries of Qatar Airways incorporating Retail, Real Estate, Hotels and Airline & Airport services companies, taking over the CFO-Subsidiaries role in 2018.

Rafed Alani

Advisor

An IT and Business executive, as CIO in blue-chip banks, coupled with 8 years managing large-scale subsidiaries, acquisitions, and investments for a major international airline – covering an international mandate for Hotels, Real Estate, Duty Free Retail, Logistics, Ground Services, Catering, and Hospitality investments.

True international experience, with 24 years in Canada’s largest bank (Toronto, Singapore, Wealth Management in the Channel Islands), in addition to 16 years of experience in Bahrain & Qatar. Now in the role of Advisor to the Board for an international IT company.

Mahmood Jassim

Chapter President

Global Business & Technology Leader and Board Member with over 20 years of experience in Investment Banking, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Fintech, Digital Transforming, Consultancy and worked for Unicorn Technologies across Middle East, MENA, and EMEA.

Mahmood is a Serial Entrepreneur and a Board Member for a few organizations in the USA, UK, and Middle East and he has founded many startups in the region.

Mahmood holds an Executive MBA Degree from University of Hull – UK, Bachelor Degree in Computer science from Greenwich University UK, and Fintech certification from University of Oxford.

Mohammed Saeed

Managing Director

Mohammed is an investment executive and technology evangelist with over 20 years of experience, recognized for his success in technology advisory and evaluating tech-based investments. As a trusted advisor to major business groups and high-net-worth individuals, he has driven system efficiency and improvements in private equity investment, deal sourcing, structuring, valuation, asset and portfolio management, post-acquisition, and other investment activities.

Mohammed has held prominent leadership roles, including serving as Chief Operating Officer in governmental investment house at Dubai and Acting CEO for legal SaaS business in Abu Dhabi, UAE. His academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, and Master of Business Administration from the University of Manchester, UK, specializing in Venture Capital & Private Equity. Additionally, he has completed a Venture Finance from the University of Oxford.

Peter Janho

Strategic Business Leader & PMO Expert

Peter Janho is a dynamic business leader with extensive ability in establishing and managing PMOs, driving operational efficiency, and fueling business growth. With a background in the FMCG and manufacturing sectors, Peter has played a pivotal role in guiding organizations through strategic transformations, with a strong focus on project management, operational excellence, and long-term planning.

Over the course of his career, Peter has proven his ability to streamline operations, enhance profitability, and skilfully navigate complex business environments. His comprehensive due diligence ensures that every decision is based on a thorough analysis, striking the right balance between opportunity and risk to achieve sustainable growth.

Peter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of Bradford and completed an Executive Program in Strategic Sales Management at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His blend of academic credentials and professional experience positions him as a leader who consistently drives success.

Nick Henderson

Nada Ameeruddin

Hisham kassim

Hasan Alshami

Amal shabib

Business Transformation Leader | M&A Strategist | Due Diligence Expert

Amal Rafiq Shabib is a dynamic leader specializing in business transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and startup growth. Known for optimizing structures and unlocking growth, she has led organizations to quadruple revenues by integrating startups and expanding into new markets.

Amal’s expertise in due diligence is pivotal, conducting comprehensive financial, operational, and market assessments to minimize risk and maximize value. She excels in aligning people, processes, and technology to drive operational excellence and future-proof organizations.

Fluent in Arabic and English, Amal holds an MBA from the University of California, a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Kuwait, and has completed executive education at MIT, Cornell, and Harvard.

Adam Henderson