ZUBAIR AHMED SOBANI
Founder & CEO
A celebrated CEO, Entrepreneur, and Turnaround expert. Zubair Sobani has a long list of achievements under his belt during his 37 years of an illustrious career in the automotive industry.He is also experienced in Consulting, Retail and Venture Capital in the Middle East, Canada and USA
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Executive Leadership & Supervision
- Business Operations Management
- Complex Negotiations & Deal Structuring
- Private Equity
- Due Diligence/Acquisition Strategy
- Financial Technology
- Strategy development
- Acquisition
- Business Development & Market
- Strategic & Tactical
- Planning/Corporate Vision
- Blockchain
- Negotiation
- Strategic Partnerships/Alliances
- Team Building/Training
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Deal Structuring
- Channel Expansion
EDUCATION
- Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountant (Completed in 1990).
- Fellow of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountant (Completed 1988).
- Bachelor of Science (Completed in 1985).
CAREER
HISTORY
Dates
- 2017 - Present
Employer
- ThinkDirect Consulting
ThinkDirect is a boutique consulting firm, which primarily aims to facilitate the entry process of companies with strong credentials. The services offered by the company are Business partner matchmaking, Legal Advice, Recruitment, Business plan Preparation Marketing support: Conventional and Digital Lead Generation and Prospecting
Position
- Director
Dates
- 2017 - Present
Employer
- Antal International Recruitment (RethinkHRS)
Antal International with 140+ offices in 33 countries, are experts of at the global search and selection industry. Our KSA presence focuses on regional managerial placements with an increased emphasis on headhunting outstanding Saudi National talent.
Position
- Partner
Dates
- 2020 - Present
Employer
- Valenta Canada
Valenta BPO offers businesses customized solutions in process consulting, digital transformation and outsourcing. Our wide range of solutions helps clients across geographies and domains simplify tasks, reduce costs, and enhance efficiencies in keeping up with market trends.
Position
- Partner
Dates
- 2020 - Present
Employer
- Al Safa
We believe in bringing Muslims together to strengthen the Muslim community. That’s why a portion of every purchase is donated to charitable organizations. The success of the community is the success of Al Safa!
Position
- Partner
Dates
- 2014 - Present
Employer
- ThinkDirect.me
A new venture in direct marketing with focus on digital marketing. Currently focusing on KSA and plan to expand in other GCC countries.
Position
- Chief Executive Officer
Dates
- 2020 - Present
Employer
- Think Advisors
Adviser Canada is your one stop shop to help with all the requirements of establishing a successful business in Canada. We have a team of skilled financial and investment analysts who have decades of professional experience working in the Consulting Industry. Our expertise lies in our deep understanding of the Canadian business landscape and growth factors in each Industry.
Position
- Chief Executive Officer
Dates
- 2020 - Present
Employer
- ThinkDirect BPO
ThinkDirect BPO, is a consulting firm helping businesses trying to penetrate the most sought after market of KSA. We help businesses to launch in the country, with 100% ownership without having to look for a local partner. From getting your business registered at chamber of commerce to getting your SAGIA licence, we take care of all government dealings of your business on your behalf.
Position
- Chief Executive Officer
Dates
- 2017 - 2021
Employer
- Think Immigration
Founded a specialized immigration services providing company with Immigration programs around the world. Thinkimmigration specializes in programs:
- Autotek – Car Valet business focusing on Value addition for Auto Dealers in KSA. Autotek have retail and B2B business focusing on Tinting, Paint protection, Car wrapping and
- Automax – A very new concept of selling used cars taking advantage of strong presence of Saudi customers on Social media and other digital platform.
- Autoparts – Wholesale and Retail of genuine and OEM parts all over KSA
- Autocare – Signed exclusive agreement to TOTAL oil company to develop 350 quick service stations all over kingdom
Position
- Chief Executive Officer
Dates
- 2012 - 2015
Employer
- Abdullatif Alissa Automotive Group
Founded a specialized immigration services providing company with Immigration programs around the world. Thinkimmigration specializes in programs:
- Autotek – Car Valet business focusing on Value addition for Auto Dealers in KSA. Autotek have retail and B2B business focusing on Tinting, Paint protection, Car wrapping and
- Automax – A very new concept of selling used cars taking advantage of strong presence of Saudi customers on Social media and other digital platform.
- Autoparts – Wholesale and Retail of genuine and OEM parts all over KSA
- Autocare – Signed exclusive agreement to TOTAL oil company to develop 350 quick service stations all over kingdom
Position
- Chief Business Development Officer
Dates
- 2012 - 2015
Employer
- Abdullatif Alissa Automotive Group
Abdullatif Alissa Group is a major Automotive Group in Saudi Arabia. Holding company consists of eight major companies, Al Yusur Instalment company (Auto Finance Company), Best Rent a Car, Alissa Auto (Nissan), Alissa Universal Motors (Isuzu), Auto Star, Autostar Express, Autostar Parts. In addition group is also active in private equity and real estate.
Achievements:
- Negotiated and executed 6 new partnerships and JV for group companies. • Coordinated the move from GM Franchise to Nissan in a smooth and orderly way. • Expansion of network:
- From the base in Riyadh to all over the Kingdom.
- Started 12 new outlets over 10 months period.
- Hired over 600 new staff to meet the commitment made to Nissan Motor
- Expanded after sales network by starting new 25,000 square meter CPD in a record period of 6 months to serve and Nissan customers in KSA.
- Expanded Logistics operation to meet the requirement of over 15,000 vehicles movement per month.
- Achieved Sales and profitability targets as per the business plan.
Position
- Chief Business Development Officer
Dates
- 2008 - 2012
Employer
- Nissan Gulf
Nissan Gulf is subsidiary of Nissan Motor company, Japan based in Dubai and manages the business of Nissan in GCC countries. During this period I was also seconded to Alhamrani, dealer of Nissan in KSA to manage the business of Nissan and ensure the interest of Nissan Motors is secured in KSA.
Achievements:
- Prepared and presented strategic mid-term plan for Nissan KSA revival resulting in the extension of franchise for 6 years.
- Grew market share from 6.2% to 9.6%
- Increased sales by 60% in the first year.
- Increased profit by 50%.
- Improved customer satisfaction by 8 points by reengineering the entire customer service
- Created Innovate financing solution for fleet customers increasing fleet sales by 200%.
- Repositioned and launched the Nissan Pickup increasing the share by 4 points.
- Repositioned and launched the Midsized Sedan segment increasing the share by 6 points.
- Successfully launched two brand new Models which contributed in enhanced market share and brand image.
- Improved customer satisfaction by 8 points by reengineering the entire customer service
Established management structure.
Position
- Chief Operating Officer
Dates
- 1993 - 2008
Employer
- Abdul Latif Jameel Group - Toyota Saudi Arabia
Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) Group is a major diversified Saudi Group operating in over 15 countries. ALJ is world’s largest independent distributor of Toyota in the world and employs over 10,000 people globally. Joined as Junior Finance Executive and left the Group in 2008 after serving as a key member of the leadership team. During the 15 years of association, worked on several challenging assignments. Significant contributions in some positions are listed below:
Achievements:
- Successfully launched over 25 new products from concept to sales with at least 4 blockbusters with sales over US $20Million in year one.
- Increased sales by 30% and reduced cost by 15% to achieve extraordinary bottom line. Opened new overseas markets and new revenue streams from services.
- Reduced inventory by 40% to increase inventory turns with positive impact on RONA.
Position
- Chief Investment Officer
Dates
- 1985 - 2003
Employer
- Deloitte – Saudi Arabia / PWC – Pakistan
Worked in professional firms in the initial stages of my career in assurance, tax and consultancy. The initial grooming with these international accounting firms provided me with a firm base of knowledge and discipline needed to take future challenges.
Position
Great
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