Professional Experience · Assem Hijazi

Al Ahli Holding Group / RethinkTechs

CEO of RethinkTechs · VP of ICT & Technology, Al Ahli Group

September 2014 – Present

Role Overview

Lead RethinkTechs, part of Al Ahli Holding Group, and the group-wide ICT and technology function. Responsibilities span more than 12 IT service divisions, a portfolio supporting over 30 group companies and external projects, and internal and outsourced resources averaging more than 60 people across the year. Combine enterprise technology delivery with human-centric digital transformation and executive AI advisory.

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Positions & Areas of Work

Select a numbered work area to explore its contribution and related skill. The two leadership responsibilities run concurrently.

Leadership role 1CEO of RethinkTechs & VP of ICT and Technology, Al Ahli Group

September 2014 – Present

Lead RethinkTechs as part of Al Ahli Holding Group, managing group technology services, delivery teams, budgets, software platforms and external projects from Dubai.

1. Executive Leadership & Group Technology Services
Ongoing leadership

Lead RethinkTechs, part of Al Ahli Holding Group, alongside the group-wide role of VP of ICT and Technology. Manage more than 12 technology service divisions supporting a group of over 30 companies, combining centralized internal technology services with external projects. Translate group priorities into technology plans, delivery responsibilities and investment decisions.

Related skill: Technology Business Leadership →
2. Internal, Outsourced & Development Team Leadership
Ongoing leadership

Manage internal and outsourced resource models averaging more than 60 people across the year. Coordinate developers, program managers and specialists across infrastructure, security, enterprise systems, digital platforms and software delivery. Select resource models according to the scope, capability and cost of the work.

Related skill: Technology Workforce & Resource Management →
3. Technology Budgets & Five-Year TCO Planning
Financial stewardship

Manage technology budgets, software costs, sourcing choices and implementation scenarios. Use total cost of ownership planning over a horizon of at least five years to compare options, guide technology investment and assess ongoing operational commitments. The remit includes cost optimization and investment stewardship for internal group services.

Related skill: Technology Budgeting & TCO Planning →
4. Centralized IT Services & Cost Optimization
Service management

Build a centralized IT services model for group companies. Coordinate shared resources and technology capabilities, evaluate implementation alternatives and pursue cost-saving opportunities while keeping delivery requirements and business needs in view.

Related skill: Shared IT Services & Cost Optimization →
5. Infrastructure, Security & On-Premises Data Center
Delivered and ongoing operations

Lead the development and management of on-premises infrastructure and the group data-center environment. Oversee infrastructure and security responsibilities supporting enterprise applications, internal systems and business operations across group companies.

Related skill: Infrastructure & Data Center Leadership →
6. Cloud Providers & Hybrid Technology Environments
Ongoing operations

Manage cloud-service relationships and hosted applications alongside on-premises systems. Work with providers including AWS and Microsoft Azure, selecting hosting and service approaches that fit the group’s software, operational and investment needs.

Related skill: Cloud Sourcing & Hybrid IT Management →
7. ERP Platforms, SAP HANA & System Migration
Delivered and ongoing operations

Lead ERP implementation and evolution across group companies, including SAP, SAP HANA, Oracle and other enterprise platforms. Manage transitions between ERP environments and connect implementation decisions with operational processes, infrastructure and integration requirements.

Related skill: ERP Implementation & Migration Leadership →
8. Integrated Enterprise Architecture
Architecture and integration

Build an integrated IT architecture connecting strategy with infrastructure, ERP, CRM, CMS, portals, e-commerce and other technology layers. Coordinate relationships between platforms and business functions so individual systems form a connected group-wide environment.

Related skill: Integrated Enterprise Architecture Planning →
9. Open-Source, Packaged & In-House Delivery Models
Software delivery

Manage three complementary implementation models: open-source solutions such as SuiteCRM; ready-made enterprise products such as SAP HANA; and in-house development, including mobile attendance. Assess the appropriate delivery approach for each business requirement and coordinate implementation resources.

Related skill: Software Sourcing & Delivery Model Selection →
10. Owned Software & AI-Assisted Development
Delivered and expanding

Build an in-house software capability in which the organization owns its application source code. Hire and coordinate developers using AI-assisted development approaches. Deliver and extend applications such as mall management, HR and attendance systems, retaining control of the software and its future evolution.

Related skill: Owned Software Portfolio & AI-Assisted Delivery →
11. Websites, CMS & E-Commerce Platforms
Delivered and ongoing development

Lead website, CMS and e-commerce delivery for group businesses. Connect digital platforms with business operations and marketing requirements, including strategic applications that support commercial activity and revenue opportunities.

Related skill: Web & E-Commerce Delivery Leadership →
12. Digital Marketing Platforms & New Software Concepts
Strategic development

Manage technologies supporting social media and digital marketing. Develop strategic software concepts such as a digital marketing portal and talent-ranking system, alongside CMS and e-commerce capabilities. Connect software priorities with the business value and services the platforms are intended to enable.

Related skill: Digital Platform & Product Innovation →
13. Goals, Commitments, Ticketing & Team KPIs
Performance management

Manage team goals and commitments using ticketing, project management, task management and commitment-tracking tools. Connect delivery activity with performance measures and provide team KPIs throughout the year to support oversight and accountability.

Related skill: IT Delivery Performance Management →
14. Executive Dashboards & Business Intelligence
Decision support

Provide executives and business owners with dashboards, KPIs and business intelligence supporting visibility and control of operations. Connect management reporting with enterprise systems and digital transformation work so leadership can use information in operational and strategic decisions.

Related skill: Executive Dashboards & Business Intelligence →
15. IoT, Smart Devices & Retail Analytics
Expanding capability

Expand the technology portfolio into IoT, smart devices, smart cameras, people counting and heat-map capabilities. Connect operational signals with the needs of physical environments, retail and smart-building initiatives, including smart-city and smart-home service areas.

Related skill: IoT & Smart Environment Integration →
16. Building Management Systems & Operational Integration
Expanding capability

Develop BMS-related capability and integration across building and operational systems. Coordinate how these technologies connect with the wider group architecture and the evolving use of smart devices, operational data and digital applications.

Related skill: BMS & Operational Systems Integration →
17. Multi-Industry Technology Delivery
Group-wide service delivery

Deliver technology services across varied operating environments, including manufacturing and steel factories, construction businesses, retail and Dubai Outlet Mall. Adapt software, infrastructure and service approaches to each industry while maintaining shared group capabilities.

Related skill: Multi-Industry Technology Delivery →
18. Event Technology & 117 Live Support
Project delivery

Provide technology services for 117 Live event activities, including Wi-Fi, security gates and related event infrastructure. Coordinate requirements spanning connectivity, access and the operational needs of event environments.

Related skill: Event Technology Service Coordination →
19. External Services & Commercial Technology Strategy
External service development

Promote digital transformation strategy, related technologies and IT services for external customers alongside internal group responsibilities. Develop commercial opportunities through technology services and strategic applications such as e-commerce, with attention to business value and delivery capability.

Related skill: Technology Services Business Development →

Leadership role 2Digital Transformation Strategy Lead

August 2015 – Present · concurrent responsibility

Lead internal transformation and human-centric digital strategy, provide external advisory services, and prepare integrated systems and enterprise knowledge for AI.

20. Digital Transformation Strategy & Implementation
Ongoing strategy leadership

Lead the holding group’s internal digital transformation and connect digital strategy with the company’s overall direction. Integrate technology choices, implementation priorities, business processes and stakeholder needs across group organizations.

Related skill: Enterprise Digital Transformation Leadership →
21. Human-Centric Transformation Frameworks
Framework development and application

Develop human-centric transformation concepts and frameworks, including cyclical stages, a race-relay cycles matrix and customer segmentation. Build an approach to experiences that considers human interaction across physical, digital and hybrid environments.

Related skill: Human-Centric Transformation Framework Design →
22. Cultural Compatibility & Customer Journeys
Experience strategy

Create culturally compatible digital strategies using human-centered design, culture-sensitive design and design-thinking approaches. Develop customer journeys within the human-centric transformation strategy and connect experience decisions with technology and business objectives.

Related skill: Culture-Sensitive Customer Journey Design →
23. External Transformation Strategy Engagements
Advisory services

Provide digital transformation strategy services for external customers and initiatives, including work involving Expo 2020, Disney+, Dubai Cares, Agthia, the Ministry of Justice and Princess Haya Awards, as part of the professional service portfolio. Connect strategy work with customer requirements, digital experiences and enabling technologies.

Related skill: Digital Transformation Consulting →
24. CRM Integration & Enterprise AI Knowledgebase
In development

Build and integrate CRM capability while preparing the enterprise knowledge foundation for AI. Bring together data from CRM, ERP, software applications, cloud services, in-house systems, IoT and smart technologies to strengthen the connected information environment needed for future AI use.

Related skill: Enterprise Knowledge & AI Readiness Planning →
25. Executive AI Advisory & Integrated AI Roadmap
Advisory and next-stage planning

Advise the Group CEO and internal stakeholders on AI opportunities and the relationship between technology investment and digital transformation. Prepare the next stage of integrating AI across connected company systems, building on the knowledgebase and integration foundations rather than presenting that future stage as a completed rollout.

Related skill: Executive AI Transformation Advisory →
Related Skills 25 capabilities

Explore each capability and how it was applied in this engagement.

Al Ahli Holding Group / RethinkTechs · Experience Overview

25 Areas of Work & Contributions

Al Ahli Holding Group / RethinkTechs

CEO of RethinkTechs · VP of ICT & Technology, Al Ahli Group

September 2014 – Present

Products × People × Regional Impact
01

Executive Leadership & Group Technology Services

Lead 12+ technology divisions supporting 30+ group companies and external projects.

Ongoing leadership
02

Internal, Outsourced & Development Team Leadership

Coordinate internal and outsourced resources averaging 60+ people across the year.

Ongoing leadership
03

Technology Budgets & Five-Year TCO Planning

Manage technology budgets and compare scenarios through five-year TCO planning.

Financial stewardship
04

Centralized IT Services & Cost Optimization

Centralize group IT services and optimize technology sourcing and implementation costs.

Service management
05

Infrastructure, Security & On-Premises Data Center

Build and manage on-premises infrastructure, data-center services and security capabilities.

Delivered and ongoing operations
06

Cloud Providers & Hybrid Technology Environments

Combine on-premises environments with cloud services including AWS and Azure.

Ongoing operations
07

ERP Platforms, SAP HANA & System Migration

Lead ERP delivery and migrations across SAP, SAP HANA, Oracle and other systems.

Delivered and ongoing operations
08

Integrated Enterprise Architecture

Connect infrastructure, ERP, CRM, CMS, portals and e-commerce within one architecture.

Architecture and integration
09

Open-Source, Packaged & In-House Delivery Models

Select among open-source solutions, packaged platforms and in-house development.

Software delivery
10

Owned Software & AI-Assisted Development

Build mall, HR and attendance applications with ownership of the source code.

Delivered and expanding
11

Websites, CMS & E-Commerce Platforms

Deliver websites, CMS and e-commerce platforms supporting group businesses.

Delivered and ongoing development
12

Digital Marketing Platforms & New Software Concepts

Develop marketing platforms and software concepts including talent-ranking tools.

Strategic development
13

Goals, Commitments, Ticketing & Team KPIs

Track team commitments, projects, tickets and delivery KPIs throughout the year.

Performance management
14

Executive Dashboards & Business Intelligence

Provide dashboards, KPIs and business intelligence for executives and business owners.

Decision support
15

IoT, Smart Devices & Retail Analytics

Expand into smart devices, cameras, people counting, heat maps and connected environments.

Expanding capability
16

Building Management Systems & Operational Integration

Develop BMS capability and connect building technologies with wider systems.

Expanding capability
17

Multi-Industry Technology Delivery

Support manufacturing, construction, retail and Dubai Outlet Mall technology operations.

Group-wide service delivery
18

Event Technology & 117 Live Support

Support 117 Live events through Wi-Fi, security gates and related infrastructure.

Project delivery
19

External Services & Commercial Technology Strategy

Promote external technology services and commercially relevant digital solutions.

External service development
20

Digital Transformation Strategy & Implementation

Lead internal transformation and align digital initiatives with group strategy.

Ongoing strategy leadership
21

Human-Centric Transformation Frameworks

Design human-centric frameworks for physical, digital and hybrid interactions.

Framework development and application
22

Cultural Compatibility & Customer Journeys

Build culturally compatible customer journeys using human-centered design.

Experience strategy
23

External Transformation Strategy Engagements

Provide external transformation strategy services across major customer engagements.

Advisory services
24

CRM Integration & Enterprise AI Knowledgebase

Connect CRM, ERP, applications and smart-system data to prepare the AI knowledgebase.

In development
25

Executive AI Advisory & Integrated AI Roadmap

Advise executives and plan the next stage of integrated enterprise AI implementation.

Advisory and next-stage planning

Selected contributions across overlapping product and regional responsibilities.

Assem HijaziEXPERIENCE · KNOWLEDGE · IDEASassemhijazi.me