Chief Executive Officer

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)

Organization Type: Semi-Government

Job Overview:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide strategic leadership and vision to a semi-government FMCG organization in Abu Dhabi. The role is crucial in driving the company’s success from its early stages, ensuring its scalability, financial sustainability, and long-term market positioning. The ideal candidate must have a proven track record of launching and leading FMCG start-ups, building high-performing teams, and securing international funding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business strategy that aligns with the organization’s objectives and growth ambitions.
• Build and lead a dynamic, high-performing leadership team to drive operational excellence and innovation.
• Establish the organization’s presence in local and international FMCG markets, ensuring a competitive edge in product development, distribution, and branding.
• Identify and secure international funding sources, including investors, private equity, and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee financial performance, budgeting, and forecasting to ensure sustainable profitability and operational efficiency.
• Drive a culture of innovation, customer-centricity, and agility in the rapidly evolving FMCG landscape.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including government entities, regulators, suppliers, and investors, to foster strategic alliances and ensure compliance with local and international standards.
• Spearhead digital transformation initiatives to enhance efficiency in supply chain management, marketing, and sales.
• Act as the company’s primary representative in high-level negotiations, industry forums, and public engagements.
• Establish a robust corporate governance framework to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience (15+ years) in executive leadership within the FMCG sector, with a strong background in launching and scaling start-ups.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams from the ground up.
• Expertise in international funding and investment sourcing, including experience in private equity, venture capital, or institutional funding.
• Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of the FMCG supply chain, branding, and consumer behavior.
• Track record of delivering revenue growth, operational efficiencies, and successful market entry strategies.
• Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and public relations skills.
• Experience working within a semi-government or government-related entity is a plus.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, or a related field (preferred).

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set a compelling vision and drive execution with agility.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Experience in navigating the challenges of a start-up environment.
• Financial Acumen: Expertise in securing international funding and managing complex financial models.
• Innovation & Market Expansion: Proficiency in identifying emerging trends and scaling operations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong ability to build relationships with investors, regulators, and key partners.