BASSEM MAKRAM
Tampa,United States
Summary
Verifiable success generating $123M in profit in a single year. Executive-level banking leader Executive-level banking leader with over three decades of distinguished experience in retail banking risk operations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa and united states. Proven track record of driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and risk management within global financial services organizations. Known for decisive leadership in implementing comprehensive risk management policies and frameworks, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and optimizing operational resilience. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams to successfully manage third-party risks and deliver high-visibility projects that exceed organizational expectations. Adept at navigating complex regulatory environments and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders to achieve sustainable business growth and market leadership Signature strengths include: Risk Management and Mitigation Policy and Framework Development Cross-functional Leadership Strategic Planning and Execution Stakeholder Relationship Management Operational Excellence Compliance and Regulatory Expertise Resourceful vice president with several years of results-oriented experience in business intelligence and operations management. Culturally-sensitive and ethical professional with demonstrated success in developing and implementing optimized solutions. Versatile leader recognized for driving results in collaborative, inclusive manner. Multi-talented business leader bringing several years of experience as successful professional. Strategic problem solver and change manager. Visionary executive implements plans that meet current and future needs. Key expertise in industry. Talented professional with several years of experience and successful career in planning, developing, and executing events and initiatives to achieve maximum potential. Creative and highly strategic with excellent leadership and client relations abilities. Professional and outgoing with success in building relationships and attracting new clients.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President / Head of Accounting and Payroll
La Razak Incorporated (Sait Pt )
Tampa, United States
03.2022 - Current
- Entrusted with the comprehensive financial and operational oversight of the company managing a network of 16 gas stations and 18 properties across four states
- My responsibilities encompass leading all financial activities, including taxation, payroll, and operational functions, to ensure seamless, compliant, and efficient operations
- I am accountable for managing a monthly turnover of USD 50 million, serving a customer base of 163,000, and overseeing a portfolio valued at $341.2 million in assets
- Maintain rigorous compliance with all regulatory guidelines and drive financial performance through strategic initiatives
- Notably, I have successfully implemented financial strategies and cost-saving measures that have led to a 15% increase in overall profitability across our network and property portfolio.
SVP | General Manager - Head of Group Retail Credit risk
Qatar National Bank (QNB Group)
Qatar
06.2018 - 03.2022
- Developed and implemented comprehensive Credit Risk Management strategies, policies, and frameworks within global financial services organizations
- Led cross-functional teams in the assessment and management of third-party risks, ensuring alignment with organizational risk appetite and regulatory standards
- Spearheaded the implementation of Third-Party Risk Management policies and frameworks across multiple markets, enhancing operational resilience and regulatory compliance
- Managed high-profile projects aimed at enhancing risk assessment methodologies and improving risk mitigation strategies
- Established and maintained robust relationships with key stakeholders including Market Business Activity Owners, Enterprise Third Party Management, and Regulatory Compliance teams.
VP | Asistant General Manager - Head of Corprate divsion
Qatar National Bank (QNB Group)
Qatar
03.2011 - 06.2018
- Formulated and executed strategic plans aligning with organizational goals, resulting in substantial revenue growth
- Expanded the corporate client base by 10% annually, increased market share by 6%, and introduced innovative products and services
- Client Acquisition and Retention: Successfully acquired high-value corporate clients, including major accounts such as Qatar Airways, Qatar Gas, and Qatar Petroleum
- Fostered strong client relationships, ensuring satisfaction, loyalty, and the retention of key accounts
- Risk Management Excellence: Demonstrated expertise in risk management, mitigating risks associated with corporate lending, investments, and financial activities
- Implemented robust risk management frameworks, contributing to a low default rate and ensuring the integrity of banking operations
- International Expansion Leadership: Spearheaded successful international expansion efforts, establishing and growing the bank's presence in new markets (Tunisia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Sudan)
- Navigated regulatory challenges, built effective local teams, and tailored the bank's offerings to meet the diverse needs of global regions
- Innovation and Digital Transformation: Pioneered initiatives driving innovation and digital transformation within the corporate division
- Leveraged technology to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and introduce cutting-edge financial solutions
- Leadership and Team Development: Led the development of a high-performing team, fostering a positive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation
- Mentored and developed talented professionals, promoting diversity and inclusion for sustained long-term success.
General Manager | Head of Retail Banking Group
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait
Egypt
10.2007 - 01.2011
- Took ownership of retail operations across group, with 574 branches worldwide
- Drove business development and process re-engineering efforts focused on profit maximization and cutting-edge retail banking solutions
- Positive impact to bank's market share ratio increasing by 2% annually, reflecting growth in customer base and competitive standing
- Navigated 2008 global recession by implementing robust risk management strategies, reducing incidence of fraud cases from 1% to 0.2%, and improving portfolio provisioning by 1% annually
- Mitigated recession’s impact on bank's operations
- Spearheaded team in employing compliance initiatives across retail division, transforming revenue frequent audit ratings of 'failed' and 'need attention' to 'accepted' within one year and generating $123M in profit
- Cultivated a high-performance and employee-friendly team environment, resulting in reduced employee turnover and a culture of calculated risk-taking and innovation, positioning bank ahead of competitors in the market
- Implemented measures to enhance customer experience, defending against emerging competition from Gulf banks through highly personalized customer experiences, reducing customer attrition from 18% to 9%
- Established valuable partnerships with fin-tech companies, industry associations, regulatory bodies, and other banks, enabling bank to stay ahead of emerging trends and leverage economies of scale
- Achieved all targets for 4 consecutive years.
Assistant General Manager | Head of Retail Sales and Non-Resident Markets
Commercial Bank of Qatar
Qatar
11.2003 - 09.2007
- Led a profit center with 197 staff comprised of heads of finance laterals, DSAs, managers, team leaders, operations officers, supervisors, and support staff
- Positive impact to bank's market share ratio rising by 3.5% yearly
- Identified and recommended product-wide vendor distribution matrix and partnered with senior management to maximize product reach
- Steered improvement of key metrics across bank—growing sales revenue to $216M, acquiring 13.5K new customers, and doubling cross-sell ratio from 2.3% to 4.5%
- Piloted a groundbreaking strategy to introduce new delivery channels, resulting in improved sales, market growth, and a 13% expansion in consumer portfolio
- Pioneered development of an industry-first mobile sales force, boosting bank's sales reach and contributing to a 10% annual rise in branch sales
- Implemented advanced sales techniques and conducted trend analysis and market research to forecast customer attrition ratio, yielding a drastic reduction of 30% in customer attrition
- Designed and executed a new customer segmentation plan, realizing an impressive 38% annual growth of assets.
AVP- District Manager Dubai , Head of Retail Branking
Mashreq Bank
UAE
06.1993 - 10.2003
- Promoted to manage operations across a district with a customer base of 63K and a portfolio size of $1.2M in assets and $970K in liabilities
- Headed teams across 15 branches to increase bank’s deposit base, loan portfolio, and fee-based income
- Maintained strict compliance and conducted all operations per regulatory guidelines across all 15 branches
- Championed initiatives that led to an impressive 11.6% increase in revenue ($180M) in 2001, a further 12.9% growth in 2002, and a 13.4% increase in 2003—Received the Best Branch Award in 2001.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree (Commerce and Accounting) -
Ain Shams University
EgyptSkills
- Operational Excellence
- Risk Mitigation
- Multi-Million-Dollar Revenue Growth
- Risk Management and Mitigation
- Policy and Framework Development
- Cross-functional Leadership
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Compliance and Regulatory Expertise
- Accounting
- Payroll
- Financial Activities
- Taxation
- Operational Functions
- Financial Strategies
- Cost-saving Measures
- Financial Performance
- Credit Risk Management
- Third-Party Risk Management
- Risk Assessment Methodologies
- Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Client Acquisition and Retention
- Risk Management Excellence
- International Expansion Leadership
- Innovation and Digital Transformation
- Leadership and Team Development
- Retail Operations
- Business Development
- Process Re-engineering
- Retail Banking Solutions
- Risk Management Strategies
- Compliance Initiatives
- Customer Experience Enhancement
- Partnerships
- Sales Revenue Growth
- Product Distribution
- Delivery Channels
- Sales Techniques
- Market Research
- Customer Segmentation
- Operations Management
- Strategic Business Planning
- Sales Management
- Services Quality Standard
- Customer Expectations
- Risk Self-Assessment
- Fraud Cases
- Developing High-Performance Sales and Marketing
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Loyalty
- Revenue Cycle Management
Websites
Professional Development
- Certified Trainer on Customer Value Index and Selling Skills
- Strategic Business Planning and Sales Management
- Services Quality Standard and Customer Expectations Training
- Risk Self-Assessment and Fraud Cases Training
- Strategic Business Planning Training
- Developing High-Performance Sales and Marketing | Coaching for Performance
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Loyalty
Personal Information
Title: Head of Accounting and Payroll
Timeline
Vice President / Head of Accounting and Payroll
La Razak Incorporated (Sait Pt )
03.2022 - Current
SVP | General Manager - Head of Group Retail Credit risk
Qatar National Bank (QNB Group)
06.2018 - 03.2022
VP | Asistant General Manager - Head of Corprate divsion
Qatar National Bank (QNB Group)
03.2011 - 06.2018
General Manager | Head of Retail Banking Group
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait
10.2007 - 01.2011
Assistant General Manager | Head of Retail Sales and Non-Resident Markets
Commercial Bank of Qatar
11.2003 - 09.2007
AVP- District Manager Dubai , Head of Retail Branking
Mashreq Bank
06.1993 - 10.2003
Bachelor’s Degree (Commerce and Accounting) -
Ain Shams University
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