Issue 9 2023 The Man Behind the Resurgence of Pakistan’s Largest Defence Conglomerate Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) is Pakistan’s leading state-owned defence conglomerate, operating under the patronage of Joint Staff Headquarters and led by CEO, Asad Kamal. We are celebrating his extraordinary work as our team picks the name of Asad Kamal for the Award of Most Dynamic CEO 2023 from the Defence Industry of Asia.
Welcome to the September 2023 issue of CEO Monthly. As always, CEO Monthly is dedicated to providing the latest news and features across the business world to our readership. By sharing knowledge, insights, expertise, and success stories from around the globe, we aim to inspire individuals and promote positivity in a world that is in a constant state of evolution. September seems to have come around quick, with summer soon drawing to a close and there all of a sudden only being three months left of the year. With that, the CEO Monthly team is taking the time to reflect on the successes of our award-winning CEOs and their businesses so far in 2023, and we’re feeling much excitement for all that is left in store. In this issue of CEO Monthly, we catch up with an array of our visionary leaders who hail from industries such as pharmaceutical, accounting, software development, advertising, and more. On our front cover, we feature our Most Influential CEO 2023 – Pakistan, Asad Kamal, who is CEO of Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), Pakistan’s leading state-owned defence conglomerate. Join us as we discover the extraordinary impact Asad has had on GIDS, having transformed it from an underperforming business into a profit-making entity – an incredible achievement indeed. Extremely experienced and knowledgeable, Asad continues to do an outstanding job in ensuring the success of both his team and GIDS. We hope you find each story within these pages to be insightful and inspiring, and wish you a wonderful month ahead. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming you back again soon for our October issue. Rebecca Scotland, Editor Website: www.ceo-review.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. News 6. Global Industrial & Defence Solutions: Pakistani Success Story GIDS – The Shining Star 8. Kent Athlone Pharma Group: Responding to the ever-changing needs in healthcare with consistent access to medicines 10. Fangage: Fangage CEO DamianKozak: Revolutionizing Fan Engagement in the Digital Age 12. Tall Bob: Getting the Message Across 13. Debitam - Online Account Filing: Dave Jangid: Leading the UK’s Best Online Accounting Company 14. Progetti del Cuore S.r.l: Daniel Ragone: Most Influential CEO in Advertising Services 15. EuraTechnologies: The Accomplished CEO to Lead Startup Incubator EuraTechnologies 17. Cleeng: Keeping Your Subscribers & Employees Engaged 18. Britenet: A Britenet-work of Success 20. Self Care Corporation Pty Ltd: Empowering women with confidence through transformative skincare 22. Geogram: Physical and Virtual Reality: Better Together Contents
NEWS Azentio Welcomes Sanjay Singh as New Chief Executive Officer
Veteran finance executive brings 20 years of experience as CFO and financial executive to Deltek Deltek, the leading global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, announced today that it has appointed Dean Tilsley as its Chief Financial Officer. In this position, Dean oversees the financial management of the company and will report directly to Mike Corkery, Deltek’s President and CEO. As CFO, Dean will support continued growth across Deltek’s portfolio of solutions and play a pivotal role in driving financial strategy, optimizing operational efficiency, and supporting the company’s continued growth and success. Dean most recently served as the CFO for Renaissance Learning, the leading global SaaS and learning analytics company providing cloudbased assessment, reading and math solutions for pre-K-12 schools and districts. Previously, he was the CFO for the Software and Media Solutions Group of Cox Automotive, where he consolidated leading online auto sales brands into a high growth, high margin business. Prior to that, he served in leadership roles at NASDAQ, Reuters and at Associated Press Television. Dean earned his MBA from Imperial College in London and has a bachelor’s degree with Honors in Economics from the University of Otago in his native New Zealand. “I am thrilled to announce that Dean Tilsley has joined the Deltek Executive team to lead our global finance organization,” said Mike Corkery, President and CEO of Deltek. “Dean is a very collaborative and resultsfocused leader. I am confident he will contribute to our culture and results by driving continuous improvements to help us meet our future strategic, financial and operational goals. His proven success delivering new business initiatives and leading the integration of large global acquisitions make him a great asset to our team.” “I’m very excited to join Deltek to continue building on the incredible work they’ve done over the years,” said Dean Tilsley, Deltek’s SVP and CFO. “I’m looking forward to working with the incredibly talented Deltek team to drive our business operations and strategy forward and support growth, while continuing to deliver best-in-class service to our customers around the world.” Deltek Appoints Dean Tilsley as Chief Financial Officer Azentio Software, a Singaporebasedsoftwareproductscompany owned by funds advised by Apax, is delighted to announce the appointment of Sanjay Singh as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move marks Azentio’s preparation for its next growth phase led by Sanjay, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in high-growth software businesses globally. “I’m honored to be named CEO of Azentio,” said Sanjay Singh, the company’s new CEO. “I’ve been impressed by Azentio’s advanced software products, dedication to innovation, domain expertise and insights of local markets. I anticipate building upon these strengths to deliver exceptional solutions to our clients.” Sanjay further added, “Azentio holds a unique position as the sole end-to-end software company specializing in the BFSI sector across Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Among industry players, Azentio stands out for its wide customer reach, market-leading products, and exceptional talent. I’m thrilled to guide Azentio towards achieving our ambitious vision of becoming the leading provider of BFSI software in APAC and MEA.” With a proven track record of scaling and adding value to software companies, Sanjay is a recognized operator in the field. Roy Mackenzie, Partner at Apax, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to welcome Sanjay who brings a wealth of experience in building world-class software businesses in the region, aligning with our collective vision.” Drawing upon 25 years of customer-centric leadership in global software and security enterprises, Sanjay’s expertise encompasses program development that drives revenue and expansion. In his recent role as Chief Revenue Officer at Datto - a renowned provider of cloud-based software and security solutions - Sanjay led Datto’s go-to-market strategy, culminating in the company’s IPO and its eventual acquisition by Kaseya in June 2022. Prior to his tenure at Datto, Sanjay spent nearly 18 years at Akamai Technologies, building and overseeing various go-to-market functions across the globe. Sanjay will immediately assume the CEO role. Tony Kinnear will continue in his role as a Board member of Azentio, while David Hamilton will step into the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azentio.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 6 Pakistani Success Story GIDS – The Shining Star Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) is Pakistan’s leading state-owned defence conglomerate, operating under the patronage of Joint Staff Headquarters and dealing in the export of defence and technological products. Led by CEO, Asad Kamal, we are celebrating his extraordinary work in transforming an underperforming business unit into a profit-making entity, making GIDS the biggest brand out of Pakistan and South East Asia. He is our team’s pick for the Award of Most Dynamic CEO 2023 Award of Most Dynamic CEO 2023 from the Defence Industry of Asia. We discover how he has taken both his career and GIDS to the exceptional heights they are reaching today. his brilliant CEO is no stranger to an accolade, with Asad Kamal also being recently praised as among the Top 100 Best Performing CEOs of Pakistan by CEO Club Pakistan, the country’s premier business group which draws hundreds of business leaders across the region – No feat to be taken lightly. Having been associated with the defence industry for the last 24 years, Asad has diverse multinational experience of defence exports in more than 20 countries across four continents, giving him a fair amount of understanding of different cultures, procurement habits, and chain of command. He holds an MBA degree with a specialisation in marketing, and has organised and coordinated more than 150 international events and tradeshows across the globe. While Asad doesn’t deny how his role in leadership can be challenging, he believes it is a process of learning and evolution, as he tells us, “We learn, we grow, and we eventually evolve towards our better selves. As CEO, I believe that timing is everything. As leader, timing becomes decisive Jul23221 T in life while encountering different situations. ‘Define priorities, make smart trade-offs, and embrace the actions!’ I practice to break through the inertia to keep the organisation going on business continuity. At the same time, I try to align my team’s focus to keep the momentum going in line with the organisational goals.” As CEO of GIDS – as well as Chief Salesman and Chief Brand Manager – Asad’s prime objective remains as transformation – Transformation of a company struggling with consistently churning revenues and its board members slowly losing faith in the cause. Asad recalls, “My first job was to win the hearts and minds of my management and bring their faith back. Then inspire my team and push the system to slowly incite change – Easier said than done! It was a strategic battle at two fronts, outward and inward. Exhaustive and challenging, but rewarding eventually.” He goes on to explain what transforming the organisation involved. “So, I had to go back to the drawing board and do major alterations to the company DNA: some by changing mindset and some by doing complete business process re-engineering. Finally, I had to trust my team to do their best and bring this dream to reality. I am happy that what unfolded subsequently for us made everyone proud. However, my job is far from done; there is a lot to achieve yet.” “I consider myself as an instrument of change and that is my biggest value and contribution to the company.” Today, GIDS has more than three decades of experience behind it in developing indigenous defence technologies and solutions, now boasting more than 150 products in its portfolio, from cruise missiles to small pyros. In addition to having expanded its customer base across 20 countries, GIDS has in the last six years established a global brand name and one of the most vibrant and professional defence sales companies in the region – and it’s all thanks to the visionary leadership of Asad Kamal. Further, we ask Asad to give us more of an insight into how GIDS remains steadfast specifically as a Pakistani weapons company against big industry giants across the globe. “Well, it’s a bit of strategy and a bit of resilience combined. Pakistan has made a lot of technological prowess in the last few decades when it comes to indigenous defence protection. Given our inherent geopolitical challenges, our nation has put a lot of resource, human capital, and faith into defence production. However, when it comes to sales, we have to pick our competition and the battlefield wisely; we have our own niche, and that is the cost benefit and value that we offer to our clients. We go to great lengths to understand what our customer wants, as we make the solution ‘easy on the pocket’ with ‘no strings attached’.” Even as a pure government entity, luckily, GIDS operates with a lot of operational/ business autonomy given by its management. Asad states, “I always feel proud to claim that GIDS is our local success story, where young professionals contribute in doing their humble best every day for the nation.” “I feel an organisation is like a tree; it will only grow and bear fruit once the people who work for it grow and prosper along with it.” Indeed, as part of the work GIDS does, Asad is keen to highlight the crucial role his staff play, believing
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 7 they are the company’s greatest asset. He places great importance on developing their skills and knowledge, which in return increases the company’s stature and profits. GIDS is an organisation manned by professionals at all management levels, and that has allowed it to evolve, grow, and make a difference. Asad goes on to say, “A CEO must always be switching between what I call different altitudes and frequencies – tasks of different levels of abstraction and specificity. At the highest altitude, you’re asking the big questions, like “What is the company’s mission and strategy?”, “Do people understand and believe in these aims?”, “Are decisions consistent with them?” At the lowest altitude, you’re looking at on-the-ground operations and tactical manoeuvring. Mainly, though, I prefer to work at a middle-to-high altitude. I’m fascinated with longterm strategic alternatives. I’m not a daydreamer, but I like to reflect on and talk about realistic options and strategies, forcing myself out of my comfort zone. In business, inspiration and experience often leads to wisdom and success, so every day is a new day for me to learn to do what is in the best interest of my country and organisation both.” Now, Asad reflects on how the last two years have been very busy for Global Industrial & Defence Solutions, as it has reorganised itself to introduce a completely new line of products for the world. Thus, the next 12 months are going to see the manifestation of the company’s new product strategy – Bigger systems like cruise missiles, long range drones, and artillery weapons will become its flagship products, which means an entirely new segment of customers. The team is extremely excited and motivated to embrace all that is to come in the near future – and we at Acquisition International are looking forward to seeing it all unfold. Company: Global Industrial & Defence Solutions Contact: Mr. Asad Kamal Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Website: www.gids.com.pk Address: GIDS Building, Complex-II, Chaklala Garrison – Rawalpindi, Pakistan Telephone: +92 51 92800 61 / 62
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 8 Mar23134 Responding to the ever-changing needs in healthcare with consistent access to medicines Following the turmoil of the global pandemic, and the current economic climate the pharmaceutical industry has had to find new ways to respond to the needs of healthcare. One such company is Kent Athlone Pharma Group, so we wanted to interview its CEO, Terry Petersen, to find out more. To begin, please could you give us an overview of Kent Athlone Pharma Group? Kent Athlone Pharma Group is a Specialty, European Pharmaceutical Company with offices and production sites in the UK and Ireland. The company has a broad portfolio of Value-Added Medicines, and for example is already one of the largest suppliers of Hospital Injectables, and antibiotics to the NHS, in the UK. Likewise, we have a very successful service business within the Group, which provides a valuable service to NHS organisations as one of the leading providers of overlabelling services in the UK. The company has a long heritage dating back to 1986, supporting/collaborating with customers in the UK, Ireland, and Internationally through a network of partners across Europe, and around the globe. Could you tell us more about how you started with Kent Athlone Pharma Group, and how your past experience guided you to making such a difference to the team? I joined the company as CEO, in July 2022, to work with an established, & experienced team, to help lead, and facilitate the ongoing rapid growth of the business, as we seek to service our customers and support patients in the UK, Europe, and beyond. In terms of my professional background, I have spent the last 20+ years shaping and leading pharmaceutical businesses in Europe (Largely for Global Multi-Nationals), and I was very pleased to join Kent Athlone Pharma Group, because I could see the future potential to grow the business, with an excellent current portfolio of products, a strong product pipeline, and a committed team. How do you approach your business strategy? On joining the company 12 months ago, we took the time to speak/meet with every single employee, to understand their perspective in terms of what was working and what we needed to focus on improving. We identified a number of key areas including company culture, product portfolio, mediumterm Company Strategy, and operational excellence. We also spent time analysing our business, and our company processes to identify where we really needed to focus, to transition the business from a “Good” to a “Great” Company in the next few years. What challenges have you faced, or think you will face, due to the nature of your industry? Like any company in the recent economic climate, we have had to manage a number of challenges on an ongoing basis. For example, we face the ongoing challenges of global medicine shortages, substantial increases in cost of goods, and the low margins for some ValueAdded Medicines in many countries. And of course, it is taken as a given that we will operate at all times with the appropriate levels of compliance in line with our regulatory obligations, and our Corporate Social Responsibility as a manufacturer and employer in the UK and Ireland.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 9 Mar23134 What do you value in your team and how does Kent Athlone Pharma Group cultivate a rich environment for personal and professional growth? Over the last 12 months, one thing that has always impressed me, has been the level of commitment from our team, the desire to get it right for our customers every day, and the level of collaboration across every function across the business. We have a great team which I am very proud of. Within Kent Athlone Pharma Group, we call this the “One Team” culture, and it is something we have really focussed on and invested in bringing to life in everything that we do. We have taken the time to re-define our company values, and they guide our approach in everything that we do: Honesty, Teamwork, Diversity, Commitment, Agility, and Leadership. When we are recruiting in addition to the right experience, we also think very carefully about if the cultural fit is there for both parties. This is a fast-moving, action-orientated, hands-on culture where “smart, goalorientated, precise, driven, do’ers” thrive. It is not for the faint-hearted, but it is a stimulating environment for the right people, who enjoy learning/collaborating, where individuals are provided with genuine autonomy to drive the business forwards and take pride in making a difference every day. We proactively invest in frequent and engaging communication/events with the whole team, so everyone is kept informed, all of the time, and has the opportunity to share their views openly, make suggestions for improvement and ask questions freely. The biggest investment that we make every year as a business is in our people. To finish, what are your plans for the future? Our 5-year growth strategy is focussed on five pillars: • Expand the Product Portfolio: Through pro-active Business Development, Partnering and New Product Development. Our focus going forwards will be differentiated Value Added Medicines, in 5 core therapy areas: Anti-Infectives, Pain, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Hospital Injectables. • Effectively launch and commercialise: Working closely with our partners, and regulatory bodies to launch products on time, and then effectively promoting/ distributing these products to achieve commercial expectations. • Expand the presence Internationally: Of our product range either via direct distribution or partnering. • Improve Operational Excellence: Effectively managing our supply chain, and business functions via streamlined, integrated and automated applications, systems and processes. • Build and maintain a High Performance Culture: That attracts, retains, develops and engages a high calibre, diverse team. In summary the future outlook for Kent Athlone Pharma Group looks strong. We have a clear Growth Strategy, a Great Team a positive Company Culture, and the ambition to do everything we can to get it right for our customers, partners and the patients we serve, every day. We appreciate hearing from Terry as he secures the title of Most Influential Pharmaceutical Products Development & Supply CEO 2023 – UK from CEO Monthly. Contact: Terry Petersen Company: Kent Athlone Pharma Group Web Address: www.kentpharm.co.uk/ Customer Focus “ Kent Pharma’s ethos is customer excellence. We strive to fulfil all of our customer requirements efficiently and professionally. Everything we do is centred around our customers as they are key to our business growth and success - Nicola Roche, Wholesale Director. ” Strong Financial Planning and Control “ The business has a renewed focus on a strong controls’ environment; ensuring the completeness and accuracy of data to allow for timely decision making. Focussing on the key performance indicators across the business allows us to prioritise those things that are most impactful in strengthening our business and continuing to deliver growth - Adrian Narayan, Chief Financial Officer.” International expansion “ We are in a very exciting period for Kent Athlone Pharma Group as the business is implementing an international expansion strategy through direct distribution or partnerships. This will not only enable the business to¬ build a platform to layer on new growth opportunities in new territories, but it will also provide development opportunities for staff to gain international experience. “The business is building on its’ extensive experience of commercialising Value-Added Medicines by investing in a program of activities to optimise commercial capabilities. This will ensure Kent Athlone Pharma Group has the right commercial structure and capabilities, underpinned by robust processes to deliver the ambitious growth plans - Andy Crichton, International Business and Strategic Projects Director ”
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 10 nternational artist Sam Feldt created Fangage when he recognized a glaring gap in the creator-fan relationship. Despite amassing a vast social media following, Feldt found himself distanced from his own fanbase, unable to forge direct connections. This frustration served as the catalyst for Fangage – an innovative platform that empowers creators across diverse domains, from music to e-sports. Fangage allows these creators to establish their personalized, branded hubs, enabling them to engage directly with their global fan communities. The narrative took a dramatic turn with Fangage’s acquisition by Triller – an AI-powered open garden tech platform. Triller’s expansive network of creators and cutting-edge technology injected renewed vigor into Fangage’s mission. The synergy between the two entities marked the beginning of an era where fan engagement reaches unprecedented heights. With Triller’s arsenal of over 750 million interactions per month, Fangage is poised to amplify its impact, providing creators with the tools to cultivate genuine connections with their followers. Central to Fangage’s success are the values of trust, engagement, and loyalty. In an era marked by skepticism, Fangage has emerged as a beacon of trust, prioritizing transparency, data security, and authenticity. The platform fosters an environment where users feel confident in sharing personal information and engaging meaningfully. Engagement, the heartbeat of Fangage, takes on a new dimension within the platform. Through direct and meaningful interactions, creators and fans bridge the gap that traditional social media often exacerbates. This direct line of communication, paired with exclusive content, deepens the bond between creators and their fans. This strong bond gives rise to loyalty – a currency of immense value in the realm of fan engagement. Fangage cultivates loyalty that transcends mere transactions. Fans, through their loyalty, evolve into brand Fangage CEO Damian Kozak: Revolutionizing Fan Engagement in the Digital Age From its inception in 2016 to its recent acquisition by Triller, Damian Kozak’s journey with Fangage has been one of dedicated innovation and a relentless pursuit of empowering creators. As the CEO, his mission has been clear: to provide creators with a platform that bridges the gap between them and their fans. As a testament to his groundbreaking role in revolutionizing the dynamics of fan engagement, he’s awarded the esteemed title of Most Influential CEO 2023 (Fan Engagement) – Netherlands. advocates, organically promoting both creators and the platform. Damian Kozak’s leadership mirrors Fangage’s core values. By prioritizing the needs of his team, Kozak fosters loyalty and productivity. As Fangage evolves, Kozak’s leadership grows in tandem, from nurturing individual growth to setting an inspiring example for the entire team. The challenges of the creator economy, where platforms often exploit creators for their own profit, have driven Fangage’s mission. It offers a transformative solution, moving beyond the broken model and reshaping the creator economy to prioritize equitable engagement. Looking forward, Fangage’s future shines brightly. The acquisition by Triller has paved the way for Fangage 2.0 – an advanced iteration that leverages Triller’s technology and generative AI. This evolution ushers in an era of heightened human interaction in a messagingcentric world. Trust and relationships take center stage in this evolution. As Fangage’s journey continues, Kozak envisions a broader impact. Armed with insights gained from scaling and growing a startup, he aspires to support other startups and scale-ups, guiding them through the challenges and triumphs that define the startup landscape. In the ever-evolving landscape of fan engagement, Kozak stands as a pioneer. His vision, aligned with Fangage’s steadfast commitment to values, is reshaping how creators and fans connect in the digital age. As the story unfolds, Kozak’s dedication to innovation promises to redefine the dynamics of fan engagement, ultimately enriching the digital experience for creators and enthusiasts around the world. Contact Details Company: Fangage Contact: Damian Kozak Email: [email protected] Website: www.fangage.com Aug23334 I
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 11 Your Partner in the world Affariesteri.it can help develop trailblazing business plans fully capable of optimising business processes. It offers strategic consulting, acting as the right-hand man for its partner businesses, helping them to navigate fast turnarounds and manage difficulties. Email: [email protected] | Telephone: +39 055 49 35 579 | Fax: +39 055 493 5579
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 12 Since Tall Bob’s inception over a decade ago, Ryan Berman has been leading the charge towards a better communication solution for clients, customers, and patients alike. As a mobile messaging software, Tall Bob focuses on maximising the potential of text messaging, and is a firm believer that there is so much more to messaging than meets the eye. As opposed to being a simple 160 characters of plain text, it’s a powerful means to engage in a strong network that’s constantly connected. As such, it’s Ryan’s goal to establish Tall Bob as the world’s most effective SMS and MMS mobile engagement and mobile analytics platform, all whilst applying an abundance of expertise to get the job done. Tall Bob stands as a representation of how invaluable effective messaging platforms can be as a means for businesses to communicate, and its work has already pushed for the deconstruction of preconceived notions throughout Australia. Instead of static SMS communication, Tall Bob seeks to become an essential, journey-based tool that can be utilised to achieve ROI and brand objectives. But just how does Ryan manage to guide Tall Bob towards greatness, all whilst handling his team as CEO? When we reached out to Ryan to gain a little more insight into his role, he expressed that “My role is to lead our team and to ensure we are the trusted advisors for our customers when it comes to their mobile strategy”, and he went on to detail how “From the very beginning, honesty, reliability, and service are all critical to mine and the business’ success. I believe it’s important that I continue to sell the solution I believe in, work with customers, provide support, and get my hands dirty like I would expect from any of my team.” Ryan highly values each and every member of the team, which has allowed Tall Bob to excel in new and exciting ways under his watch. However, when it comes to the leadership aspect that accompanies the CEO role, Ryan explained to us how crucial it is to support those around you, regardless of their struggles. Priding yourself on the team that you’ve managed to forge is invaluable within any internal structure – It’s what allows the company to thrive in such a staggering way. He recognises the likelihood of differing opinions throughout his team, and encourages debate in healthy, respectful Getting the Message Across As technology develops, so too does the ability to utilise it in order to forge more effective, streamlined methods of communication. However, what’s more effective than the humble text message? Though it may seem simple, text messages have the potential to deliver information instantaneously, and yet they’re terribly underutilised by many businesses. Tall Bob seeks to remedy this, and below we delve into how Ryan Berman’s ambition came to earn him the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 - Australia (Mobile Platform). and collaborative ways that ultimately lead to the birth of new concepts and ideas. That being said, Ryan also understands how imperative it is to continuously learn, even if your role is considered the most important within the company. Reflecting on yourself can open avenues to connect with your staff, resulting in a work environment that’s always changing and evolving for the better. He fosters an unapologetic sense of togetherness throughout Tall Bob, and it’s clear to see through the success of both Ryan himself, as well as the company that he’s built from the ground up. Ryan is passionate about being a mentor for other founders on their respective start up journeys. This attitude is shaped by the mentors he has, from his chair, Kim Williams, brother Ari Berman and various smart and driven entrepreneurs who he has leaned on for various pieces of advice over the years. He gives us an insight into what this entails. “Sharing my experience, knowledge across all the mistakes I made [in my own career]. Shedding light to decision making, team building, and the life of running a startup. It wasn’t for the faint hearted and still isn’t. There is a lot more knowledge and guidance now than there was 12 years ago, however, the same rules apply. Being a billion-dollar business or acquiring a billion users in a week happens to one person a year across 7.8 billion people. The chances aren’t likely, but channelling that entrepreneurship and drive is what I really love and would like to help other entrepreneurs in their journey.” Tall Bob truly is a revolutionary solution that’s no doubt going to continue take the world by storm in the years to come. It’s wholly centered on the idea that communication avenues shouldn’t be difficult or intimidating to establish, and sometimes all it takes is for the right person to see the potential in a simple concept that most of us have come to overlook in recent years. Ryan Berman is one such individual, whose ambition and vision for the future has made Tall Bob what it is today. We’d like to extend our congratulations to both Ryan and the team at Tall Bob for receiving the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 - Australia (Mobile Platform). It’s proven that anything is possible when it comes to innovation – something that is sure to become incredibly apparent as Tall Bob continues to grow and evolve under Ryan’s guidance. Contact: Ryan Berman Company: Tall Bob Web Address: www.tallbob.com Aug23017 S
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 13 Dave Jangid: Leading the UK’s Best Online Accounting Company In today’s digital society, technology has played a significant role in our lives. Everything can be done online in a matter of a few clicks, from grocery shopping to booking tickets for the cinema. Accounting is no exception to this. Rather than taking numerous trips to the accountant’s office, business owners can get their tax, accounting, and other compliances done without leaving the comfort of their own homes. To do this, all they need to do is sign up for an online accounting alternative like Debitam. Debitam files company accounts and tax returns online to HMRC and Companies House. With this burden taken off their shoulders, business owners can instead focus on leading and growing their businesses. Furthermore, Debitam offers one-off services to micro and small companies, professional individuals, contractors, and freelancers. Whether a client is a limited company, sole trader, or contractor, Debitam is equipped with innovative technology to provide them with a range of services, including accounts and corporation tax return filing, VAT and bookkeeping, payroll, confirmation statement filing, and free tax and financial advice. Just like any other accountant, Debitam first works to understand the nature of the client’s business and accounting needs. Then, it responds to their queries and provides them with a full range of services. However, online accountants offer a multitude of benefits, including enhanced accessibility, saving time and money, and increased responsiveness with the help of technology. With Debitam, there is no chance of delayed filing, no time wasted travelling, and no requirement for paper documents that will inevitably get forgotten and lost. In addition, rather than waiting in a queue or making an appointment to be seen by an accountant in person, clients can raise a query anytime through the online platform or email or call Debitam support to ask a question between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Alongside the general benefits of using an online accountant, companies that work with Debitam also gain access to a team of expert accountants who will assist them in a language they won’t get lost in. Rather than using confusing jargon, they take a straightforward approach, removing the hassle of miscommunication from the process. Today, Debitam is led by a team of experienced directors, including CEO and founder, Dave Jangid. He has served for over 16 years in accounting and fintech and is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and ambassador of innovative change in the industry. As a visionary planner and objective thinker, Dave takes a can-do approach to everything he does. He is proud to be a focused, positive leader who draws the best out of any situation. Dave has founded multiple enterprises throughout his career, building these projects from scratch and driving them to successful execution. Dave founded Debitam in 2018 to bring accounting and technology together to help SMEs across the UK with efficient, cost-effective services that fulfil their account and tax filing needs. Under his leadership, the company’s adept team help hundreds of businesses every month to file their accounts and tax returns at the very last minute, saving them over 50% on accounting fees. Throughout 2022, Debitam saw a 100% growth in sales and clients, with thousands of businesses having trusted the company to handle their lastminute tax filings. As a result of what he and his team have accomplished, Dave Jangid has been awarded Most Influential Online Accounting Services CEO of the Year, UK, in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023. We congratulate him on this success and can’t wait to see what Debitam will have achieved by the end of this year. Contact: Dave Jangid Company: Debitam - Online Account Filing Web Address: www.debitam.com Jul23645 Based in London, Debitam is an accounting company backed by sophisticated bespoke AI-driven accounting software. Debitam provides year-end company accounts, tax return filing, and advice for small businesses. The company’s accomplished CEO and Founder, Dave Jangid has been named Most Influential Online Accounting Services CEO of the Year, UK, in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 14 Daniel Ragone: Most Influential CEO in Advertising Services Meaning “Projects of the Heart”, Progetti del Cuore is an Italian advertising company dedicated to encouraging businesses across the country to support the provision of important services to vulnerable individuals like children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In turn, it promotes their brands, making them protagonists of a new way of investing in social welfare. Here, we speak to the company’s CEO, Daniele Ragone, who has been named this year’s Most Influential CEO in Advertising Services, Italy. oday, volunteer organisations that support vulnerable members of the community play an incredibly important role in society. They provide the elderly and people with disabilities with essential services like home assistance, recreational activities, psychological support, and more, which contributes towards the improvement of their overall quality of life. Furthermore, many vulnerable individuals may find themselves isolated due to their circumstances. The activities carried out by volunteer associations provide them with a multitude of opportunities for socialisation, interaction, and community participation. This promotes their inclusion in society, which helps dispel prejudices and stereotypes to create a more welcoming environment. However, it is often the case that the financial resources of these organisations fail to fully meet the needs of the vulnerable citizens in their communities. Progetti del Cuore was created to support their provision of these essential services by filling this financial gap. To this end, it encourages local and national businesses to invest in the social sector and support the work of volunteer associations. Ultimately, companies that demonstrate social consciousness and genuine care for the wellbeing of citizens are rewarded with exclusive image services and, consequently, enhanced corporate reputation. At the helm of Progetti del Cuore is CEO Daniele Ragone, an experienced leader and skilled tax and corporate consultant. In his leadership of the company, he combines a number of key approaches to ultimately inspire and motivate his employees, prioritise their needs, foster their growth and development, listen to their diverse perspectives, and support them in achieving the goals of the business. “I think that the best leadership style depends on the CEO’s ability to adapt to circumstances and engage and inspire the team,” Daniele explains. “A flexible approach that integrates elements of different leadership styles can often lead to positive results. It is also important to be aware of one’s strengths and areas for improvement as a leader.” In the work Progetti del Cuore does, Daniele believes that his team are an indispensable asset; their skills and expertise play an extremely important role in the functioning of the business. For example, the operational staff are responsible for delivering high-quality products and services, influencing customer satisfaction and company reputation. As well as this, the finance, marketing, and management teams are crucial in the company’s decision-making and strategy development. Lastly, all employees contribute towards the creation of a positive and productive work environment through their interactions with colleagues and collaboration on projects. Given their importance, it is no surprise that Daniele is committed to investing in the skills and abilities of his team. He explains, “Staff training and development are critical investments for the company’s future. Skill enhancement and professional growth improve collective performance, enabling the company to remain at the forefront of its industry and face challenges with confidence.” As a result of Daniele’s excellent leadership, Progetti del Cuore has been able to contribute towards the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals across Italy by supporting the municipalities and associations that serve them. It has also been able to enhance the brands of various companies by helping them showcase Jul23681 T their commitment to their community whilst truly serving a worthy cause. For this reason, Daniele has been awarded Most Influential CEO in Advertising Services, Italy, in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023. In the future, at Progetti del Cuore, Daniele plans to focus on implementing comprehensive sustainability practices, increasing customer retention rates through loyalty programmes and marketing campaigns, and engaging in more philanthropic initiatives and community projects to enhance its reputation as a socially responsible organisation. We are thrilled to congratulate Daniele on this achievement and wish him the best of luck in the years to come. Contact: Daniele Ragone Company: Progetti del Cuore S.r.l. Web Address: www. progettidelcuore.com
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 15 Jul23527 EuraTechnologies is the perfect solution for new businesses that are just starting out as well as established companies looking to reach the next level of success. To support their growth and development, the company provides practical workshops and one-toone mentoring, delivered by expert programme managers, mentors, and industry partners. Its clients also benefit from becoming part of a supportive and stimulating community made up of fellow entrepreneurs and seasoned alumni. As a result, EuraTechnologies serves a client base that consists of startup business owners and project holders, primarily within the Fintech, EdTech, HRTech, Cybersecurity, AgTech, GreenTech, PropTech, RetailTech, eCommerce, SpaceTech, and Robotics industries. Since its establishment in 2009, EuraTechnologies has helped to create over 7000 new jobs by aiding in the growth of startups across its four sites. The company takes a vertical approach to its work, which sets it apart from other startup incubators and enables it to keep the customer at the heart of everything it does. Alongside its focus on startup incubation, EuraTechnologies also serves as a place where people can host events of all sizes. For example, it rents out the five-story atrium of its campus in Lille, offering clients a top-floor VIP lounge with a terrace, a theatre-style auditorium, and other rooms of all sizes that are suitable for both private and corporate hire. In this area of the business, EuraTechnologies differentiates itself through the distinct history of its building and the excellence of its dedicated events team. Last year, the company impressively held over 500 successful events. With plenty of space to offer, EuraTechnologies also provides permanent offices and coworking areas, which startups can choose to rent. Today, over 200 businesses operate on its various campuses. For almost a year, EuraTechnologies has been headed by experience manager Koussée Vaneecke. In January 2022, she joined the company as Managing The Accomplished CEO to Lead Startup Incubator EuraTechnologies Located in the north of France, EuraTechnologies is a startup incubator with campuses in Lille, Roubaix, Willems, and Saint Quentin. The company supports more than 200 startups a year, transforming them into successful businesses that positively impact the world. Here, we take a look at the work EuraTechnologies does as well as the career and achievements of its excellent CEO, Koussée Vaneecke, who has been awarded Most Influential Start-Up Incubator CEO in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023. Director, before accepting the position of CEO in October. Born in Moscow to a RussianUkrainian mother and a Chadian father, Koussée graduated from ESCP Business School in 1999 with a double major in marketing and management control. She began her career as a Brand Manager at Danone, before working as an International Senior Brand Manager at Pernod Ricard. She then spent three years creating and developing a startup, learning and gaining valuable skills related to leadership. Following this, Koussée went on to hold marketing management and general management positions at various B2B companies with strong entrepreneurial cultures. With routes in Russia and Chad as well as fluency in English, French, and Russian, she systematically worked on international expansions across these companies. At Webhelp, a world leader in the outsourced customer experience, Koussée served as Marketing Manager then Marketing Director, accompanying it in its growth from €200M to €1bn. Later, at Comexposium, she managed a subsidiary specialising in tech and cybersecurity events. Koussée’s previous experience in tech, her passion for entrepreneurship and innovation, and her experience with creating and running her own startup eventually led her to join EuraTechnologies. There, she is proud to have aided in the growth of hundreds of businesses and the creation of countless jobs. Currently, Koussée’s goal is to work with her team at EuraTechnologies to strengthen and improve the programmes it provides to startups. She also aims to enhance the company’s ability to put clients in touch with the best mentors to support them in their international success. Ultimately, she believes that EuraTechnologies will become an incubator that is recognised for its model of economic, social, and environmental transition. This year, one of the biggest projects Koussée will be leading at EuraTechnologies is the first life year of its cyber campus, which was created with the goal of helping clients to better defend themselves in the face of significant cyber risk. As a result of her continued excellence and ambition, Koussée has been awarded Most Influential Start-Up Incubator CEO in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023. We congratulate her on this achievement and wish her the best of luck in the years to come. Contact: Koussée Vaneecke Company: EuraTechnologies Web Address: ww.euratechnologies.com/en
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 16 UK.LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/YOOOGROUP | YOOOGROUP.COM | LTYOOOGROUP.COM WITH AN EXCITING MIXTURE OF BARS AND CAFES TO AN ESTATE AGENCY, PREMIUM OFFICE SPACES, AND SOFTWARE A private-owned investment rm, to incorporate YoooServ, Yooodle, Bomboni, Bookify, and Bla Bla
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 9 2023 17 Based in Amsterdam and serving brands such as the NFL, SBG, Optus Sport, the NHL, and Big Ten Network within the sports industry, Cleeng has come to be known throughout the sector as the go-to for anyone looking to retain their subscriber count for years to come. By combining its operational Subscriber Management System and actionable analytics, it allows clients to launch direct to consumer video subscription services that are capable of ensuring that As global online video services continue to grow at an exponential rate, so too does the need for quality subscriber management services. No company is more aware of this than Cleeng, who, under Gilles Domartini’s watchful eye, is on-hand to act as an SAAS platform that wholly specialises in Subscriber Retention Management. We explore how its CEO managed to elevate the company, and earn the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 - North Holland (Subscriber Retention Management) in the process. their subscriber count never falters once established. Cleeng’s overarching mission is promoted through every action it takes as a company – to make it easy to manage video subscribers, increase retention, and boost ARPU. Thanks to the company’s prowess in its field, it has been able to deliver a versatile platform that is a proven brilliant asset to broadcasting companies, sport federations, and media companies alike. However, none of this would have been possible had it not been for the talent and expertise that Gilles brings to the table. Following a decade of experience working for the likes of Philips and Apple, Gilles quickly managed to develop himself as a leader through his willingness to not only adapt, but to apply what he’d previously learned in order to forge new methods and approaches to a smaller company. He recognised how essential it was to plan his time effectively when working for a larger corporation, focusing on a few objectives, and was able to therefore translate this into his practises within Cleeng. As a result, since starting in his basement, Gilles has grown Cleeng into a global leading company, with now more than 110 employees in four continents. Despite its smaller size and limited funding, Cleeng is able to compete with very large corporations, hire the best talent, be in the top quartile of Employee NPS, and be a profitable business. The success of the company was based on a few key principles: - The imperative a customer centric approach was, and setting out to maintain a crucial relationship with customers founded on mutual respect and understanding. - Tight focus on the media and entertainment industry, all in the hopes that the refinement of its services will serve to excel clients in totally unique ways. - Innovative ways of working: from day one, the company was partially remote and decentralised, with team in Amsterdam, Poznan, and Paris. Now, it employs staff in more than 15 countries, of 20 nationalities. - Strong care for the team, with a clear company culture centred around teamwork, collaboration, getting things done, and trust. As the market for subscriber retention services grows, so too does Cleeng. The company does not rest on its laurels, and there isn’t a single moment where the brilliant minds behind the company aren’t planning ahead in order to forge the best version of itself for its customers. Considering the global success of the company, the employee engagement visible online, and the efficient business model established, we are beyond proud to present Gilles Domartini with the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 - North Holland (Subscriber Retention Management). His ability to harmonise his workforce with his overarching vision for the future of the company has resulted in a business that is set to flourish. Congratulations to Gilles and the Cleeng team. Company: Cleeng Web Address: https://cleeng.com/ Keeping Your Subscribers & Employees Engaged
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==