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This article is part of the 2024 edition of Entrepreneur Middle East’s annual Follow The Leader series. In this series, the region’s top business leaders share strategies, industry-specific tactics, and professional challenges in driving their businesses to success.
When Haitham Odeime joined UAE-based financial institution Al Rams as chief financial officer (CFO) in late 2017, he joined a company that was already approaching its 20th anniversary. Al Ramz was founded in 1998 and has since been providing services in the UAE across a wide range of areas including asset management, corporate finance, brokerage, margin, market making, liquidity provision and public offering management. and financial research. Mr Odeime has been a key asset in introducing innovation into Al Rams’ service offering over the years and is currently the company’s Group CEO, Financial Services, a role he claims he enjoys. “My role at Al Rams is to guide our strategic vision while ensuring we remain true to our core values,” said Odeime. “I oversee the development and execution of plans, particularly in the financial technology space, and aim to pioneer innovative solutions in trading and investing. What excites me most is: It’s about having the opportunity to push boundaries and create solutions that truly benefit our clients. That’s why my approach to managing responsibilities is rooted in collaboration, prioritizing strategic goals, and building on trust and innovation. We work closely with our team to share our focus while fostering a positive environment.”
Well, since the beginning of Odeime’s journey to Al Rams, he has been part of a company with a lot of history, and with that comes the added responsibility of staying true to its heritage. So how has Odeime balanced keeping up with the latest fintech trends while inheriting Al Rams’ core values? “Well, maintaining this balance requires being flexible and We need a steady approach,” replies the Group CEO. “While our core goals of maximizing investor returns, mitigating risks and fostering a well-informed investor community remain the same, we remain responsive to evolving market demands and regulatory changes. The important thing is to stay true to our principles.” By embracing innovation and maintaining our vision, we don’t lose sight of our core values. You will be able to change direction as needed. ”
It is therefore in this spirit that Mr. Odeime has taken on the new responsibility of taking the helm of Al Rams’ new trading app (simply referred to as Al Rams App). Built as a means to provide comprehensive insights into listed companies, the app allows investors to trade in the US and UAE markets while gaining real-time market feeds and news updates, detailed market intelligence, and information It also provides a set of analysis tools that can be used to decision making. The app’s biggest feature is the feature Odeime and his team are betting big on: the introduction of a robo-advisor powered by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). The tool promises to provide affordable investment advice tailored to a specific user’s financial goals. The end result is usually associated with expensive traditional advisory services. “Unlike many other market participants, we focus on building bespoke portfolios rather than relying on proxies such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs),” Odeime said. added. “This approach, combined with advanced quantitative models and rapid execution capabilities, allows us to provide services that are not only cost-effective but also highly sensitive to market conditions, protecting our clients’ interests.”
Notable highlights of the app include the ability to trade in other regional markets in addition to the American and UAE markets, and instant access to initial public offerings (IPOs) in the UAE. is. Additionally, to offer a simplified registration process, users can quickly and directly access the app through their UAE Pass, Gmail, Apple or LinkedIn account, allowing them to start transacting within seconds. The Al Ramz app, which is available in both English and Arabic, also offers a copy trading feature that allows investors to automatically replicate the trading strategies of successful investors. “The main goal of this trading app is to build a knowledge-based investment community, promote innovative investment modes such as social trading and robotic advice, and ultimately become the market leader in customer profitability. ” Odeime said. “To create lasting impact, I believe that balancing innovation with a deep understanding of customer needs is key. “It means staying true to our core mission of maximizing returns for our investors while evolving our business.” ”
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Now, while Mr. Odeimeh’s leadership skills are certainly influenced by Al Rams culture, his past work at UAE-based audit, tax and advisory services firm KPMG Lower Gulf and UAE-based Al Hilal Bank He points out that his experience also played an important role. “My career has been shaped by experiences that instilled in me the importance of leading with vision and empathy,” says Odeime. “This journey taught me the value of integrity and attention to detail, while my role in establishing a commercial bank taught me the importance of adaptability and collaboration. It’s had a huge impact on my leadership with the Rams, where I strive to lead in a decisive and comprehensive manner. ”
Haitham Odeimeh, Group CEO, Financial Services, Al Ramz; Source: Al Rams
So while the culmination of his experiences has shaped Odeime into the business leader he is today, when asked if he has any role models he looks up to, Odeime says he wouldn’t choose any other name. “I have been inspired not by any particular individual but by diverse leaders from different fields,” he explains. “What I most admire is our collective ingenuity, resilience, and ability to drive meaningful change. The way I bring people together is something I want to emulate in my own leadership. If I had to describe my leadership style in three words, it would be: Empowering, Collaborative, and Visionary. These traits are at the core of my leadership, motivating and collaborating with my team, and always looking to the future.”
In the near future, Mr. Odeime will be a perfect fit to help drive the growth of Al Rams App. In many ways, this project is a manifestation of the premise of tradition and innovation that he has carefully crafted over the years. year. “The journey to develop our latest trading app has been both challenging and rewarding,” says Odeime. “One of the most promising outcomes is the creation of a platform that not only meets the needs of its users, but also anticipates them and fosters a more informed and engaged investment community. ” We are recommitted to refining the user experience, integrating feedback, and enhancing the app’s functionality to remain a market leader. The challenges of managing change within an organization steeped in tradition were significant, but we believe accelerated digital adoption has cemented our position. Good luck for your future success. ”
Abstract: Haitham Odeime shares tips for entrepreneurs
Fostering a Culture of Innovation “Encourage your team to think creatively and challenge the status quo. Make innovation an ongoing practice, not a one-time event.”
Lead with empathy and vision “Balance strategic goals with a deep understanding of your team’s needs. A clear vision is essential, but connecting with your people is what drives your success.”
Empower your employees “Trust your team and hold them accountable for their roles. Empowerment leads to accountability and drives individuals to exceed expectations.”
Adapt and Evolve “Remain flexible and open to change. The ability to adapt your strategy and approach as new challenges arise is critical to long-term success.”
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