A leader’s versatile journey of professional growth and active participation shapes enterprises in the financial and technological sectors. Opening up the fascinating world of financial strategies, Hossam Hussein holds a critical role in treasury operations in the financial sector.
He progressed to become the Group Treasury Manager at Raya Group, and his responsibilities expanded, yet his core focus remained on leveraging his love for numbers to enhance financial stability. This philosophy goes beyond professional life—it’s a lifelong approach, ensuring that as long as you are breathing, you are learning.
Hossam and his team at Raya vision to lead and diversify across vital sectors, crafting a portfolio that resonates with robust growth and adaptability. Each step reaffirms his commitment to being at the forefront of the financial landscape, shaping the future of the industry and beyond. His approach to inspiring and empowering the financial teams hinges on the bedrock of integrity.
Ultimately Hossam aims to leave behind a legacy of proactive leadership and sustained growth, shaping a prosperous future for Raya. Each step in this process has been etched in his memory, highlighting the pivotal role of experiences and relationships in achieving the milestones.
Let us learn more about his journey:
A Tale of Growth and Leadership
Hossam’s career at Raya Holding for Financial Investments began twenty-five years ago as a Senior Accountant, coinciding with the company’s introduction of the Nokia brand to the Egyptian market. In this early role, he was involved in preparing Raya for its stock market debut in 2005, a foundational experience that paved the way for future growth opportunities within the company.
Following the IPO, Hossam played a pivotal role in Raya’s expansion into Algeria. This venture into a new market was both challenging and enlightening, providing him with firsthand experience in international business operations and consumer electronics distribution. His journey continued at Raya IT, the company’s technological arm, where he was instrumental in overseeing strategic decisions, including acquisitions and mergers. This role not only deepened his expertise in the IT sector but also honed his skills in navigating complex corporate landscapes.
In 2017, Hossam returned to the holding company as CFO, a position he has held for the past six years. His extensive experience across different facets of the company has been crucial in steering Raya through various business challenges and opportunities. Contrary to the belief that a long tenure at one company might limit exposure to diverse experiences, his career at Raya has been marked by constant learning and adaptation. Each position offered new challenges and opportunities for growth, demonstrating that true development comes from how one leverages their role to make a significant impact.
Working at Raya has not just been a job for Hossam; it has been a dynamic journey of professional growth and active participation in shaping a leading enterprise in the financial and technological sectors.
Journey in Treasury Management
Hossam often says, “I fell in love with numbers,” a simple phrase that conveys his initial attraction to finance. His academic journey in economics was just the beginning, opening up the fascinating world of financial strategies and the critical role of treasury operations within it. This interest led him to pursue specialized training at the Association of Financial Institutions as a Certified Treasury Professional, a pivotal step that shaped his career.
This educational experience was transformative for him, providing a solid foundation in treasury management, which is essential for navigating the complex financial landscape. It prepared him not only to understand but to master the strategic nuances essential for driving fiscal health and success in a competitive market.
As he progressed to become the Group Treasury Manager at Raya Group, his responsibilities expanded, yet his core focus remained on leveraging his love for numbers to enhance the company’s financial stability. This role, combined with his position as Head of the Finance Department, allowed him to significantly influence Raya’s financial strategies, affirming his passion for treasury management where precision meets strategy.
Acknowledging Lifelong Learning
Hossam believes deeply in the mantra, “There are no limits to learning,” a lesson that has guided him throughout his career in the trade and distribution platform. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to rethink and learn anew, pushing the boundaries of his knowledge and skills. Whether refining financial models or keeping pace with versatile market trends, his commitment to continuous learning keeps him agile and effective.
This philosophy extends beyond his professional life—it’s a lifelong approach, ensuring that as long as he is breathing, he is learning. It fuels not only his personal growth but also ensures that his practices remain impactful in the ever-evolving landscape of the industry.
Pioneering Strategic Innovation and Economic Growth
Raya Holding for Financial Investments stands as a beacon of strategic innovation and economic prowess in the Middle East. The company’s journey began with a vision to lead and diversify across vital sectors, crafting a portfolio that resonates with robust growth and adaptability.
In trade and distribution, subsidiaries like Raya Trade and Raya Auto forge paths in commercial landscapes, ensuring leadership in dynamic market conditions. The Non-Banking Financial Services (NBFS) division, under the Aman brand, addresses the burgeoning demand for innovative financial solutions. Raya Smart Building and Raya Restaurants revolutionize hospitality with technology-infused services, setting new standards in customer experience.
The logistics arm, Ostool, plays a crucial role in enhancing regional trade efficacy, ensuring seamless supply chain management. Raya Foods and Raya Electric epitomize the company’s manufacturing excellence, meeting evolving market demands with high-quality consumer goods.
In recent years, Raya has not only expanded but also strategically honed its growth through acquisitions and smart diversification, extending its reach into the Gulf and European markets. Each step reaffirms Raya Holding’s commitment to being at the forefront of the financial landscape, shaping the future of the industry and beyond.
Projecting Financial Success
Stepping into the role of CFO at Raya Group, Hossam faced the daunting task of succeeding in an acclaimed predecessor renowned for his financial acumen and leadership. It was crucial not just to fill his shoes but also to imprint his own footsteps. He embarked on this by melding respected existing systems with innovative strategies that enhanced Raya’s financial performance and team dynamics.
A major challenge was managing the complexities of a conglomerate with diverse subsidiaries, each with unique financial and operational hurdles. To navigate this, Hossam fostered a culture of collaboration and open communication with the management teams of each subsidiary. This approach enabled them to identify challenges, craft solutions, and implement strategies that ensure Raya’s growth and adaptability in the ever-evolving market landscape.
In the ever-shifting sands of the global economy, navigating Raya through economic uncertainties has been akin to steering a ship through a storm. Raya’s approach to strategic financial management has always emphasized innovation and adaptability. Hossam ensures that each challenge is clearly defined, engaging with every line of business to ensure a comprehensive understanding. Collaborating closely with management teams, they brainstorm unconventional ideas, ensuring they are not tethered to traditional solutions but are open to exploring multiple avenues.
One groundbreaking strategy was pioneering securitization in 2017, offering it as a novel capital solution. This move significantly mitigated risks associated with market fluctuations, including inflation and global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. By consistently seeking innovative solutions, Hossam and his team have not only navigated but thrived amidst economic volatility, inspiring partners both in Egypt and internationally.
Integrity, Communication, and Innovation
As a leader at Raya Holding, Hossam’s approach to inspiring and empowering the financial teams is grounded in integrity. They have implemented robust reporting methods that reinforce adherence to high standards, ensuring every action aligns with principles of impartiality and professionalism. This commitment to integrity extends beyond the main offices to permeate the culture of subsidiaries within the organization.
Effective communication serves as a critical gateway to success for Raya Holding. Over the years, they have cultivated rich networking opportunities through organized periodic group meetings that connect team members across different departments. These gatherings serve not only as meetings but also as forums for fostering teamwork and aligning on shared goals across the entire organization. By nurturing these core values, Raya not only achieves its financial objectives but also contributes significantly to its overall success.
Recognizing the evolving trends in the Middle East’s financial investment sector towards non-traditional financing methods, Raya Holding is actively exploring crowd-funding models. This approach not only addresses multiple challenges but has also shown considerable efficiency in the Saudi market. Embracing such non-traditional financing techniques presents a valuable opportunity for growth and adaptation in Raya Holding’s ever-evolving financial landscape.
Charting the Future
As Group CFO at Raya Holding, Hossam’s driving force is encapsulated in the mantra, “Looking forward to the next step.” This forward-thinking approach compels him to constantly evaluate future stages and the company’s upcoming goals and plans. Rooted in deep commitment, he strives to ensure the achievement of set objectives while relentlessly seeking new opportunities. Ultimately, his aim is to leave behind a legacy of proactive leadership and sustained growth, shaping a prosperous future for Raya.
A standout moment in Hossam’s career was witnessing Raya’s journey from growth and expansion to its successful listing on the stock exchange. Each step in this process has been etched in his memory, highlighting the pivotal role of experiences and relationships in achieving milestones. The sense of accomplishment and gratitude he feels when seeing the tangible results of collective efforts is profound. This milestone not only marks a significant achievement in Raya’s history but also underscores the importance of leveraging diverse experiences and a robust network in navigating the complex financial domain.
