The investment sector in Saudi Arabia's food and retail industries has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by the country’s ongoing economic diversification efforts. This growth is fueled by increased economic activity, rising aspirations, and a surge in hospitality and tourism. With strong momentum from these factors, the food and retail sectors are poised for continued growth, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for a diversified and dynamic economy.
Ahmar Ehtasham, Executive Director at Savola Group, is a visionary leader with over 15 years of experience. His professional journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of growth. After graduating with Honors in Economics from Delhi University’s Hansraj College in 2009, amidst a global recession, he began his career as an analyst at UBS Investment Bank’s associate company in Hyderabad, India. This role soon led to an opportunity in New York, working with UBS’s global team, which broadened his expertise in investment banking. Driven to expand his horizons, Ahmar pursued an MBA from Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Dubai, immersing himself in the thriving Middle Eastern market. Post- MBA, he joined Alpen Capital, a boutique investment bank in Dubai, gaining significant experience in M&A, and equity and debt financing. His transition to Al Mal Capital saw him leading investments across education, real estate, and technology sectors.
In 2021, Ahmar joined Savola Group, a prominent food and retail conglomerate in the Middle East, as Director of Investments, M&A and Investor Relations. His role quickly expanded, and he now serves as Executive Director, overseeing execution of M&As, strategic initiatives, portfolio management, and investor relations. Moving to Saudi Arabia from the UAE, his journey reflects a relentless pursuit of growth, testing his boundaries and embracing opportunities in a dynamic and evolving market.
Balancing Integration and Value Creation
For Ahmar Ehtasham, managing M&A is about creating strategic growth narratives that complement long-term corporate objectives, not just about closing deals. He highlights that a methodical approach based on three essential pillars, which include strategic purpose, paying the right value, and seamless integration are necessary for successful M&A.
First of all, he believes that any acquisition should have a sincere and transparent rationale. It must align with the company's operational model, culture, and strategic direction in addition to its business goals.
Moreover, he emphasizes how important it is to create value for shareholders. Even though acquisitions can have high upfront costs, the goal is still to ensure they provide longterm, sustainable value. This requires rigorous assessment and acquiring at a price that justifies the expected returns. Finally, he highlights that post-acquisition integration is the linchpin of success. Whether adopting structured plans like 100-day plans or 365-day strategies, or gradually integrating over time, the focus remains on the successful integration along with consideration to human element. By carefully managing cultural alignment and operational efficiency, he ensures the acquisition transitions from a potential disruptor to a value creator, setting the foundation for long-term growth.
Beyond the Boardroom
Outside his professional endeavors, Ahmar Ehtasham finds inspiration in his diverse interests. A devoted Formula One enthusiast, he admires the sport for its razor-thin margins of victory and loss, where every millisecond and decision counts. He draws parallels between this precision and strategic decision-making in business.
An avid reader, Ahmar delves into global and Indian history, uncovering insights and perspectives from past events. He particularly enjoys the works of William Dalrymple. Additionally, he loves traveling, finding it a gateway to learning and broadening horizons beyond everyday routines.
The Visionary Perspective
According to Ahmar Ehtasham, there is no magic formula for becoming a successful business leader. Instead, it is a combination of consistent effort, focus, and a commitment to exceeding expectations. Success requires leaders to challenge themselves daily, pay attention to detail, and remain motivated. Key attributes include humility paired with confidence, adept conflict resolution, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. Leaders must also prioritize continuous learning, as staying informed and open to new ideas is essential in a dynamic business environment. He emphasizes the importance of "sharpening the saw", and regularly updating skills and knowledge to stay ahead.
Ahmar Ehtasham believes work ethics and honesty form the cornerstone of long-term success, ensuring sustained growth and credibility
Despite his extensive experience, he continues to attend executive programs from top global business schools, gaining fresh insights and engaging with global leaders to incorporate best practices. Above all, he believes work ethics and honesty form the cornerstone of long-term success, ensuring sustained growth and credibility.
When reflecting on his journey, Ahmar Ehtasham often revisits his student and analyst days and what fueled his ambitions. For those embarking on an entrepreneurial path or similar career, his advice is to remain focused on their mission and never shy away from hard work. Every effort, even if it feels futile at times, is a stepping stone to learning. “Failures are not losses, they are lessons in resilience and refinement. Stay motivated, push your boundaries, and focus on delivering value rather than chasing titles or money, as these will follow naturally. Embrace learning, network widely, and travel to expand your horizons and challenge yourself. These experiences build independence and adaptability, which are crucial traits for success. Remember, the early stages of your career are the perfect time to absorb knowledge and grow without the weight of heavy responsibilities”, concludes Ahmar Ehtasham.
Ahmar Ehtasham, Executive Director, Savola Group
Ahmar Ehtasham is a visionary leader with over 15 years of diverse experience, laying his expertise in investment banking, M&A, and corporate strategy, and leadership roles. Known for his exceptional ability to lead projects and organizations through complex decision making, he has played pivotal roles in driving business excellence. A strong advocate for continuous learning and professional development, Ahmar continues to inspire and lead with ethics, making a lasting impact on the business world.
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