With an extensive career in corporate finance, strategic leadership, and financial innovation, Mohamed Bellal currently serves as the Group Chief Financial Officer and a Board member. Drawing on his expertise in AI-powered finance and emerging technologies, he has played a key role in optimizing corporate growth strategies and enhancing shareholder value.
Achieving his ambition of becoming a Group CFO by 46, Mohamed is now dedicated to elevating his leadership journey. His mission is to transform finance from a conventional function into an AI-driven, strategic powerhouse that drives business expansion. His leadership style is built on discipline, delegation, and resilience, ensuring that finance teams have the authority to make informed decisions while he oversees high-level strategic objectives.
Throughout his professional journey, Mohamed has managed complex financial consolidations across multiple entities, developed sophisticated board-level financial dashboards, and played a crucial role in aligning financial strategies with corporate growth. As he continues shaping the future of corporate finance, his vision remains centered on innovation, efficiency, and long-term value creation.
Mohamed Bellal is a seasoned finance leader with a distinguished career in multinational and publicly listed organizations across industries such as manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and trading. His expertise in financial transformation, operational efficiency, and strategic leadership has positioned him as a catalyst for corporate growth and shareholder value creation.
Leadership Philosophy: Strategic Thinking and Adaptability
Mohamed believes in a proactive approach to leadership:
“Expect the best, prepare for the worst, and remain open to surprises.”
By continually adapting to technological advancements, particularly in AI-driven finance, he has successfully spearheaded financial innovation, refined corporate growth strategies, and maximized value for stakeholders.
His ability to navigate complex industries hinges on proactive risk assessment, agile financial planning, and data-driven decision-making. Through his expertise and strategic foresight, Mohamed continues to drive financial excellence and sustainable business expansion.
The Evolving Role of CFOs
Mohamed emphasizes that successful financial leadership is built upon several core principles:
- Strategic Vision: Identifying market trends, growth opportunities, and economic shifts.
- Digital Competency: Utilizing AI, automation, and data analytics for enhanced efficiency.
- Risk-Optimized Decision-Making: Balancing growth strategies with prudent risk management.
- People-Oriented Leadership: Fostering high-performing finance teams through collaboration and accountability.
- Ethical Governance: Ensuring transparency, compliance, and investor confidence for long-term sustainability.
The Transformation of CFO Leadership in the Middle East
The CFO role in the Middle East is undergoing a major evolution, shifting from traditional financial oversight to strategic business leadership. Mohamed identifies key trends shaping this transformation:
- AI and Digital Finance: The rise of predictive analytics and blockchain-driven financial systems.
- Sustainability-Focused Finance: ESG compliance and sustainable investment strategies.
- IPO Readiness and Investor Relations: With Saudi Vision 2030 encouraging IPO activity, CFOs are prioritizing corporate restructuring and market engagement.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Finance leaders are increasingly working alongside operations, IT, and HR to drive comprehensive business transformation.
Mohamed underscores that long-term success requires a technology-driven, data-focused, and stakeholder-oriented financial approach while fostering agility and innovation. As a recognized leader in finance, he actively advocates for integrating AI, sustainability, and cross-industry collaboration to redefine the financial landscape.
Pioneering Financial Innovation and Strategic Leadership
Mohamed has tackled some of the most pressing financial challenges by leveraging strategic foresight, technological adoption, and leadership expertise:
- Debt Restructuring: Negotiating with banks, securing optimal financing terms, and mitigating liquidity risks.
- Digital Transformation: Championing AI-driven ERP solutions and fostering an innovation-driven corporate culture.
- Navigating Market Volatility: Implementing agile cost structures and risk diversification strategies.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adapting to changing financial regulations while strengthening governance frameworks.
Commitment to Technological Advancement in Finance
Mohamed remains at the forefront of AI-driven finance and digital transformation through:
- Ongoing Professional Development: Holding an IPO Readiness Certification (CFO University, USA – 2023) and an Advanced Financial Modeling certification (Traccert Canada).
- AI Integration in Finance: Leading initiatives incorporating machine learning, predictive analytics, and robotic process automation (RPA) to enhance financial forecasting and reporting.
- ERP System Implementation: Successfully deploying SAP, Oracle Fusion, and Oddo ERP solutions for real-time financial insights and automation.
- Thought Leadership in Finance: A frequent speaker at global finance summits such as CFO International, MENA CFO, and the Dubai Fintech Summit.
Participation in Global Finance Conferences
As a distinguished speaker, Mohamed has contributed to key industry events, including:
- 15th Annual CFO Conference (Dubai, 2024)
- MECA CFO Conference (Riyadh, December 2024)
- Upcoming Attendance: Dubai Fintech Conference (May 2025) and Exitos Conference (Riyadh, April 2025)
Future-Focused Leadership in Finance and Strategy
With AI and digital transformation redefining the CFO role, Mohamed is actively preparing for the next phase of his career, whether through broader strategic leadership, expanded influence beyond finance, or high-impact roles at the intersection of strategy, finance, and value creation.
His key aspirations include:
- Driving enterprise-wide business growth.
- Leading investment innovation and corporate expansion.
- Harnessing AI-driven decision-making for organizational success.
By continuously evolving the finance function into a strategic growth enabler, Mohamed is shaping the future of corporate finance and business leadership in the digital era.
Strategic Leadership for Long-Term Success
Throughout his career, Mohamed Bellal has led financial transformations that have significantly influenced business growth, profitability, and investment performance. His key achievements include:
- Debt Optimization (AET – Oil & Gas): Structured SAR 300M in financing, improving liquidity and ensuring sustainable growth.
- Finance Transformation (SPIMACO – Pharmaceuticals): Implemented AI-powered dashboards to enhance investment strategies and shareholder value.
- Cash Flow Optimization (Evyap Egypt – FMCG): Reduced DSO from 140 to 35 days, significantly improving working capital.
- Cost Efficiency (Rawabi Holding): Developed risk-adjusted investment strategies to maximize profitability while minimizing financial exposure.
- AI-Driven Financial Overhaul (SNASCO Holding): Integrated predictive analytics and automation to eliminate inefficiencies.
- Board-Level Strategy & Reporting (Al Muhaidib): Aligned financial consolidation across multiple entities for strategic decision-making.
- IPO Readiness & Investor Relations: Strengthened corporate governance and financial transparency for market success.
Balancing Leadership with Personal Well-Being
Mohamed believes effective leadership is built on discipline, delegation, and resilience. His approach includes:
- Empowering finance teams with decision-making authority.
- Maintaining work-life balance through personal growth and family time.
- Pursuing continuous learning through executive education programs.
- Prioritizing health and fitness for mental clarity and decision-making.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Finance Leaders
For aspiring finance professionals, Mohamed emphasizes:
- Mastering core financial expertise.
- Developing AI and digital competencies.
- Becoming a strategic business partner, not just a financial steward.
- Embracing a growth mindset and leadership resilience.
- Communicating effectively with CEOs and board members.
- Expanding professional networks and learning from industry leaders.
The Future of CFO Leadership
Looking ahead, Mohamed aims to:
- Drive AI-led financial transformation and business expansion.
- Enhance financial governance and investment innovation.
- Inspire the next generation of finance leaders.
By embracing innovation, resilience, and adaptability, Mohamed is redefining the CFO role for the future, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and strategic business impact.
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