Ahmad Sherkawi

AHMAD SHERKAWI Beirut – Lebanon Dubai – UAE - - REGIONAL BUSINESS DIRECTOR - METIA - Lebanese Citizenship PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY With a distinguished 18-year tenure in the healthcare industry, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to drive sustainable growth and expand market share across the Middle East, Turkey, India, and Africa. My experience with leading global medical device companies, including Medtronic and Synaptive Medical, has equipped me with a deep understanding of commercializing advanced technologies such as AI-driven solutions and robotics within the healthcare sector. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics, along with an MBA specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications, I have effectively utilized AI to revolutionize medical solutions and financial analysis. My proven expertise in strategic leadership, resource optimization, and team management has been instrumental in achieving accelerated growth and profitability. I am eager to leverage my extensive general management experience and entrepreneurial acumen to contribute to the long-term success in the MENA region. Major Achievements: - - Led the development and execution of a comprehensive market analysis for the METIA region, identifying emerging trends and key growth opportunities, resulting in a strategic roadmap that drove a 25% increase in market share over three years. Orchestrated a cross-functional initiative to streamline the new product launch process, ensuring efficient implementation of plans, contributing to accelerated growth and market penetration. Implemented a region-wide professional education program in alignment with market development objectives, resulting in a 40% increase in product adoption and a significant improvement in customer satisfaction and loyalty. Spearheaded the international expansion of Synaptive Medical across the METIA region, establishing a strong presence and driving adoption of cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Empowered over 100 surgeons through coaching, training, and mentoring on Synaptive Medical technologies, promoting the adoption of innovative practices, and enhancing patient outcomes. Built a robust distribution network for Synaptive Medical in the METIA region, optimizing reach and ensuring timely delivery of advanced healthcare solutions to end users. Successfully launched 15+ products and navigated complex legal processes to qualify, select, and onboard strategic distributors in the region, expediting market penetration. Expertly managed a $20M P&L at Medtronic, leading a diverse team of sales, marketing, and service employees, as well as overseeing 50+ indirect staff members, driving profitability and growth. Pioneered new services across the region by challenging conventional practices at Medtronic, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Mastered regulatory procedures, gaining extensive understanding of SFDA and NUPCO registration, ensuring compliance and minimizing business risks associated with product launches and market entry. CORE COMPETENCIES ▪ ▪ ▪ Regional Market Analysis & Growth Strategy Development Key Account Mapping & Optimal Route to Market Modeling Distributor Performance Review & Compliance Management ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Strategic Thinking in Healthcare Solutions New Product Launch Excellence & Implementation Governance Financial Stewardship & Profitability Optimization PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Problem Solving & Decision Making Leadership & Team Management Geographically Dispersed Team Management Professional Education Design & KOL Network Development Financial Modeling & Resource Allocation Synaptive Medical, METIA 2018 - Present Synaptive Medical Inc. is a global medical device and technology company specialized in bridging MRI, surgical planning, navigation, and robotic visualization. Regional Business Director - METIA • • • • • • • Championed Synaptive Medical's expansion into the METIA region, driving the growth of an innovative healthcare AI startup while ensuring exceptional service quality for customers. Established a robust distribution network throughout the region, strategically expanding business reach and increasing accessibility to potential customers for the healthcare AI startup. Streamlined distributor qualification and evaluation processes for the AI-driven healthcare startup, encompassing distributor selection, legal and compliance review, regulatory procedures, contract negotiation, and the implementation of comprehensive go-to-market plans. Empowered surgeons through targeted training and mentoring programs, enhancing their capabilities and professional skills in utilizing cutting-edge AI-based healthcare solutions offered by Synaptive Medical. Devised and executed an operational plan to successfully scale Synaptive Medical's presence in the METIA region, driving growth and market penetration in the healthcare AI startup ecosystem. Orchestrated product awareness campaigns and tailored marketing strategies to effectively engage surgeons and distributors, promoting the adoption of AI-driven healthcare innovations. Ensured the alignment of distributors with Synaptive Medical's objectives and guidelines, fostering effective communication and collaboration across the entire network for the healthcare AI startup. the region. • Medtronic, Beirut - Lebanon 2009 – 2018 Medtronic is a global healthcare technology leader. The Company develops, manufactures, and markets its medical devices and technologies to hospitals, physicians, clinicians, and patients. Regional Business Manager - MEA • • • • • • • • Pioneered new services across the region, generating substantial revenue by delivering exceptional services and exceeding customer expectations in the areas of AI-driven navigation and other cutting-edge healthcare technologies. Managed multi-million-dollar business units focused on capital equipment and consumables in the fields of Neurosurgery, Spine, Orthopedics, Neuromodulation, and ENT, driving growth and innovation. Cultivated a strategic network of distributors to expand and enhance business development efforts in the region, fostering B2B partnerships and promoting the adoption of advanced healthcare solutions. Collaborated with the marketing department to analyze market opportunities and threats, effectively positioning Medtronic's products across the region while proactively monitoring competition and taking appropriate countermeasures. Led the organization and development of comprehensive training programs for surgeons, nurses, and biomedical engineers, increasing user capacity and expertise in AI-assisted navigation and related technologies across the region. Amplified Medtronic's presence by establishing an efficient network of distributors in remote areas of Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt, expanding market reach, and promoting access to innovative healthcare solutions. Expertly managed a +$20M P&L across the MEA region, achieving a remarkable 20% annual growth rate by strategically leveraging product development and B2B partnerships. Enhanced Medtronic's reachability to end users and patients in Saudi Arabia and Turkey by devising and implementing direct market models, ensuring access to advanced healthcare technologies for a broader audience. 2 Gulf Medical, Riyadh - KSA 2004 – 2009 Gulf Medical Company was founded in 1983 as a medical supply company specialized in the sales and marketing of medical devices and equipment. Senior Product Manager - MEA • • • • • • Spearheaded the organization and management of state-of-the-art digital operating rooms in Saudi Arabia, driving the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies and streamlining surgical workflows. Successfully launched and promoted a diverse range of products across Saudi Arabia, demonstrating expertise in market penetration and strategic positioning. Expertly positioned numerous products in the fields of ENT, Neurosurgery, and Spine, effectively expanding Medtronic's presence in the Saudi market and facilitating access to advanced healthcare solutions. Supported, mentored, and managed a high-performing team of sales and marketing managers, as well as service and installation engineers, fostering collaboration and professional growth. Pioneered the introduction of the digital OR concept across the kingdom, showcasing a commitment to advancing surgical practice through cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies. Sold, installed, and managed over 60 OR1 rooms across KSA, demonstrating exceptional project management skills and an ability to drive customer satisfaction through seamless implementation. EDUCATION \ Doctor of Management -DM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM) -(Expected) Master of Business Administration - MBA, Artificial Intelligence University of Cumbria 2023 Bachelor of Science degree - Computer Science and Math Emphasis Haigazian University, Beirut - Lebanon 2002 - CERTIFICATIONS/COURSES • • • • • • Advanced Leadership Skills course – Udemy, 2022 Strategic Management- Cumbria University, 2024 Innovation and Sustainability- Cumbria, 2023 Being a Medtronic Manager-Medtronic, 2012 Project Management Professional (PMP), 2006 Fast Track Management Program, 2003 LANGUAGES: ➢ ➢ Arabic: Mother Tongue English: Fluent 3 Scan the code to check my LinkedIn profile!