nextmove works with organizations in the region to enable them to identify gaps in performance and capabilities. Then, with short and focused projects, close those gaps by utilizing proven methods and tools resulting in rapid improvements.

SERENE QUBEIN

Ms. Qubein is an Advisor at nextmove . She has been an advisor to nextmove since its inception and was integral in shaping the organization. Ms. Qubein has 12 years of management consulting experience working across the region.

Ms. Qubein was a senior manager in Accenture, Middle East. She has worked with top management on all aspects of change programs, including technology, process, organization and strategy initiatives. Her competency focus was on enhancing the human performance aspect of an organization to achieve business targets.

Ms. Qubein has a B.S. in International Business from High Point University, North Carolina, USA.

SELECTED RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:

Sales & Growth
Program manager for a sales effectiveness program at a Middle East bank, where the focus was on improving sales across all branches. Team achieved an increase of over 530% against a 6 month average on the number of asset products sold.

Major Change Initiatives
The program involved a key business initiative at a major bank in the UAE (45 branches) to upgrade the bank’s business and technology operations. Ms. Qubein was the projects manager for: Business process redesign: developing business processes to optimize the use of automation and maximize efficiency. The role covered coordinating efforts with the Bank’s central operation unit to ensure quality service, correct financial reporting and checks and balances. Responsible for the roll out of the new business procedures to operate with the new application Training & development program for all bank employees (apprx. 500)

Parallel system project lead
Organizing the activities around simultaneous operation of the old and new systems to compare and reconcile daily results to confirm data integrity prior to launch.

Human Performance
Program manager for this major telecommunication client in the Gulf. Program covered the human performance aspect of the IT development unit. The focus was two fold: assessment of the human performance aspect and working environment for the group; and the development procedures and standards for the IT unit (150 pax). Developed the optimal organization structure to address existing challenges for the client including career map, competency model, job descriptions and performance criteria for the unit.

Banking Solution Analysis & Development
Worked in the Accenture Solution Center in different roles (system test lead and Business Analysis lead), focusing on the development of a fully Arabized banking application, based on client/server architecture. Modules covered: retail front office, loans & credit, trade finance, operations, and GL.

Government
Level Business Solution Design & Implementation - Led the custom design, development and implementation of a payroll and pension system for the government of Abu Dhabi employees (apprx. 200,000). The product interfaced with Oracle Financials General Ledger module.

Motivation & Rewards
Designed and introduced a reward system for bank employees aligned with the performance of each position based on sales, service and cost. Documented and communicated reward system to bank and developed measurement system ensuring simplicity and fairness. System improved employee performance in terms of increasing sales, improved service quality, cost reduction and employee job satisfaction.

Career Planning
Developed career management manual to establish how staff would progress in the bank. Manual included development plan for each career employee, training and salary scales and performance evaluations. Introduced and trained HR personnel to execute and manage process and communicate to bank employees.

Product Knowledge
Developed procedures, policies and training to ensure product knowledge of bank staff is up-to-date enabling them to improve ability to sell and service customers. Outcome included product knowledge manuals, training materials, procedures and informed employees.

Full Bank Transformation Strategy
Developed transformation strategy including defining customer segments, products and channels. Also defined the approach to build capabilities to process consumer credit, sales in branches and outside branches. It also covered centralization strategy and a new organization structure.

Retail Banking Growth Strategy
Developed roadmap and executed strategy accordingly. Worked with bank on the execution achieving high growth rates in sales across key lending products.