Bilal El Hanouni

Talent Acquisition Consultant supporting a stealth-mode mega startup aligned with Saudi Vision 2030

Rootlink is a talent advisory firm dedicated to driving growth across the services sector. By helping companies identify and develop the right leadership talent, and by shaping high-performing team structures and strategies, we enable our clients to deliver exceptional experiences—whether to their customers, their teams, or the broader market. Our talent search and advisory team specializes in delivering tailored hiring solutions for mid-level and C-suite roles. We work closely with our partners to understand their unique culture, leadership needs, and business goals — ensuring we match them with individuals who can drive long-term growth and impact. Our approach is personalized, agile, and results-driven, designed to build the leadership teams that power exceptional brands. Beyond hiring, we partner with clients on defining team structures, building performance frameworks, mapping key roles, and planning for succession and growth. Rootlink is a connected hub designed to fuel growth across the services sector, helping companies find the right talent, and delivering exceptional experiences to individuals, businesses, and their clients.

Served as a key member of the Social Impact Practice and Consumer Markets, Hospitality & Entertainment Practice, delivering C-suite, Board, and Director-level appointments across KSA, UAE, and the wider GCC. Owned primary stakeholder relationships with founders, CEOs, Boards, and CHROs, acting as a trusted advisor on leadership hiring priorities, role design, and selection decisions. Led succession planning and leadership advisory engagements, supporting clients in evaluating internal vs external options and building long-term leadership pipelines. Conducted talent mapping and market intelligence across the GCC, advising clients on competitor benchmarks, target talent pools, and candidate availability for critical roles. Advised on compensation and offer strategy, including salary benchmarking, package positioning, and managing expectations across candidates and client stakeholders. Managed end-to-end executive search delivery, from role specification and search strategy through market outreach, assessment/interviews, shortlist presentation, offer negotiation, and onboarding support. Led execution teams, mentoring and allocating responsibilities across Associates and Executive Assistants to ensure quality, pace, and timely delivery across multiple concurrent searches.

Managed clients across various sectors in the GCC, while focusing on C-level and director-level role placements. Developed targeted search strategies, conducted market research, evaluated candidates, and prepared detailed briefs, profiles, and reports for client presentations.

• Extracting data from research related to the aviation industry • Creating excel sheets that hold data for new services related to reserving car parking spots, VIP lounges access, and taxi rides at airports online • Writing a user guide for the company’s automated check in program (DCIP) • Developing recommendations for how to make the automated program more effective and time efficient

Calzificio Mura is an Italian brand that had interests in tapping into the South Korean Market My team was made up of 5 international MSc BD students and our responsibilities included but were not limited to: • Studying the South Korean hosiery and undergarments market • Contacting prospect South Korean clients • Traveling to South Korea, conducting market research, and running surveys • Advising on the best way to enter the South Korean Market (target market, location, prices, vendors, etc...)

• Handling administrative work like bookkeeping of customers and suppliers information • Overseeing correct billing of customers • Inspecting work sites • Managing employees’ daily schedules • Managing imported purchases and logistics of inventory used for contracting