Rania Abi Raad

Virtual Reality Solutions (VRS) is a Saudi gaming PC manufacturer under the trademark "Infiniarc". VRS is transforming to a global technology powerhouse specializing in high-performance computing, edge-to-cloud infrastructure, and AI-driven solutions. As Chief People Officer reporting to CEO and based in Dubai at our global HQ in Dubai Internet City, I lead the HR and Culture transformation agenda to position VRS as a regional and global employer of choice. As a member of the senior leadership team, I support the business transformation agenda with a focus on defining and developing the current and future strategic capabilities and employee skills that VRS requires in its transformation to a global powerhouse with cutting edge AI solutions.

- Conduct leadership assessments and give feedback as part of a comprehensive leadership development program.

The Evercare Group is wholly owned by the Evercare Health Fund, a USD 1 billion emerging markets healthcare fund managed by TPG Capital and the Rise Fund. The Fund is comprised of the world's leading impact investors and global development financial institutions and operates as an integrated healthcare delivery platform in emerging markets with a portfolio of 30 hospitals, 16 clinics and 82 diagnostic centers with an employee strength of 12,000 treating 3.5 million patients / year within Africa and South Asia. As CHRO for Evercare Group, I led the People and D&I Agendas globally across the platform reporting to the Group CEO. My main responsibility was leading the cultural and organizational transformation to position Evercare Group as a leading platform that attracts top healthcare talent. Due to successful exit of the majority Fund to another private equity firm, and the exit of the C-Suite, role became redundant.

Generate and manage HR Transformation projects within the Middle East region in the area of organizational strategy and design, organizational culture and change management - Develop HR Operating Model and Strategy - Develop Strategy Maps, balanced scorecard and performance management system - Develop EVP and Total Rewards Strategy

Contracted with Deloitte as an SME in Human Capital Consulting to lead and execute both government and private HR Transformation projects. - Led a team of consultants to establish a best practice HR function for one of the government entities in Saudi Arabia - Execution of post-merger integration between two financial institutions in Saudi Arabia

As a member of the Executive Committee for the region, developed and rolled out the business strategy for the region in collaboration with other EXCOM team members as well as leading the Human Capital and Corporate Communications Functions. - Led the organizational re-design and restructuring for the region in 2014 and 2016 - Created and implemented effective change management strategies to enable the organization to thrive in these periods of change - Developed and implemented a talent management process with well-developed succession plans for all 60 leadership positions across the NEMEA region - Introduced a 'Best Employer' strategy, resulting in an award of "Top Employer" certification in Ukraine, Turky and South Africa - Developed a leadership Development progrma with INSEAD for emerging leaders

Performed an interim country manager role for Lebanon over an eight months’ period due to re-organization. - Oversaw the launch of new, innovative primary care and specialty products in line with new Emerging Markets and Global Strategy - Led a team of 22 sales, medical and marketing personnel in Lebanon - Placed and transitioned a new MD to take over the country leadership

Led the Human Resources Function of the Middle East Africa region for Amgen. - Partnered with the MD and Leadership Team to build commercial/functional leadership capability to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of the organization and drive growth - Worked with business/function leaders to establish the HR function for the Middle East Africa region. - Formed and implemented organization and talent solutions to advance business strategies and realize growth plans - Partnered wth regional Talent Acquisition to ensure a robust pipeline of talent for the region - Provided group and one-on-one coahcing with leaders, managers and employees to support leadership development, business decision-making, problem solving and performance management - Partnered with Amgen Centers of Expertise and HR Global Services to ensure coordination, implementation and delivery of HR plans, processes and solutions

Relocated to Hamburg Headquarters to design and manage international remuneration systems for senior management levels one and two, reporting to the Executive Board. - Led a major Job Evaluation project in conjunction with Hay Group for all senior management positions in Germany and worldwide (300+) positions in line with the new operating model established in 2010. Project completed on time and with Board approval. - Over the course of 18 months, designed, developed and rolled out successfully the ‘Pay for Performance’ concept to all HR Directors and Management Teams in Germany and worldwide across 60+ countries.

Established and managed the Human Resources function for over 70 countries based out of Dubai in alignment with corporate human resources systems and policies. - Upgraded the Middle East representative office to an affiliate overseeing 17 countries. - Integrated North Africa into the Middle East hub, followed by Turkey and Africa. - Established Saudi Arabian operations, including organizational design in line with a new business model, selection of a new SA distributor, recruitment of a new team and alignment of HR practices in line with the distributor’s own policies and procedures. - Developed and implemented a total remuneration policy, employer branding initiatives across the region and a sales academy in the Middle East. This last initiative was adopted globally.