Yaregal Mekonnen

Established a 50 ton Per day capacity wheat milling company in Uganda and started a greenfield project implementation. Proactively led in buying Land, steered the construction of building from scratch to accommodate the Milling Machine all while sourcing raw material, packing material, and input material for the proper operation of the Mill. Mobilized investment to run the milling business and made sure that quality flour is produced that can satisfy the market. Communicated with Banks, insurance, and other financial institutions for the proper running of the business. Expertly participated in business development and expanding the market both locally and out of the country all while making proper logistical, supply, and distribution of the product and bi-products. Created, implemented, and integrated the strategic direction of the company. This includes responsibility for all components and departments in the business

Planned, developed, and directed the company’s operational and fiscal function and performance. Expertly completed 250 tons per day seed preparation and press line, 250 tons per day solvent extraction plant, and 100 tons per day oil refinery ( with Fractionation included) A strategic partner who implemented plans and offered expert advice on contracts, negotiations, or business deals such as working on a borehole and water reservoir project for the Factory, exporting the byproduct (Soy-meal) to Asian Market, and establishing a market segment for mega agents throughout Ethiopia. Analyzed and made recommendations on the impact of long-range growth initiatives, planning, and introduction of new strategies and regulatory actions. Spearheaded authority for the finance leadership team by providing accurate analysis of budgets, reports and financial trends, and operational procedures in order to assist the BOD and senior executive team. Successfully organized a grand inauguration of the Factory in the presence of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, developed the brand, and proudly introduced it in the Ethiopian market. Steered expert financial guidance and advice to others within executive leadership and improve the planning and budgeting process on a continual basis by educating departments and key members of corporate leadership. Provided strategic input and leadership on decision-making issues affecting the organization; specifically relating to the evaluation of potential mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships. Evaluated company’s financial, operational, sales and marketing structures to plan for improvements and a continual increase of operating efficiencies. Mentored and interacted with members of staff at all levels to foster growth. Selected and awarded mega agents to distribute the products country-wide.

• Provided vision and strategic leadership, continually managed internal and external relationships to ensure proactive management and sales outcomes, and worked with partners, and colleagues. • Expertly planned, executed, and monitored the operations of the company such as procurement, production, quality control, business development, and Human Capital management. • Led people to create a high engagement and high-performance culture through continuous feedback, appraisal, and coaching. • Re-structured the company and actively recruited the Chief Financial Officer and the HR Manager who strengthened their respective departments for the success of the business. • The improved extraction rate of Flour from 74% to 76% by investing in Spare parts; improved yield of spaghetti from 75% to 85% by doing rigorous maintenance on the Production Line; made certain that line runs at stipulated capacity and hence reduced power consumption. • Prioritized and handled legal cases with external parties and issues arising from employees all while representing the company in meeting with government officials and Suppliers.

Effectively managed and coordinated the Milling, Quality Assurance, Human Resources, Procurement, Sales, Marketing, and Transport Departments of the organization Advised, and supported a 34,000-ton storage Silo Project from the green field which is currently operational. Successfully completed this in record time beating the scheduled 2 month project plan. Led teams. managed supplier of spare parts and machinery to negotiate prices oversaw the logistics of raw materials from Mombasa to Kampala, collaborate with customs and revenue authorities, and confirm that our products are certified by governing bodies so as to get all required documentation needed for export business. Developed priority partnerships with customers by visiting shops, supermarkets, bakeries, hotels, and restaurants to get first-hand information on our products. Devised a functional system to address customer issues and complaints. Highly developed both written and verbal relationship-building expertise in order to establish strategic relationships with a large number of government partners and financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies. Spokesperson lead and ensured effective strategies and collaboration. Traveled to Europe, Asia and East Africa for strategic meetings with machinery, raw material, packing material suppliers and others