In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the significance of a digital transformation framework cannot be overstated. Thanks to digital transformation, companies may now enhance their business processes, improve customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge.
(By Naeem Ul Hassan)
A few Arab women leaders have made a name for themselves and turned into role models for the next generation of female leaders in the IT, telecommunications, and digital transformation sectors despite the increasingly competitive work climate. Zainab A.Salam, who has over 15 years of expertise in data governance, business strategy, IT senior management, and IT strategy, is one of these role models. In addition to a variety of other courses, Zainab holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Innovation, Leadership, and Consulting.
Zainab’s steadfast enthusiasm for innovation, technology, and transformative leadership enables her to drive change and promote development in her area of influence. Her portfolio includes the SAP EMEA 1 BTP Customer Advisory “Discover Award” for Demand Generation, which she won in July 2024. This accomplishment highlights her commitment to excellence and her history of continually producing excellent results.
As a Senior Technology Advisor at SAP, Zainab has successfully managed many strategic projects with customers in the public and private sectors, spanning a variety of industries. These initiatives have been crucial in gaining high-value contracts, in addition to being a major factor in the expansion of the organization. Her crucial leadership of important initiatives pertaining to Data Governance and Personal Data Protection Regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is particularly remarkable.
Regarding Business Technology Platforms and Solutions, Zainab offers customers and organizations innovative strategies and leadership support. Her knowledge spans a broad range of SAP Innovation Solutions, such as Data Management, Governance, Integration, AI Capabilities, and Partner Solutions, with an emphasis on enabling organizations to achieve their goals using cutting-edge technology and creative solutions.
Zainab also manages Strategic Customer Deals for MEA-North, concentrating on important sectors including Chemicals, Energy & Natural Resources, Services, Retail, and a range of Government Sectors. She has successfully completed a number of Customer Deals for SAP On-Premises and Cloud Solutions, demonstrating her capacity to provide favorable sales results. She showcased her thought leadership in technology and innovation as a Discussion Panelist at the 7th International Conference for Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide, where her contributions to AI Innovation and Capabilities were presented at LEAP2024 in Saudi Arabia.
Zainab facilitated a smooth technology transfer and business transformation from a legacy ERP system to a new, contemporary Cloud ERP platform during her time at the Bahrain Telecommunications Company (BATELCO), where she managed the ERP and BI Development Section. An important $18 million CAPEX/OPEX allocation has to be handled carefully throughout this transition.
Zainab’s tenure at the Bahrain Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) as the Leader of Channel Infrastructure is solid evidence of her outstanding leadership skills. She was in charge of iGA’s Channels Infrastructure in her role, making sure that daily operations, support, and maintenance ran well. She oversaw outside contractors and vendors, established IT infrastructure guidelines, and oversaw the National Gateway Infrastructure’s operations and support staff (NGI). The National Payment Aggregator (NPA) Phase II Project, which she successfully managed, demonstrated her ability to lead strategic initiatives and guarantee project execution.
Zainab’s leadership on critical telecom initiatives, which have produced observable business results, further demonstrates her outstanding skills and accomplishments. With a total value of over $6.2 million, these projects involve improving Data Quality and Governance, putting Big Data Platforms into place, maximizing Customer Value Management, and making sure VAT compliance is maintained across IT and Network Platforms and Services.
Zainab’s accomplishments are just too many to list here. Her most recent honor was being named one of the 200 Global Women Power Leaders of 2024 by White Page International.
A well-selected role model may provide motivation and inspiration for aspiring young professionals. Plus, role models may act as mentors, guiding the next generation of professionals on their career paths by sharing their knowledge and wisdom. Zainab’s adeptness in digital technologies, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity makes her an inspiration for the next wave of women leaders in IT, telecommunications, and digital transformation era.