Group Chief Finance and Investment Officer

About the Role

A leading agribusiness group in the region, is seeking an accomplished Group Chief Finance & Investment Officer to lead the organization's financial strategy, capital management, investment portfolio, and governance framework.

Reporting to executive leadership, the role will drive financial sustainability, optimize capital deployment, strengthen risk management practices, and support growth initiatives across a diversified portfolio of businesses. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping long-term value creation through strategic financial planning, investment oversight, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute the Group's overall financial and investment strategy in alignment with corporate objectives and growth plans.
• Provide strategic financial insight and recommendations to the Board, shareholders, and executive leadership team.
• Lead all aspects of group finance, including financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, taxation, reporting, and internal controls.
• Establish and maintain robust governance, compliance, and financial risk management frameworks across all business units.
• Oversee capital structure optimization, funding strategies, and banking relationships to ensure adequate liquidity and financial flexibility.
• Direct investment activities, evaluating opportunities across diverse asset classes and ensuring disciplined portfolio management.
• Assess market conditions, economic trends, and industry developments to support investment decisions and risk-adjusted returns.
• Drive financial due diligence, valuation, and transaction support for acquisitions, joint ventures, disposals, and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Partner closely with operational leadership to improve financial performance, profitability, and resource allocation.
• Monitor business performance through relevant financial and operational metrics, identifying opportunities for efficiency and value enhancement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with investors, lenders, auditors, consultants, and regulatory authorities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance and investment team capable of supporting the organization's evolving needs.

Experience & Education

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive finance and investment leadership experience.
• At least 10 years in senior executive or leadership roles with responsibility for enterprise-wide financial management.
• Prior GCC experience is advantageous.
• Exposure to agribusiness, food production, agriculture, commodities, manufacturing, or related sectors will be highly regarded.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.
• MBA, Master's degree in Finance, or equivalent postgraduate qualification preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CMA, CPA, ACCA, CFA, or equivalent will be considered an advantage.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Financial and commercial decision-making
• Investment and capital allocation expertise
• Governance, ethics, and risk management
• Change leadership and organizational transformation
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Talent development and team leadership
• Strong communication and executive presence

Required Skills & Expertise

• Strong expertise in corporate finance, financial planning, treasury, and investment management.
• Deep understanding of accounting standards, financial governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and performance management.
• Sound knowledge of capital markets, capital allocation, and investment evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage financial, operational, and investment risks.
• Experience overseeing investment portfolios and evaluating opportunities across multiple asset classes.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to support executive decision-making.
• Excellent stakeholder management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Experience with ERP platforms, preferably SAP or similar enterprise systems.