Zee Fakier

Strategic Transformation; Operational Efficiency; Customer-Centric Innovation; Human Capital and Organizational Change Technology and Digital Value Creation

• Developed ASEAN Value Creation and PE Practice for EY Consulting Service Line
• Identifying new revenue streams through innovative business models, market expansion, or acquisitions.
• Leading M&A advisory to ensure synergies are realized post-integration.
• Guiding corporate strategy alignment to ensure the organization focuses on high-value projects.
• Optimizing processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency (e.g., lean operations).
• Implementing supply chain enhancements to minimize waste and streamline delivery.
• Leveraging automation and digital transformation to improve workflows.
• Focusing on customer value propositions by identifying unmet needs and preferences.
• Driving product innovation to differentiate offerings in competitive markets.
• Implementing pricing strategies that align with value perception and market conditions.
• Managing change programs to support cultural transformation and employee engagement.
• Developing incentive systems that align employee performance with business value objectives.
• Identifying and nurturing leadership talent to drive sustained value creation.
• Helping companies leverage data analytics and AI to uncover insights for growth.
• Advising on IT investments to ensure technology supports strategic objectives.
• Enabling organizations to become more agile through digital business models.

Core Responsibilities by Sector and Expertise. Retail and Consumer Business Advisory; Venture Building (Corporate Innovation); Venture Capital Advisory; Venture Growth and Expansion; General Leadership Responsibilities

• Business Strategy Development: Define growth strategies by identifying new markets, optimizing pricing models, and driving product portfolio expansion.
• Digital Transformation: Lead retail clients through e-commerce transitions, omnichannel strategies, and technology adoption to meet evolving consumer expectations.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimize supply chains, reduce operational costs, and drive customer experience improvements.
• Sustainability and ESG Strategy: Help clients embed environmental and social responsibility into business models to meet regulatory and market demands.
• Customer Insights & Loyalty Programs: Use data analytics to help clients personalize offerings and increase customer retention through innovative loyalty programs.
• Opportunity Identification: Identify new business opportunities within or adjacent to the client's operations and market ecosystem.
• Rapid Prototyping and Validation: Manage MVP (minimum viable product) creation, market testing, and iterative validation processes.
• Independent Entity Setup: Guide the setup of new ventures as separate legal entities to allow for agility, independent decision-making, and speed.
• Team Assembly & Leadership: Recruit entrepreneurial talent, foster startup-like cultures, and establish performance metrics aligned with business growth.
• Go-to-Market Strategy: Develop and execute strategies to launch ventures and gain early market traction efficiently.
• Managing Risk and Adaptability: Build frameworks to pivot ventures based on market feedback and customer insights
• Fundraising Strategy: Advise startups or corporate ventures on structuring and raising venture capital funds.
• Due Diligence: Conduct strategic and financial due diligence for investments, including market sizing, competitor analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Investor Relations and Partnerships: Foster relationships with VCs, family offices, and private equity firms to unlock capital and strategic partnerships.
• M&A Advisory: Support clients in identifying acquisition opportunities and integrating new businesses for strategic growth.
• Value-Creation Roadmap: Help portfolio companies enhance performance post-investment by driving profitability, growth, and innovation.
• Scaling Ventures: Develop and execute scale-up strategies, ensuring the venture can acquire customers profitably and penetrate markets.
• Portfolio Management: Manage a diversified portfolio of ventures, spreading risk, and maximizing returns.
• International Expansion: Guide ventures in entering new geographies, including navigating regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and cultural nuances.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Set and track KPIs (e.g., customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, EBITDA growth) for portfolio companies.
• Exit Strategy Development: Design exit strategies (e.g., IPOs, acquisitions) to maximize returns for clients and investors.
• Client Relationship Management: Maintain deep, trusted relationships with clients, including senior executives, and board members.
• Thought Leadership: Publish insights, speak at industry events, and contribute to the firm's intellectual capital.
• Internal Talent Development: Mentor junior consultants and foster leadership talent within the firm.
• Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities for the firm, driving revenue growth, and expanding client engagements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with internal teams across sectors (e.g., digital, operations, financial services) to deliver integrated solutions to clients.

• Managed Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, and Hong Kong markets
• Turned around Indonesian business from $1M burn to EBITDA breakeven and then followed by a successful sale of the business for $12M to a competitor
• GTM for all other markets
• Several products developed and driven
• HK market profitability within 18 months of operations
• Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for business functions.
• Provided comprehensive support to the CEO, enabling them to focus on critical decision-making and leadership tasks.
• Managed cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration and completion of high-priority projects.
• Performed financial and managerial analyses to evaluate data and make recommendations, prepare financial reports and projections and conduct presentations.
• Spearheaded cost-saving measures through in-depth budget analysis and identifying areas for improvement.
• Led crisis-management efforts during unexpected challenges; mitigating potential negative impacts on business operations.
• Transformed data management practices, leading to more informed decision-making with introduction of comprehensive data analysis techniques.
• Increased revenue by identifying new business opportunities and closing high-value deals.
• Improved regional performance by implementing strategic sales initiatives and effective team management.
• Mentored junior team members for career growth, contributing to a skilled and motivated workforce.

• Managing global operations for Foodpanda and other brands across 34 markets.
• 8 Markets direct ownership (MDs reported directly into my role).
• Responsible for driving global revenue strategies for all markets, including process improvements, in-market support, and structuring.
• Org: +320
• P&L for direct markets: +$200M
• Led cross-functional teams to execute successful initiatives, driving significant revenue increases.
• Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing targeted solutions.
• Implemented change management processes for seamless transitions during periods of company growth and restructuring.
• Identified new market opportunities, expanding the company''s reach and customer base.

• Developed marketing materials and campaigns to boost brand awareness and customer engagement.
• Provided strategic direction for product development, resulting in high-quality offerings that resonated with customers'' needs and preferences.
• Networked with other businesses and customers to increase sales opportunities and contacts.
• Drove company expansion into new markets, increasing overall brand visibility and recognition.
• Recruited, interviewed and hired new staff members and developed training materials for employees.
• Served on board after 2014

• Responsible for leading country operations strategically and execution.
• Reduced OPEX costs by 20%, while increasing output by 180% within 12 months; decreased delivery process by 3 days; optimized business to introduce instant redemption; optimized deal placements for increased conversion to 23%.
• Org headcount of 210.
• Hired 3x GMs, 10+ HoDs.
• Collective P&L overseen: +$100M annualized, grew from $43M over 2 years.
• Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Major failure and learning point in designing and implementing a global offshoring project - succeeded in reducing headcount and cost, but lost trust with GM's and operational integrity. Needed another 4 months to course correct the failure.
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• Identified loss-leader strategy - increased revenue and conversions
• Led acquisition of LivingSocial; restructured deal (oversight would have resulted in tens of millions lost, not caught by others).
• Reason for leaving was due to Groupon recalling me to a senior regional role with greater remit and scope.

• Responsible for leading country operations strategically and execution
• Reduced OPEX costs by 20% whilst increasing output by 180% within 4 months; decreased delivery process by 3 days; optimized business to introduce instant redemption; optimized deal placements for increased conversion to 23%
• Org headcount of 210
• Hired 3x GMs; 10+ HoDs
• Collective P&L managed: +$100M annualized, grew from $43M over 2 years

• Implemented rigorous testing methodologies to optimize conversion rate performance across various digital touchpoints.
• Conducted thorough market research to inform data-driven online strategy development.
• Developed custom reporting dashboards to track KPIs aligned with business objectives.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create cohesive brand messaging across all digital platforms.
• Streamlined email marketing efforts, resulting in increased open rates and clickthroughs.
• Utilized web analytics tools to monitor campaign effectiveness, adjusting tactics as needed to achieve desired results.
• Created content strategies for digital media.
• Co-led online specific strategies and business line

• Evaluated potential risks associated with proposed solutions, developing contingency plans when needed.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality standards.
• Mentored junior associates on consulting best practices, fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Enhanced team efficiency by streamlining internal processes and implementing project management tools.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to assist with marketing initiatives and business development.
• Built strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and collaboration on projects.