Manuel Demirdjian

Reported directly to the COO, selected to lead all technology and systems integration following the acquisition of AWJ Investments. • As post-acquisition technology lead, orchestrated the integration of a multi-entity technology portfolio, aligning platforms, infrastructure, and operating models to ensure business continuity and scalable growth. • Successfully advocated for the enterprise-wide migration from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365, resulting in approximately AED 1.5 million in annual savings for the parent company. This decision was driven by my presentation of the secure ecosystem architected at AWJ, which featured an 87% Microsoft Secure Score with advanced DLP, enterprise-wide encryption, cybersecurity policies, and endpoint security (MDM). • Acted as a strategic technology advisor for SKOS, the company's proprietary platform, identifying and addressing capability gaps to optimize front-of-house operations.

Leading digital transformation and technology modernization across a diverse F&B group operating in the UAE & KSA. Direct reports to the CEO. • Reduced IT OPEX by 20% and CAPEX by 10% by developing and empowering the team to lead strategic vendor management, cloud usage optimization, and software license audits. • Led a full-scale POS system revamp, improving the UI/UX and re-engineering aggregator order APIs, which resulted in enhanced order accuracy, increased delivery efficiency, and a near-zero failure rate, thereby restoring stakeholder confidence. • Championed a customer-first technology strategy by leading the full-cycle implementation of Microsoft CRM, delivering a 360-degree customer view that enhanced the overall customer experience. • Automated business intelligence workflows across multi-country outlets using Power BI and SQL, streamlining data flows and saving over 37 hours per month in manual effort.

ITB provides specialised software solutions for the Hospitality and Higher Education sectors across the MENA region. Held progressive leadership roles at a specialized software provider for the Hospitality and Higher Education sectors across the MENA region. Regional Technical Manager | Business Development Manager UAE (2017 - 2021) • Championed the launch of customer-facing mobile applications for F&B businesses, which resulted in a 15% increase in revenue from existing customers and reactivation of 45% of previously lost leads. • Acted as a strategic advisor to C-level executives and a trusted technical advisor to key vendors, guiding product roadmap alignment and new solution design to drive market competitiveness. Regional Professional Services Manager (2011 - 2017) • Extended the life of a legacy product by over 5 years by leading the design and development of custom middleware solutions. • Led ERP, POS, and PMS system rollouts across the GCC with zero downtime. Additionally, provided key technical support for clients in the higher education division, gaining exposure to academic IT systems and institutional priorities. Unit Manager (2007 - 2011) • Drove a 40% increase in AMC revenue by building and mentoring high-performing teams across Lebanon, UAE, and KSA to deliver SLA-backed support via a new ITSM platform.

As Technical Manager for an infrastructure-focused IT provider, led the technical department and directed client infrastructure design, technical policy enforcement, and the rollout of the company's Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) strategy.