Executive Management
Talal AlAwadhi
CEO
As the founder and CEO of Ottu, Talal AlAwadhi is responsible for leading the
company's fast growing business in Kuwait and across the region. A seasoned
technology entrepreneur, Talal oversees all aspects of Ottu's business and has a
special interest in fintech and Internet infrastructure. A visionary by nature,
Talal has a strong track record of executive management and a rich experience of
bolstering growth within the technology industry in Kuwait. Talal is a
recognized expert in Blue Ocean Strategy, capturing markets and utilizing
balanced scorecards which augments to achieve strategy based execution. He is
well-versed in a range of technology fields, including fintech, cloud,
e-commerce, domains, internet infrastructure, online payments and innovative
technology. His renowned capability to deliver premium financial platform such
as Ottu has enabled businesses in the region to scale and grow.
Throughout his time providing winning industry solutions for the fintech and
innovative technology, Talal's focus has been on value-creation for customers.
Talal has worked in most organizations and startups where this factor has been
the driving force. With his proven leadership in his field making him an
invaluable asset and highly regarded innovation expert. Under his leadership,
Ottu has also been selected for the award for the best Fintech Company from the
25 Fintech companies in the Middle East for 2022. This achievement is in lieu
with how Ottu has been revolutionizing the fintech industry in the Middle East.
It is a proud moment for the leadership team and its employees as it is breaking
down the barriers for its merchants.
Talal's adept strategic direction for his company and his creation of highly
efficient business modeling have resulted in the forging of strong and rewarding
business partnerships and facilitated successful growth and expansion. His
position at the helm of Ottu involves him in creating a culture of growth and
financial probity that enhances his organisation's operations, further
engendering confidence and restructuring the fintech arena. Talal holds a
bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Kuwait University, College of
Business Administration and an MBA from London Business School.
Munaf Bukhari
Deputy CEO
As Deputy CEO at Ottu - the leading Fintech solutions provider - Munaf Bukhari
oversees the company's business operations and international expansion. Applying
a meticulous approach to his work, Munaf has a keen eye for developing
opportunities that will lead to the full realization of Ottu's potential for
inspiring positive change. Key highlights of Munaf's career with Ottu to date
have been the building of a dynamic ecosystem with financial institutions and
the acquiring of several large merchants for the company's expanding portfolio.
He has been instrumental in combining the latest technological developments with
financial services and applications to develop Ottu and successfully propelled
its ambition to disrupt the industry and provide better fintech services to
businesses.
Among Munaf's current array of responsibilities are developing and enhancing
Ottu's product offerings, onboarding key talents, mentoring the team and
fostering relations with banks and schemes. Munaf's long career in
telecommunication and mobile financial services has encompassed all aspects of
the Fintech industry. He started his career path in 2002 and has held important
positions in the telecom industry with international experience in strategy and
business modeling.
He was involved in developing multicultural teams delivering multi-million US
dollar products and solutions, spearheading strategic initiatives across
continents. Forging a reputation for his strong pragmatic approach Munaf became
a noted resource for leading operators and fintech companies in the region,
helping them to grow their business. Munaf Bukhari holds an MBA degree from the
London Business School, certificationsfrom The Wharton School - Leadership,
Cornell University - Building resilience and is an Electronics & Communication
engineering graduate.
Danah Taqi
CCO
Danah Taqi is Chief Communications Officer of Ottu. She has more than 13 years of
experience in Communications, Marketing & Media. A passionate Communications
expert, Danah oversees Ottu's marketing & communications strategy locally and
internationally. She is responsible for driving the company's strategy across
this newly expanded region & leads the overall brand of Ottu.
In addition, she has launched multiple tech-related projects including ARCH the
Architectural Platform in addition to Kuwait Guide & KSA Directory. The three of
these projects were initiatives to support SMEs. Prior to Ottu, Danah has served
as a State Employee & held several positions within the private sector.
She holds a holds a Masters degree in Marketing, Communications & Media from
Sorbonne University. An executive degree in Launching New Ventures from Harvard
Business School and a bachelor degree in Information Systems from the American
University of Kuwait.
Muhammad Hrishiah
CTO
Muhammad Hrishiah is the Chief Technology Officer at Ottu, leading the charge in scaling the company's products and services across the GCC market. With over 17 years of experience in the technology sector, Muhammad has a robust background in implementation, development, and support operations. Prior to joining Ottu, he served as the Chief Operating Officer at KUWAITNET, where he excelled in steering strategic direction, customer success initiatives, and operational excellence. His previous roles at Zain Kuwait and Gulfnet Communications highlight his expertise in digital channels technologies and enterprise application systems analysis.
A seasoned professional, Muhammad has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and building high-performing teams. His areas of expertise include enterprise infrastructure, product and service development, cloud operations, and project management. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and visionary approach, Muhammad has also contributed to various publications on social network modeling and testing engineering, with notable work presented at the 2016 IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining.
Muhammad holds a Master's degree in Computer Engineering from Kuwait University, where he also earned his Bachelor's degree. His academic and professional journey is distinguished by his commitment to streamlined processes and optimized performance. His recent focus on developing SaaS solutions and online services, particularly in the fintech industry, positions him as a pivotal asset in achieving Ottu's strategic goals.
Khurram Siddique
Regional Business Director
Khurram is an accomplished team builder with a remarkable 17 years of experience
in leadership, sales and team management, operational plans, critical role in
driving revenue growth, collaboration partnership engagements, and SaaS business
solutions, he has honed expertise in communication, sales enhancement, and
innovative product monitoring.
His visionary approach has propelled businesses to new heights while staying
ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape. 1st person to onboard for Ottu (in
2016) , currently serving as the Regional Business Director for Kuwait, Bahrain,
Qatar, UAE, Oman, KSA and in the verge for the expansion of business in other
regions as well, he swiftly propelled Ottu to conquer regional frontiers,
leaving competitors trembling in its wake.
An undisputed leader, he has successfully spearheaded time-sensitive,
cross-functional initiatives within a fast-paced and highly entrepreneurial
environment. His ability to deliver structured and organized work, coupled with
their self-discipline, has earned him the admiration of peers and superiors
alike. With a keen business eye that sets him apart, he has been adding the
perfect touch of magic to Ottu's journey of triumph since its inception. His
insatiable hunger for knowledge propels him forward, solidifying his status as a
visionary luminary in the field.
Saud Alwehaibi
Director of Finance & Strategic Projects
Saud is a seasoned finance director with a wealth of experience in both the
banking sector and the dynamic world of fintech. With a career spanning over 12
years, Saud graduated from Kuwait university bachelors in finance and developed
a deep understanding of financial systems, risk management, and strategic
decision-making in the finance industry.
Saud began his professional journey in the banking sector, where he gained
comprehensive knowledge of financial products, regulatory frameworks, and
customer relationship management. His early years in banking exposed him to a
range of roles, from retail banking to corporate finance, allowing him to
cultivate a holistic view of the industry. Recognizing the transformative
potential of technology, Saud transitioned into the fintech space, seeking new
challenges and opportunities.
He joined Ottu in 2020, eager to leverage his banking experience and contribute
to the company's growth and innovation. Currently serving as the Finance
Director at a prominent fintech firm, Saud is responsible for overseeing the
company's financial operations, driving strategic financial planning, and
ensuring regulatory compliance. He leads a team of finance professionals,
collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to develop and execute
financial strategies that align with the company's goals.
Talal AlAwadhi
CEO
As the founder and CEO of Ottu, Talal AlAwadhi is responsible for leading the
company's fast growing business in Kuwait and across the region. A seasoned
technology entrepreneur, Talal oversees all aspects of Ottu's business and has a
special interest in fintech and Internet infrastructure. A visionary by nature,
Talal has a strong track record of executive management and a rich experience of
bolstering growth within the technology industry in Kuwait. Talal is a recognized
expert in Blue Ocean Strategy, capturing markets and utilizing balanced scorecards
which augments to achieve strategy based execution. He is well-versed in a range of
technology fields, including fintech, cloud, e-commerce, domains, internet
infrastructure, online payments and innovative technology. His renowned capability
to deliver premium financial platform such as Ottu has enabled businesses in the
region to scale and grow.
Throughout his time providing winning industry solutions for the fintech and
innovative technology, Talal's focus has been on value-creation for customers. Talal
has worked in most organizations and startups where this factor has been the driving
force. With his proven leadership in his field making him an invaluable asset and
highly regarded innovation expert. Under his leadership, Ottu has also been selected
for the award for the best Fintech Company from the 25 Fintech companies in the
Middle East for 2022. This achievement is in lieu with how Ottu has been
revolutionizing the fintech industry in the Middle East. It is a proud moment for
the leadership team and its employees as it is breaking down the barriers for its
merchants.
Talal's adept strategic direction for his company and his creation of highly
efficient business modeling have resulted in the forging of strong and rewarding
business partnerships and facilitated successful growth and expansion. His position
at the helm of Ottu involves him in creating a culture of growth and financial
probity that enhances his organisation's operations, further engendering confidence
and restructuring the fintech arena. Talal holds a bachelor's degree in Business
Administration from Kuwait University, College of Business Administration and an MBA
from London Business School.
Munaf Bukhari
Deputy CEO
As Deputy CEO at Ottu - the leading Fintech solutions provider - Munaf Bukhari
oversees the company's business operations and international expansion. Applying a
meticulous approach to his work, Munaf has a keen eye for developing opportunities
that will lead to the full realization of Ottu's potential for inspiring positive
change. Key highlights of Munaf's career with Ottu to date have been the building of
a dynamic ecosystem with financial institutions and the acquiring of several large
merchants for the company's expanding portfolio. He has been instrumental in
combining the latest technological developments with financial services and
applications to develop Ottu and successfully propelled its ambition to disrupt the
industry and provide better fintech services to businesses.
Among Munaf's current array of responsibilities are developing and enhancing Ottu's
product offerings, onboarding key talents, mentoring the team and fostering
relations with banks and schemes. Munaf's long career in telecommunication and
mobile financial services has encompassed all aspects of the Fintech industry. He
started his career path in 2002 and has held important positions in the telecom
industry with international experience in strategy and business modeling.
He was involved in developing multicultural teams delivering multi-million US dollar
products and solutions, spearheading strategic initiatives across continents.
Forging a reputation for his strong pragmatic approach Munaf became a noted resource
for leading operators and fintech companies in the region, helping them to grow
their business. Munaf Bukhari holds an MBA degree from the London Business School,
certificationsfrom The Wharton School - Leadership, Cornell University - Building
resilience and is an Electronics & Communication engineering graduate.
Danah Taqi
CCO
Danah Taqi is Chief Communications Officer of Ottu. She has more than 13 years of
experience in Communications, Marketing & Media. A passionate Communications expert,
Danah oversees Ottu's marketing & communications strategy locally and
internationally. She is responsible for driving the company's strategy across this
newly expanded region & leads the overall brand of Ottu.
In addition, she has launched multiple tech-related projects including ARCH the
Architectural Platform in addition to Kuwait Guide & KSA Directory. The three of
these projects were initiatives to support SMEs. Prior to Ottu, Danah has served as
a State Employee & held several positions within the private sector.
She holds a holds a Masters degree in Marketing, Communications & Media from
Sorbonne University. An executive degree in Launching New Ventures from Harvard
Business School and a bachelor degree in Information Systems from the American
University of Kuwait.
Muhammad Hrishiah
CTO
Muhammad Hrishiah is the Chief Technology Officer at Ottu, leading the charge in scaling the company's products and services across the GCC market. With over 17 years of experience in the technology sector, Muhammad has a robust background in implementation, development, and support operations. Prior to joining Ottu, he served as the Chief Operating Officer at KUWAITNET, where he excelled in steering strategic direction, customer success initiatives, and operational excellence. His previous roles at Zain Kuwait and Gulfnet Communications highlight his expertise in digital channels technologies and enterprise application systems analysis.
A seasoned professional, Muhammad has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and building high-performing teams. His areas of expertise include enterprise infrastructure, product and service development, cloud operations, and project management. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and visionary approach, Muhammad has also contributed to various publications on social network modeling and testing engineering, with notable work presented at the 2016 IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining.
Muhammad holds a Master's degree in Computer Engineering from Kuwait University, where he also earned his Bachelor's degree. His academic and professional journey is distinguished by his commitment to streamlined processes and optimized performance. His recent focus on developing SaaS solutions and online services, particularly in the fintech industry, positions him as a pivotal asset in achieving Ottu's strategic goals.
Khurram Siddique
Regional Business Director
Khurram is an accomplished team builder with a remarkable 17 years of experience in
leadership, sales and team management, operational plans, critical role in driving
revenue growth, collaboration partnership engagements, and SaaS business solutions,
he has honed expertise in communication, sales enhancement, and innovative product
monitoring.
His visionary approach has propelled businesses to new heights while staying ahead
in the ever-evolving digital landscape. 1st person to onboard for Ottu (in 2016) ,
currently serving as the Regional Business Director for Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE,
Oman, KSA and in the verge for the expansion of business in other regions as well,
he swiftly propelled Ottu to conquer regional frontiers, leaving competitors
trembling in its wake.
An undisputed leader, he has successfully spearheaded time-sensitive,
cross-functional initiatives within a fast-paced and highly entrepreneurial
environment. His ability to deliver structured and organized work, coupled with
their self-discipline, has earned him the admiration of peers and superiors alike.
With a keen business eye that sets him apart, he has been adding the perfect touch
of magic to Ottu's journey of triumph since its inception. His insatiable hunger for
knowledge propels him forward, solidifying his status as a visionary luminary in the
field.
Saud Alwehaibi
Director of Finance & Strategic Projects
Saud is a seasoned finance director with a wealth of experience in both the
banking sector and the dynamic world of fintech. With a career spanning over 12
years, Saud graduated from Kuwait university bachelors in finance and developed
a deep understanding of financial systems, risk management, and strategic
decision-making in the finance industry.
Saud began his professional journey in the banking sector, where he gained
comprehensive knowledge of financial products, regulatory frameworks, and
customer relationship management. His early years in banking exposed him to a
range of roles, from retail banking to corporate finance, allowing him to
cultivate a holistic view of the industry. Recognizing the transformative
potential of technology, Saud transitioned into the fintech space, seeking new
challenges and opportunities.
He joined Ottu in 2020, eager to leverage his banking experience and contribute
to the company's growth and innovation. Currently serving as the Finance
Director at a prominent fintech firm, Saud is responsible for overseeing the
company's financial operations, driving strategic financial planning, and
ensuring regulatory compliance. He leads a team of finance professionals,
collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to develop and execute
financial strategies that align with the company's goals.