2024 Speakers
Kamran Abbasi
Chief Technology & Data Officer
Chalhoub Group
Kamran is the Chief Data and Technology Officer at Chalhoub Group. With over 23 years of diverse experience, Kamran is an experienced leader in the realms of technology, specialising in driving commercial growth and strategic initiatives as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), and Chief Digital Officer (CDO). His expertise spans various domains, including technology Strategy, architecture, delivery processes, and the IT value chain. Kamran has a proven track record in orchestrating complex digital transformations, eCommerce ventures, ERP implementations, and business change programs across IT, healthcare, media, retail, banking, and product/tech sectors.
In addition to his corporate roles, Kamran actively contributes to startup incubator programs, offering guidance on business and technology strategies. He has recently embarked on his own entrepreneurial journey by launching a tech startup in the retail sector while also serving as a trusted advisor to numerous technology startups. Furthermore, Kamran is deeply engaged in the investment landscape, serving on boards focusing on technology-based startups.
Recognised for his end-user focus and commercial acumen, Kamran is adept at fostering successful delivery teams and forging enduring, value-centric partnerships. He champions efficient and adaptive project management approaches, is proficient in methodologies like TOGAF, PRINCE2, and COBIT, and advocates Agile (Scrum)/Safe methodologies.
Kamran's career includes significant tenures with prominent organisations such as Accenture, Argos, Barclays, and the Telegraph newspaper, where he held pivotal senior technology roles. Currently, Kamran serves as the Chief Data and Technology Officer for the largest luxury retailer in the Middle East, where he emphasises building high-performing Technology teams and prioritises employee growth and well-being.
His academic achievements include several postgraduate qualifications in Computer Science and Management Science and a doctorate focusing on technology and IT-business value. Kamran's doctoral research interests encompass organisation theory, IT strategy, IT agility, and IT and commercial value chains, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.