20
Under the Spotlight
R.
Venkataraman
Were you surprised to win the
Chairman’s Award?
Considering that the Group has an
abundance of dedicated and competent
persons, it was indeed a surprise that
I was handed the award - though in
essence the award goes out to my
entire team, who have worked diligently
to establish the current framework. It
is especially sweet for my wife since
it happened on my 27th wedding
anniversary!
What does winning the most
prestigious award mean to you?
It is very humbling.
When did you join the Al Habtoor
Group?
It is eleven years since I joined the Al
Habtoor Group.
Describe the journey to where
you are today?
Life has taken me to places in pursuit of
career, be it professional practice, public
sector and stock holding companies to
massive private conglomerates such as
The Al Habtoor Group. It has given me a
roller coaster experience in finance and
accounting, information technology,
insurance operations, negotiations,
audit, governance, risk and so on. I
was lucky to be in the right place at the
right time. Whatever came my way was
enchanting and provided enormous
learning opportunities. There were many
mentors all along to guide me in the
right direction, whenever I was treading
dangerous altitudes. The experience
at Al Habtoor Group is unique in that
my professional satisfaction is at its
peak due to the unparalleled creative
independence I enjoy here. I am looking
for ways to fly to the next level of
exploration.
What is the biggest challenge
in your position?
To keep learning.
What would you say is the
secret to a successful career?
It is a secret! It is in spite of me.
Whatmotivates you to succeed?
The thrill of facing new challenges and
the rich experience that it brings along is
what pushes me to give my best in every
endeavor.
What was your first job ever?
When I look back I was an Internal
Auditor! Is it accidental that what goes
around comes around?
How would you describe
yourself?
I always seek to grow, both professionally
and personally. I believe that the journey
is more rewarding than the final goal.
Tell us something that would
surprise us about you?
I am terrified of dogs.
Director Corporate Governance & Risk Management - AHG
Sawalef gets up close and personal with the winners of the Al Habtoor Group’s most prestigious
award: The Chairman’s Award.
