MISSION & VISION

Mohammed Abdel Khalek HASSOUNA

Chairman

Attorney-at-law before the Supreme Courts of Egypt. Partner of the Egyptian law firm Hassouna & Abou Ali since 1987. Legal counsel to international companies doing business in Egypt; board member of companies and non-profit organizations.

Member of several professional associations including the Egyptian Bar Association, the Egyptian Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property, and the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs. Also member of several business associations including the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt; the French Chamber of Commerce in Egypt; the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce; and the British Egyptian Business Association.

Previously: 1983-87 partner of the law firm Sidley, Austin & Naguib. 1977-83 partner of ASN Investment Banking Services. 1958-77 held managerial positions and board memberships in Egyptian public sector companies subsidiaries of the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade. 1957-58 member of the research department of the National Bank of Egypt.

Academic qualifications: LLB Cairo University; MA Cambridge University; Dipl. Public Law Cairo University.

Fluent in Arabic, English, French and German.

Ahmed Kamal ELDIN

Managing Director / CEO

Ahmed is a financial enabling expert with more than 30 years of experience. His experience is in Microfinance, SME and BDS in both rural communities and suburban dwellers, Product Development, Policy Analysis and Risk Management Procedures for community economic development and business management.

Ahmed understanding the public needs especially the development of poor communities; He worked with multi-discipline and cross-cultural negotiations with the general public, non-governmental organizations and government officials. He is expert in training, marketing consultation, consensus-building and general management.

In June 2021 joined First Microfinance Company which was acquired by LOLC Group as a Managing Director & CEO. Previously he was working in Tamweely For Microfinance company as a Chief Operations Officer. He was the Chief Operations Officer in The First Microfinance Foundation – Egypt, and an affiliate of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance (www.akdn.org/akam).

Ahmed designed, implemented and managed several multi-million dollars, funded by AKAM, USAID, and CIDA, related to microfinance development, cooperative strengthening, and institution building. He turned around a losing micro-lending project into a high performing project with excellent repayment, portfolio quality and viability. Provided technical international training through the AKAM academy.

Rania YOUSRY

Director / CFO

Executive director with an impressive well-rounded 25-years record of extended professional experience across diversified industries, with a proven track record of leadership during periods of rapid growth and changing conditions.

In March 2017, Rania Yousry was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in Aga Khan First MicroFinance Foundation. Later in 2018, the Aga Khan shareholders established a new company “First MicroFinance Company” where Rania was appointed as Chief Financial Officer & Executive Board member.

In April 2022, LOLC acquired “First MicroFinance Company” where she is handling same position to date in addition of being a member in Pricing Committee.

Rania started her career in 1996, where she joined the audit firm Price Waterhouse Coppers for 6 years as an auditor. In 2002, she moved to one of the USAID projects in Ministry of Foreign Trade as Finance Manager where her core activity was focused on budget and compliance to USAID rules. In 2005, she joined DKT International, a pharmaceutical company, as Finance Manager where she led its transformation from a rep office to Limited Liability Company that required change in the chart of accounts and different financial treatments, setting internal control mechanisms, set budgets and products pricing.

In 2009, Rania joined Société Générale (NSGB) Insurance Company as Head of Finance and Accounting where she was responsible to develop financial strategies, budgets, ALM management, risk management frameworks and governance. In 2014, QNB acquired NSGB and she was one of the leading team responsible to ensure the smooth transition.

Rania holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Maastricht School of Management.

Shiraz REFAI

Director

Established in the field of Banking, Finance & Insurance with over 25 years’ experience and exposure in both local and overseas establishments; Heads the Middle-east & North-africa region in LOLC Group's International Operations for Strategic business restructuring, management, development and administration of acquired overseas companies and associates, upon having completed acquisition, development and administration projects; PT.Sumut Sarana Ventura Indonesia, Pak-Oman Microfinance Bank Pakistan and First Microfinance Company Egypt.

A recipient of the ‘Rising Islamic Finance Personality of the Year’ at the 4th SLIBFI Awards in 2012, Sri Lanka, is a founder member of Al-Falaah, Alternate Financial Services (AFS) Unit of LOLC Finance PLC; the largest NBFI in Sri Lanka; has played a pivotal role in spear-heading the formation & implementation of AFS projects under LOLC Group umbrella subsidiaries and associate companies such as Al-Falaah General-Takaful of LOLC Insurance Ltd, Al-Falaah Life-Takaful of LOLC Assurance Ltd, The Islamic Business Division of Commercial Leasing & Finance PLC. In Sri Lanka, with a few ongoing projects in LOLC’s global network.

He has also held former additional lead-responsibilities of LOLC Group in LOLC Finance Channel Management, Motor Vehicle & Equipment Valuations unit of LOLC Motors Limited and Directorship at LOLC Indonesia.

Shiraz has been awarded Fellowship from The Chartered Management Institute (UK), Membership from The Association of Business Executives (UK) and is conferred with a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Wolverhampton, of United Kingdom.

Dulip Rasika SAMARAWEERA

Director

Dulip has 2 decades of experience in the Financial Services Sector with extensive experience in the fields of financial management, strategic planning, process improvement, investments and acquisitions. A passed finalist of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and holds a BSc in Physical Sciences specializing in statistics from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka

Dulip commenced his career in 2004 as an Investment Researcher prior to joining the LOLC Group in 2007 where ‌he gained much experience serving in a variety of positions before taking up a senior management position tasked with the global business expansion of the LOLC Group, primarily in banking and financial services.

He currently holds board positions in deposit-taking regulated financial institutions, non-deposit taking regulated financial institutions as well as non-financial services companies, and investment holding companies of the LOLC Group.

George David WOODS

Independent Director

David has extensive experience in financial and non-financial boards. He is Deputy Chair of NZ Green Investment Finance (the government owned firm charged with emissions reduction in New Zealand), of Hiringa Energy Ltd and of Brightlight NZ, a former trustee of The Gift Trust, former Chair of the Impact Enterprise Fund, former director of Whai Rawa Fund Ltd (the savings scheme for members of the Ngai Tahu Iwi), and former Chair of the NZ National Advisory Board on Impact Investing.

He is a board member of the Centre for Sustainable Finance, a member of the Sustainability Committee for LGFA, and a member of the Advisory Board for Auckland University Business School.

He also sits on an overseas board for LOLC Group, El Oula Microfinance Company Egypt; he served five years on the Board of First Microfinance Bank of Afghanistan, an Aga Khan group company, where his term ended in March 2023.

Before moving to New Zealand, David was the Managing Director of Oikocredit International, a large private sector development finance and impact investing company based in the Netherlands. His earlier career was in international banking in different countries around the world, including nearly twenty years with ABN AMRO Group. Born and raised in Ireland, he is a graduate of Harvard University. He divides his time between Auckland (where his partner and youngest daughter are) and Wellington (where his books are).

Joyce Bontrager LEHMAN

Independent Director

Ms. Lehman has been working in international economic development for more than 25 years with a primary focus on increasing access to financial services for low-income populations in developing countries.

She is currently in a governance capacity with microfinance banks in Tajikistan, Egypt, and Nicaragua. Previously at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation she managed a grant portfolio that funded projects throughout the developing world, including funding to support mobile payment platforms in South Asia.

Her development work career began with the MEDA Consulting Group in 1998; from 2004 through 2007, she spent most of her time in Afghanistan working with the World Bank, USAID and other bi-lateral donors to establish and support a microfinance sector. Prior to her international work, she was in private practice as a Certified Public Accountant and taught college level business courses.

Ahmed Kamal ELDIN

Managing Director / CEO

Rania YOUSRY

Director / CFO

Muhammad DIAB

Manager

Information Technology

Diab is an experienced Information Technology professional with a distinguished career spanning over 20 years, primarily within the microfinance sector. His expertise was cultivated through impactful roles in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), where he strategically utilized technology to drive financial inclusion.

IT Manager with a track record of designing and implementing systems/infrastructure for transparent and efficient microfinance operations; Pivotal role in enhancing IT strategies for financial institutions during the transition from nonprofit to commercial environments.

He is specialized in leveraging technology for financial empowerment within NGOs, fostering inclusion through innovative IT solutions. Successfully facilitated the digital evolution of microfinance operations, contributing to efficiency and transparency.

Swalen SAMY

Manager

Human Resources

Swalen is a dedicated and an experienced professional with a comprehensive background spanning over two decades. Initiated career in business administration within multinational companies from 2004 to 2008, demonstrating adept management skills.

She transitioned to Human Resources and training in 2009 upon joining First Microfinance Foundation, marking the beginning of a successful journey.

She headed the HR Department since 2014, contributing to organizational growth and employee development.

She Possesses a Bachelor's Degree in Languages with a specialization in German, showcasing linguistic proficiency. Acquired numerous certifications and extensive training in Training of Trainers (ToT), HR, and Labor & Social Insurance Law.

Muhammad RISHARD

Manager

Strategic Business Development

Rishard is a banking professional with over 25 years of ​diverse experience in both Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern ​Banking & Financial sectors. His journey encompasses ​various roles, showcasing expertise in foreign exchange, ​home remittance business launch, and strategic oversight ​of financial service units.

He represented Hatton National Bank (HNB) - Sri Lanka in ​the Kingdom of Bahrain, gaining exposure in Foreign ​Exchange & remittances with Bahrain Finance Company ​(BFC). He launched and developed the home remittance ​business for Multinet Trust Exchange LLC in the UAE.

In his career with the LOLC Group since 2009, he headed ​the channel marketing network for LOLC Group’s Al-​Falaah, Alternate Financial Services (AFS) Unit, overseeing ​the North Western & North Central regions in Sri Lanka.

He is currently overseeing the Strategic Business Develo​pment Unit and Marketing Communications Department ​of LOLC El-Oula Microfina​n​ce Egypt.

He is certified in Banking & Finance cum Advan​ced Credit Management by the Institute of Bankers - ​S​ri Lanka.

Rishard's extensive background, spanning cont​inents and roles, showcases his proficiency in various ​aspects of banking and finance. His certification an​d hands-on experience in digital marketing and specia​l projects management further contribute to his well-rou​nded ​skill set.

Amarnath RADHAKRISHNAN

Manager

Business & Sales

Amarnath is a dynamic marketer with a proven track record of over 15 years in finance marketing, operations, credit, recovery, and management. He has successfully ascended through the ranks at LOLC Holdings, demonstrating excellent relationship and people management skills.

He started his career at LOLC Finance PLC at the Operations Department and progressed to the role in Branch Management. He currently, leads the Business & Sales Department at LOLC El-Oula Microfinance Company, Egypt.

During his current tenure he has successfully transformed loss-making branches into profitable ones; with a proven track record in enhancing portfolio quality and operational efficiency.

Amarnath's profile highlights his journey of growth within LOLC Holdings, showcasing his proficiency in various aspects of finance, marketing, recovery and leadership. His academic background in Marketing Management further complements his practical expertise in the field.

He holds a Master of Science (MSc) in strategic Marketing Management from Asia University and Diploma in Credit Management.

Mohamed ABD EL FATAH

Manager

Operations

Abd El Fatah began his journey with the First Microfinance Foundation in 2009 as a Branch Manager. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, holding positions as Area Manager and Head of Branches. Currently, he serves as the Operations Manager at LOLC El-Oula Microfinance Egypt.

His expertise in Branch Operations Management, Portfolio Quality Assurance, Staff Recruitment and Coaching for Business and Sales, Collections and Recovery Strategies, Supervision of Credit Officers and Group Leaders and Budget Preparation and Incentive Systems Implementation.

Abd El Fatah's profile underscores his expertise in various aspects of microfinance operations, from managing branches to optimizing portfolio quality and implementing effective recruitment and coaching strategies. His ability to turn around branches and ensure financial success reflects his leadership and operational prowess.

Walid GABER

Manager

Risk & Compliance

Walid with a proven track record in Multinational Banks and the financial services industry, his expertise spans critical areas such as Risk Management, Loans, Portfolio Management, AML (Anti-Money Laundering), Compliance, Finance, and Banking Operations.

Walid's diverse work experience in Multinational Banks has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of key business processes, risk management procedures, cost optimization, and efficient management. His proficiency extends to process creation and improvement, enabling him to address a variety of situations in an innovative and effective manner.

Walid's extensive skill set, education, and certification, showcasing his capabilities in managing and optimizing various aspects within the financial services industry.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on international finance from ESLSCA and Credit Certified from CBE (Central Bank of Egypt), approved and registered by the Egyptian Financial Regulator Authority.

43L El-Gazayer Street, 4th floor,

11435 New Maadi, Cairo

Arab Republic of Egypt

Email: info@lolcegypt.com

Landline: +20 (02)25 171 557