Board of Directors Candidates 2024 - 2026

Abir Leheta currently serves as the CEO of Egytrans. She is also the Vice Chair of the Transport Committee at the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association (EBA). Additionally, she holds the position of Co-chair of the Transport Committee at AmCham Egypt. Leheta is the Chair of the Transport & Logistics Committee at the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA).

Abir Leheta acts as the Board Treasurer of the Global Compact Network Egypt, which is the local chapter of the UN Global Compact. Leheta also serves as Co-Chair of the AUC Executive Education Advisory Council. She is a Board Member of the Port Said Chamber of Shipping and is a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Egyptian Institute of Directors (EIOD).

As a business leader with considerable experience in both private sector and civil society organizations, Mrs. Leheta sees firsthand the role that the German-Arab Chamber plays in fostering the success of the private sector, promoting trade, and building a strong business community. She believes that cross-border collaboration between businesses is essential for innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in today’s global market. Her interest in joining the board stems from a deep commitment to these objectives and a desire to contribute to the chamber's mission in collaboration with other board and chamber members. 

By serving on the board, Mrs. Abir Leheta hopes to:

• help strengthen bilateral connections and trade opportunities
• advocate for policies that support business growth and sustainability, and
• focus on further enhancing the chamber’s activities to ensure they meet the needs and interests of its members

I am the President and CEO of El Sewedy Electric Group, a leading global provider of integrated energy solutions. Our company operates over 31 production facilities across 19 countries and employs more than 19,000 professionals. We export high-end products to over 110 countries. As of December 2023, El Sewedy Electric reported a revenue of $5 billion, reinforcing our significant role in the industry.

In addition to my role at El Sewedy Electric, and Chancellor of Coventry University – UK, I serve as the Chairman of the Egypt-Chinese, Ethiopia, Algeria, and Lebanon business councils. I am also the current president of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce and during my time, we were focusing on enhancing the mutual business opportunities between Germany and Egypt and we hope to continue doing so. I am committed to ensuring that AHK Egypt contributes effectively to the economic development and strengthens the bilateral relations between Germany and Egypt.

Additionally, I am a member of the AMCHAM, CCIFE and other organizations.

Dalia Mostafa holds the position of Customer Service and PR Manager at Orion Food Industries and is currently a board member and treasurer at AIKM Arab Institution for Knowledge Management – Non for-Profit organization where she contributes in various aspects to the institution and community. 

Her experience working with multinational and regional companies enabled her to understand both German and Arab market dynamics. A tangible goal to Mrs. Dalia Mostafa is to enhance trade and investment relations between Germany and the Arab region. During her term she would like to enhance member services and improve the value that Chamber provides to its members. Support innovation and sustainability in business practices. Work with the team in harmony to set goals and work on achieving them successfully for better business.

In 2004, I took on the role of chairman at A-part, the official BOSCH Automotive importer for Egypt. This position allowed me to immerse myself in the automotive industry and build a network of professional relationships that would later serve me well in my career. As of 2006, I have also served as the chairman of Coraya Divers. Under my leadership, Coraya Divers has earned several prestigious international awards, including being recognized as the 'best dive center at the Red Sea.'

My involvement with the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) began in 2003, and over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve as a board member, including three terms as treasurer. This experience has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the Chamber's operations, its strategic goals, and the intricacies of its activities.

Given my extensive knowledge and experience in German-Egyptian relations, coupled with my long tenure as a board member, I am well-positioned to contribute to the continued success of the AHK. I am committed to promoting the benefits of membership to both German and Egyptian companies, emphasizing the mutual advantages that such collaborations can bring.

Additionally, I am passionate about advocating for vocational training facilities that adhere to German standards. Both Egypt and Germany face significant challenges in developing a skilled workforce, and I believe that fostering high-quality vocational training is crucial to addressing these needs. By aligning training programs with German standards, we can help bridge the skills gap and enhance the employability of workers in both countries.

I currently serve as a senior lawyer specializing in foreign direct investment, competition law, and regulatory matter, with the German-founded, regional law firm BREMER LF. I advise PE firms and international corporates, including several German companies on foreign direct investment regulations, antitrust, and other regulatory matters in Egypt, and the larger Middle East.

While my primary role in this regard is that of a legal consultant, my responsibilities include cultural advisory as well. As such I assist German clients in understanding what drives their Egyptian counterparts—whether these are private sector partners or public authorities the clients engage with—and help Egyptian corporates understand the mindset of German partners to ensure the success of cross-border transactions.  

Furthermore, as part of my legal practice, I frequently serve as advisor for the management or board of directors of German and other foreign corporations invested in Egypt and other Middle Eastern jurisdictions. In this role, I provide counsel on manager liability, corporate governance matters, and strategic concerns and assist with organizing, preparing, and administering board meetings and resolutions.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve on the board of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry & Commerce. Drawing from my experience advising German and other foreign investors in Egypt, I believe I can aid the Chamber both from an internal, procedural aspect as well as in their mission to build bridges between the Egyptian and German business communities. Translating between the business cultures of Egypt and German is an integral part of my daily practice as a legal advisor to clients from Germany investing in Egypt and Egyptian clients dealing with German companies. I believe I can apply my understanding of both sides when serving on the board of the Chamber. Furthermore, I am certain I can be an asset to the board in fulfilling their procedural obligations due to my experience advising corporate boards and managements.

Moreover, I cherish the Chamber's initiatives in organizing events and intercultural seminars that facilitate strategic networking between German and Egyptian business communities. Serving on the board of the Chamber will afford me the opportunity to assist with these affords and work to maintain and expand German-Egyptian relations. Becoming part of this afford of the Chamber is a core reason for my application to become a member of the board. 

As a board member, my goals are boosting bilateral trade and investment through strengthening economic ties between Germany and Egypt and supporting the business of the German investors in Egypt, and facilitating their expansion into the Egyptian market by providing strategic legal and regulatory guidance. Furthermore, I strongly believe that to do so one must build cultural understanding and friendships between German and Egyptian stakeholders. Therefore, I am to expand inter-person exchange and cultural exchange among the two business communities.

In the field of stock markets and financial investments, I participated as a member in many committees emanating from the Board of Directors, such as the Investment Committee, the Risk and Governance Committee, and now the Chairman of the Restructuring and Administrative Development Committee & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.

We seek at Aton Holding to diversify and expand the investments we target by expanding partnerships in many sectors in local and global markets with the aim of enhancing the principle of cooperation within the framework of common interests between partners. We have found that the German-Arab Chamber is one of the best destinations that we should be interested in having a presence in to achieve the company’s efforts towards cooperation with local and international partners, which is consistent with your ambitious vision.

We seek to achieve more cooperation with companies operating in trade, especially in the field of technology and consumer goods, as we at Aton Holding aim to enter new partnerships through which we work to achieve growth for us and our partners, which in return will contribute to enhancing trade cooperation between countries.

Mohamed El-Sheikh is an electrical engineer with over 20 years of experience in the electro-mechanical and renewable energy fields. He has worked for several multinational companies such as Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Thyssen Krupp.

He is the CEO of three companies: EME, which specializes in solar energy and physical security; FESS, which focuses on intelligent energy and green hydrogen; and Ozon Egypt, a Samsung partner in HVAC and digital signage. 

Since social responsibility and the well-being of the nation are among the key values, he has been a dedicated volunteer supporting Children Cancer Hospital 57357 for many years; Now he also provides significant support to IMC in the BMWK / GIZ "Partnering in business with Germany" program to identify the candidates with the highest cooperation potential.

He believes his data analysis skills can help identify renewables and green hydrogen business opportunities.

Leveraging his extensive business network in Egypt, El-Sheikh aims to foster partnerships between German and Egyptian companies. His goals are enhancing the Chamber's effectiveness in promoting trade and cultural exchange, attracting more members and German companies, and maximizing networking opportunities with other European business associations

Reham Fouda, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Ethmar Green: Pioneering Success in the Egyptian Agriculture Industry

Reham Fouda, a Certified Life Coach from the International Coach Federation, has dedicated her career to helping individuals achieve higher levels of success in their professional lives. With a focus on empowering others, Reham pursued specialized certifications in gender intelligence, along with diplomas in Business Coaching, Certified Career Coaching, and Certified Extended DISC Profiling.

Throughout her professional journey, Reham Fouda has made a significant impact as a woman in business. As the Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Ethmar Green, she played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a startup into a prominent player in the Egyptian agriculture industry. Ethmar Green, renowned for its premium date products, has grown exponentially under Reham's guidance. From semi-dried dates to chocolate-covered nut-filled dates, flavorful spreads, date syrup, date biscuits, and a variety of protein bars, Ethmar Green offers a diverse range of health-boosting date merchandise.

Reham's influence as a woman in business is noteworthy. She actively promotes gender equality and inclusivity within Ethmar Green and the wider community. More than 50 percent of the company's employees are women, and Reham ensures that they have ample opportunities for skill development and career growth. She collaborates with local women's organizations to support and empower women in the community, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for all. Ethmar Green's success is not only attributed to its premium products but also to its commitment to ethical business practices and sustainable initiatives.

Reham Fouda's journey as a Certified Life and business Coach, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to business growth, has positioned her as an influential figure in the Egyptian agriculture industry. Through her remarkable achievements as the Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Ethmar Green, she continues to inspire and empower individuals, while making a significant contribution to the agricultural landscape of Egypt.

As an AHK Egypt Board member, my goals are to enhance bilateral trade by identifying and promoting key areas of collaboration between German and Egyptian businesses. I aim to bolster support for SMEs through tailored programs and expand networking opportunities to foster new partnerships. Leveraging my experience with GIZ and the Import Promotion Desk, I will focus on streamlining processes and addressing barriers to drive sustainable growth and innovation. My objective is to create actionable strategies that benefit both markets, strengthen economic ties, and facilitate impactful collaboration between Germany and Egypt.

With over 25 years of experience, I am proud of my extensive involvement in creating, managing, and shaping official, governmental, and public service structures, alongside my private business career. My primary fields of focus include medical trading, the medical industry, education, and charity, both in Egypt and Germany. These areas continue to thrive and contribute actively to Egypt's business environment, each with its own distinct vision and mission. I am interested in serving the board in ways where I cxan review and update the AHK business plan to cope with current and future development and changes in both countries.

My Goal during the terms is to achieve the following:

• Decrease Business and culture gap between Egyptian and German
• Open participation gate for Entrepreneurs and young candidates through incubators and educational programs
• Establishing accelerator center with bilateral business and educational institutes
• Increase promotion of chamber business activities to create new resources for implementation of new business plan
• Expand stakeholders' channels and strength the existed

Alaa Kamal currently the managing director for INP Egypt Since 2017. In his capacity as the MD he sets the company strategy and follow up the implementation of it with the team and provide the necessary guidance and support for them when needed. 

He served the board of the AHK in 2022 to 2024 and he would like to continue serving with the AHK team improve the support for both Egyptian and Germany company to develop their business within Egypt and Germany and attract more investment to Egypt as well as assist in organizing more international events in Egypt to promote Egypt as hub for renewable and sustainable energy.

The goal to achieve is to support the wonderful team of AHK, get more business partners as members, find more funding recourse to support the AHK business and make AHK the business leader in Egypt among all other Chambers registered in Egypt.

My professional track record reflects my expertise in strategic direction and mastery of financial matters. I graduated in 1997 with a degree in accounting from the Faculty of Commerce (English Section) at Ain Shams University. I began my professional journey at CIB Bank, dedicating two years to developing my skills before transitioning to an electromechanical contracting company, where I continued to grow for another two years. My path then led me to Degussa, a German company that became part of BASF in July 2006. After completing my MBA in 2007, I was appointed CFO of BASF's group companies in Egypt in 2010 and was promoted to Managing Director in 2019. My leadership was pivotal in driving key initiatives, such as the acquisition of Nunhem Seeds and the divestiture of the construction chemicals division. In 2020, I expanded my role to include overseeing HR, Corporate Communications, Supply Chain, and more, pushing for sustainable growth and strategic developments within the company.

Throughout my career, I have embraced several strategic roles that align well with board responsibilities. As CFO of BASF's group companies in Egypt, I led financial strategies and oversight, preparing myself for high-level fiscal management. As Managing Director of BASF Egypt LLC, I guided the company through significant transformations, including key acquisitions and divestitures, which underscored my capability in corporate governance and strategic decision-making. These experiences have sharpened my abilities in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable business practices, all of which are highly applicable to the role of a board member.

My interest in serving on the board of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry & Commerce is rooted in my extensive experience with BASF, a German company, and my deep understanding of the Egyptian market. Having steered significant business transformations and cultivated international collaborations, I am eager to leverage my expertise to enhance German-Arab economic relations. My background in finance and strategic leadership positions me to contribute effectively to the Chamber’s goals of promoting trade, investment, and mutual understanding between Germany and Arab nations, driving sustainable growth and development in these dynamic markets.

As a board member of AHK Egypt, my aim is to expand the Chamber's influence to better support both German and Egyptian companies, to increase German investments in Egypt, and to encourage more foreign direct investments in the country – effectively serving as a catalyst for cross-cultural commerce.

My focus will be on strengthening economic ties and facilitating investment opportunities that benefit both nations. I am committed to contributing to a thriving business ecosystem and bolstering the economic development of Egypt, while reinforcing the strategic partnership between Germany and Egypt.

Over the past two years, I have served as a board member at the AHK. Additionally, I have held leadership roles in several Fortune 100 companies across various industries in the Middle East and Europe. My experience includes a deep understanding of the Egyptian market and its unique dynamics, as well as the broader MENA region, which is known for its volatility and high potential.

I am deeply interested in serving on the board of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry & Commerce because I believe in the significant potential for economic collaboration and growth between Germany and Egypt. My extensive experience across the Middle East and Europe has provided me with a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges within these markets. I am passionate about fostering stronger business ties, promoting sustainable development, and facilitating knowledge exchange between these 2 countries. Serving on the board would allow me to contribute to these goals and support the Chamber’s mission of enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

During this term I would like to

• Strengthen the economic ties between Egypt and Germany 
• Facilitating knowledge exchange and cultural understanding between the two countries, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship.
• Promote business in Egypt and push for innovative solutions to accelerate and facilitate German and European investments in Egypt

Mohammed is responsible for the company’s in-country presence and growth strategy, including sales, marketing, and operations in Egypt. Mohammed will drive SAP Egypt’s growth plan and lead global education & training platforms to expand Egypt’s digital ecosystem and workforce.

With more than 20 years of IT & Telecom industries experience and a successful leadership track record in international Sales and Business Development across the Middle East and Africa, Mohammed is well positioned to lead our Egypt business. In his prior role, he was SAP Head of Energy & Utilities Industry for the UAE, Mohammed was awarded the UAE Gold Visa by the Dubai Government for leading the growth of the business for the Industry in the region.  Before this, he was the SAP Regional Head of the Telecom Industry leading the account management, sales, and business development for all Telco’s in KSA, UAE, Kuwait, and Egypt.

Mohammed has a Master of Business Administration from the SBS Swiss Business School in Zurich, Switzerland.

He is passionate about fostering stronger economic ties between Germany and Egypt. Serving on the board allows him to leverage his experience in international business to promote bilateral trade and investment opportunities. He aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and support SMEs in navigating market challenges. By contributing strategic insights. In addition to this Mohammed would like to strengthen the economic and cultural bonds between Germany and Egypt.

His goals are to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities between Germany and Egypt and foster innovation through strategic partnerships. Facilitate knowledge transfer particularly in technology and digital transformation. Support Egyptian SMEs in overcoming market entry barriers and navigating regulatory landscapes. By prioritizing mutual growth and collaboration, he aspires to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between our nations, creating a robust foundation for future endeavors.

Recently appointed as the CEO of Mercedes-Benz Egypt, Stefanie Volz, currently Head of eMobility & Sustainability Own Retail Germany, will take over the role as Head of Marketing & Sales MBC Egypt & CEO Mercedes-Benz Egypt, effective October 1, 2024. 

Stefanie began her career in 2012 with the Daimler CAReer Program at Mercedes-Benz Own Retail. She gained valuable experience in Customer Service at several branches, including MPC Germany and UK. In 2016, she was appointed Customer Service Manager for the Stuttgart Leonberg branch, later transitioning to Schwäbisch Gmünd, where she successfully led the workshop and body shop operations.

From 2019 to 2021, Stefanie served as Head of Product, Process, and Business Development in Customer Service at Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation in Japan.

Since 2021, she has been successfully leading the eMobility and Sustainability Department at Own Retail Germany, focusing on initiatives such as charging infrastructure, the business development of Mercedes-Benz Rent, and transitioning Own Retail Germany to CO2 neutrality.

Mrs. Volz is eager to contribute to the enhancement of the German-Egyptian business community. She derive great satisfaction from fostering professional dialogue between business and politics, and from promoting the success of German-Egyptian companies. Serving on the board of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GACIC), the largest organization for business cooperation between Germany and the Arab world, aligns with her vision of driving mutual growth and understanding.

As a member of the AHK Egypt Board, I aim to enhance the German-Egyptian business ecosystem by fostering strategic partnerships and facilitating knowledge exchange. I plan to leverage my extensive experience to support initiatives that drive economic growth, particularly in the automotive, electric mobility and sustainability sectors. I am committed to promoting sustainable development in alignment with the Egypt Vision 2030 and increasing awareness of successful business ventures in Egypt. My goal is to create a robust network that benefits both German and Egyptian businesses, ensuring a prosperous and collaborative future.

Yusef Ahmed is an expert in internationalization, strategic partnerships, business development, and sustainable projects.

He is the Founding Partner, FIC Frankfurt International, Frankfurt. Established and leads an international consulting firm and multi-family office, specializing in international business development and strategic partnerships between Germany, Egypt, and the Gulf Region. Also provides family office services for selected Arab ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).

He is the founding partner, TOUR DE COP, Dubai, UAE. Created a UNDP-endorsed cycling initiative aimed at raising environmental awareness and inspiring the next generation. Organizes annual events leading up to United Nations Conferences (COP), including previous editions from the German International University (GIU) in Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh ahead of COP27, from the German University in Muscat (GUtech) to Dubai ahead of COP28, and this year’s tour from the German International School in Tbilisi (TGIS) to Baku ahead of COP29. Played a key role in fostering Arab-German business relations.

Mr. Yusef held several BOD positions of which are:

• AHK German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Cairo (2021 – 2022)
• GHORFA Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Berlin (2015 – 2018)
• Al Jumooh Investments, Muscat (2014 – 2023)
• Gulf Baader Capital Markets, Muscat (2008 – 2011)

He was also the regional director of AIM Congress in Dubai where he directed operations for German-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking countries and Central Asia, managing international business development and strategic partnerships.

In his early life, Mr. Yusef was the advisor to the CEO of Baader Bank, Strategic Alliances and International Business Development. He advised the CEO on strategic alliances, proprietary investments, and international business development with a focus on the Arab World.

Finally Mr. Yusef held various Positions at Deutsche Bank, included roles in Wealth Management, Private Banking, and Corporate Banking.