Get to know: Jihad Youssef

Jebel Ali-based peripherals specialist Genius Computer Technology recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. With the company still in high spirits, Channel Middle East thought it was the ideal time to ‘get to know' general manager Jihad Youssef...

What is your career history to date?

After completing my studies in Lebanon, I worked for a bank there for three years. Then I moved to Dubai in 1993 to start my corporate career within the service industry. I joined Genius Computer Technology as sales director in 2002, initially as head of a 12-member sales team handling five regions. I am now general manager.

What do you enjoy most about working in the Middle East IT market?

Once you have streamlined processes and set up policies with your channel partners you can enjoy excellent long-term results. In addition to that, this market is a fast growing one which is filled with challenges - and I enjoy meeting challenges.

What do you dislike most about working in the Middle East IT market?

It is a very volatile and complex market. Tackling the pricing-related issues is the most cumbersome task. Each market in the region has its own merits and demerits due to the different laws, rules and customs regulations in place.

What is the most valuable business lesson you've learnt?

Never underestimate your channel partners' capabilities. After all, they are the rulers in their market. Nurture and support them and they will bring you excellent results, always be alert to market changes and be available to your team and partners all of the time.

How would you describe your management style?

Open minded and friendly in nature, yet strict on meeting deadlines. One cannot afford to miss deadlines in this highly-paced market. I enjoy training the team and guiding them to better results, and working on proper reporting and statistical systems to make sure we are ahead of competitors.

What is the proudest moment of your career to date?

Genius Computer Technology has been named the best distributor globally by KYE Taiwan for the last three years, but the first award was something special for me. Another proud moment came recently, when I stood at the podium to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. I know the time and efforts that have been spent during the past 10 years to make this success possible.

What is the best deal you have ever closed?

We have achieved some great results, particularly in the past four years. We won a special tender with the Libyan government to supply 60,000 computers to schools. Apart from this tender, we have also won a series of other deals with retail stores, governments and corporate projects.

How do you relax outside of the work environment?

I love music and movies, and visit the cinema at least once a week. Driving is my passion, especially off road, and I enjoy taking short vacations to visit new countries and discover them with my camera. I am trying to spend more time in the gym but that is not happening most of the time! I also enjoy socialising and spending quality time with my family and friends.

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