Junaid Elias, is an accomplished professional with a blend of academic credentials and diverse business experience that spans over 2 decades with Global Multinationals. His academic journey culminated in an MBA from Wits Business School in 2012 where he excelled in electives like Advanced Negotiations and Strategic Management, complementing his earlier achievement of a Bachelor of Business Science with Honours in Strategic Management and Information Systems from the University of Natal. Adding to his technical acumen is a certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.
Currently Vice President Finance Operations & Strategic Projects at the Millat Group, Junaid has the vital role of ensuring viability and sustainability of all Millat’s growth and expansion plan across diverse sectors including hotels, convenience and fuel.
In his previous role at SMADA Group since February 2020, Junaid was instrumental in steering the multi-industry corporation towards new heights. The group, known for its success in sectors like physical and cyber security, property, and technology, has benefited from his strategic leadership and innovation.
Prior to this, his career graph is marked by significant roles at Vodafone/Vodacom, KPMG and Accenture. At Vodafone/Vodacom, he held critical positions including that of Executive Head of SCM and Supply Chain Principal Specialist, where he introduced transformative strategies and achieved substantial savings for the organisation. He was appointed to Vodacom Tanzania between 2012 and 2014 to establish the Supply Chain division and implement global best practice. Junaid also served on 2 Executive Committees within the Vodacom fixed line business across Africa. His tenure at Accenture and KPMG in senior management consulting roles saw him lead challenging projects across various geographies.
Beyond his professional and academic accolades, Junaid’s personal philosophy revolves around the synergy of business and strategy. He is driven by a passion for enhancing business operations and systems to optimize efficiency and profitability. He firmly believes in the principle that creating value for the customer is the cornerstone of creating value for shareholders. His approach to business is deeply intertwined with his understanding of the power of attitude in shaping success and the importance of understanding people to achieve cohesive and synergistic results.