Biography of Kazi M. Hassan: Founder & CEO at r ventures PLC- Entrepreneur
Biography of Kazi M. Hassan:
Kazi M. Hassan, a prominent leader in the tech and business
world, has recently taken on the role of CEO at r ventures PLC, the digital
ventures arm of Robi Axiata Limited. This new role positions him at the
forefront of Robi’s ambition to expand its digital footprint and offer
innovative solutions to customers. His expertise in digital business and
strategy is expected to propel r ventures PLC to new heights, focusing on
creating valuable digital products and partnerships.
Educational Excellence
Kazi’s educational background is impressive. He holds a
Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the prestigious Saïd
Business School at the University of Oxford, where he graduated with
distinction, ranking in the top 2% of his class. His academic journey also
includes a program in Strategy Execution from INSEAD, further enhancing his
strategic and leadership skills. This strong foundation has shaped his career
and contributed to his success in various leadership roles.
Entrepreneurship and Investment Expertise
In addition to his role at Robi, Kazi is the founder of
Nexel Capital Limited, a boutique investment company based in London. Nexel
Capital focuses on real estate investments across the United Kingdom,
reflecting Kazi's diverse investment portfolio. His deep understanding of
business strategy and investment allows him to make sound decisions and
contribute meaningfully to the growth of various companies, especially
startups.
Leadership at Delhivery
Before joining Robi, Kazi held a significant leadership
position as the Country Head for Bangladesh at Delhivery, a global logistics
and supply chain operator. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing
Delhivery's international growth strategy. His expertise in managing
large-scale operations and expanding businesses internationally made him a key
figure in Delhivery’s success, particularly in the South Asian market.
Strategic Influence at Grameenphone
Kazi's career also includes impactful roles at Grameenphone,
one of Bangladesh's leading telecom companies. As the Chief Business Officer,
Kazi played a crucial role in scaling Grameenphone’s ICT and IoT portfolio,
helping the company embrace emerging technologies. He also spearheaded the
creation of the Grameenphone Accelerator, a national platform aimed at
nurturing tech startups in Bangladesh. His leadership was instrumental in
driving Grameenphone’s growth and strategic direction.
Biography of Kazi M. Hassan: Founder & CEO at r ventures PLC- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/startup/shark tank/r ventures PLC/ Kazi M. Hassan story
Leading Mergers and Acquisitions
In addition to his operational roles, Kazi was deeply
involved in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and valuation activities across
the region during his tenure at Grameenphone. His ability to navigate complex
M&A transactions and develop long-term strategies for Telenor’s operations
in Bangladesh and surrounding regions made him a key figure in the telecom
industry.
Support for Bangladesh’s Tech Ecosystem
Kazi is passionate about supporting the startup ecosystem in
Bangladesh. He actively mentors entrepreneurs and helps bring foreign
investments to local startups. By connecting international venture capitalists
and private equity firms with Bangladeshi tech startups, he has played a
pivotal role in driving the growth of the country’s tech scene. His efforts
have contributed significantly to the success of many emerging companies.
Advisory Role at a2i
In addition to his corporate roles, Kazi has worked as an
advisor to a2i (Aspire to Innovate), a government initiative aimed at promoting
innovation and entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. He provided valuable insights
into restructuring a2i’s operating model to facilitate partnerships with the
private sector. His guidance helped the program attract more private
investment, strengthening Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem.
Impact on Robi’s Digital Ventures
As CEO of r ventures PLC, Kazi brings a wealth of experience
in digital transformation, strategy execution, and investment. His leadership
is expected to help Robi achieve its goals in the digital space, collaborating
with partners to create innovative products and services that will
significantly enhance the customer experience. Under his leadership, r ventures
PLC aims to play a central role in the realization of Bangladesh's "Smart
Bangladesh" vision.
Strong Professional Qualifications
Kazi’s professional qualifications further bolster his
credibility and expertise. He is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant
(FCCA), a prestigious qualification from the global professional accountancy
body ACCA in the United Kingdom. This qualification, combined with his MBA from
Oxford, reflects his deep understanding of business, finance, and strategy,
making him a valuable asset to any organization.
Chairing ACCA Bangladesh
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Kazi has
served as the elected Chair of the Member Advisory Committee of ACCA
Bangladesh. In this role, he has provided guidance on various initiatives aimed
at promoting the profession and supporting the development of accounting
professionals in Bangladesh. His leadership in this capacity has contributed to
the growth of the accounting community in the country.
Promoting Digital Innovation
Kazi’s vision for r ventures PLC aligns with his passion for
digital innovation. He believes that by focusing on creating innovative digital
solutions, r ventures PLC can play a critical role in transforming Bangladesh
into a digitally advanced nation. The company's work is expected to focus on
products and services that add significant value to Robi’s customers, helping
to improve their digital experiences.
Mentorship and Investment in Startups
Kazi has always been a strong advocate for entrepreneurship,
particularly in South Asia. He mentors many startups in Bangladesh, offering
advice and guidance on business development, strategy, and funding. His
involvement in the startup ecosystem extends beyond mentorship; he actively
attracts foreign investors and venture capitalists to support promising tech
startups in Bangladesh, contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a
hub for innovation.
A Key Catalyst for Change
Throughout his career, Kazi has proven to be a key catalyst
for change, particularly in the telecom and tech sectors. His ability to drive
digital transformation, scale businesses, and foster entrepreneurship has had a
lasting impact on the companies he has worked with. At Robi, Kazi is expected
to continue this trend, leading the company’s digital ventures and contributing
to the broader goal of making Bangladesh a leader in the digital age.
The Future of r ventures PLC
As Kazi takes the helm of r ventures PLC, the future of
Robi’s digital ventures looks promising. With his extensive experience in
digital strategy, investments, and entrepreneurship, Kazi is well-equipped to
lead the company into a new era of growth and innovation. By focusing on
cutting-edge digital products and fostering partnerships with tech startups, he
aims to ensure that r ventures PLC remains at the forefront of the digital
transformation in Bangladesh and beyond.
A timeline for Kazi M. Hassan's career:
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford: Graduates with
an MBA with distinction, ranking in the top 2% of his class.
INSEAD: Completes a program in Strategy Execution.
Founder, Nexel Capital Limited: Establishes a boutique
investment firm focused on real estate in the UK.
Country Head, Delhivery: Leads Delhivery's international
growth strategy in Bangladesh.
Chief Business Officer, Grameenphone: Oversees the ICT and
IoT portfolio, creating the Grameenphone Accelerator.
Advisor, a2i: Provides strategic guidance to a government
initiative supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.
Chair, ACCA Bangladesh: Leads the Member Advisory Committee,
supporting the accounting profession in Bangladesh.
CEO, r ventures PLC: Takes the role to drive digital
innovation and strategic growth for Robi Axiata's digital ventures.
