Leaders

Women leaders play an essential role in the success of organizations, consistently proving their worth through innovative approaches and transformative contribu­tions. Hala Sleiman, the Group CFO of Tamer is one such leader whose journey began with a dream of becoming an architect, but a turning point redirected her toward finance, sparking a passion for financial literacy that has shaped her career.

With a Master’s degree in Finance, Hala started in a junior position within the retail and wholesale industry building a strong foundation for her growth and development. Her curiosity and dedication have deepened over time, allowing her to successfully navigate challenges like market fluctuations and organizational restructuring with resilience and adaptability. Throughout her journey, she has emphasized the importance of balancing professional achievement with personal well-being, maintaining connections with her family and community for balance and fulfilment.

Let’s hear more from Hala in this one-on-one interaction.

Could you share details about your professional journey in the finance sector? What have been the most pivotal moments throughout your 20-year career?

Every experience in my professional journey has been a stepping stone, guiding me towards becoming a better professional and person. From the moment I stepped into the field, I knew that finance would offer a dynamic environment, with plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

A pivotal point in my career was transitioning into a leadership role as CFO. This shift demanded not only technical expertise, but also the ability to guide teams, build relationships, and create a vision. Developing that strategic mindset marked a defining moment for me.

Additionally, living in Lebanon since 2019 economic crisis has been an extraordinary challenge that tests even the most resilient individuals. The economy spiraled into severe depression, with rising inflation, a collapsing currency, and widespread poverty affecting nearly every sector. Political instability further worsens the situation. For a financial expert, succeeding in such a chaotic environment, demands navigating layers of complexity. However, these hardships foster strategic thinking, resilience, and flexibility, forcing professionals to come up with novel solutions in a setting where the old rules no longer apply. These experiences not only shape character but also sharpen crisis management skills.

What key areas of expertise have you developed as a leader in finance over the years?

Over time, I've realized that mindset is Key to shaping our experiences and outcomes. A positive, growth-focused attitude helps tackle challenges, learn from failures, and pursue goals with determination. It's about believing in your ability to improve and embracing new opportunities. Ultimately, a positive mindset is, without a doubt, the most valuable skill you can acquire. It opens doors to countless opportunities that may not have been part of your original plan, allowing you to thrive in unexpected and exciting ways.

Introduce us to Tamer. As the Group CFO, what key roles and responsibilities do you manage? What are your main focus areas when it comes to driving the company’s growth?

More than 125 years have passed since the Tamer family initiated their quest for excellence and today Tamer Frères, has grown to become a modern vibrant company by always being unique in all its diversified activities and divisions including: Healthcare, Watches & jewelry, IT Banking & Retail Solutions, Chemicals Raw Materials and Tobacco.

As the Group CFO, my key roles include overseeing financial strategy, reporting, risk management, and capital management. I drive growth by focusing on innovation and investment, revenue enhancement, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. My goal is to align financial strategies with the company’s long-term objectives and ensure sustainable growth.

What do you consider to be the most significant challenges you face in your current role? How do you work to overcome these obstacles?

Reaching the top in a male-dominated industry has been my biggest challenge. Women often encounter greater obstacles in proving their competence and earning trust and recognition. However, these barriers can be overcome by nurturing self-confidence, establishing a strong support network, consistently enhancing one’s know-how and staying ahead of trends to challenge stereotypes and counteract unequal opportunities. Another important aspect is promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. In my finance career, I’ve focused on mentoring emerging talent, especially women, to help them navigate obstacles and secure their place in the field.

Highlight some of the most important milestones you’ve accomplished in your professional journey. What has been your mantra for success over the years?

My journey has been a whirlwind of experiences, ups and downs, challenges and triumphs and I’m deeply grateful for every lesson learned along the way. Among the valuable insights I've gained are the importance of patience, continuous learning, and networking. However, the most significant lesson of all is that impact outweighs status.

“Impact matters more than status!” That has always been my success mantra.

In fact, the true measure of success lies in how you positively affect the world around you, not in how many titles or accolades you acquire. People only remember how you made them feel, if you kept your promises, and whether they could rely on you.

How do you envision the representation of women leaders changing in the Asian finance industry in the coming years?

The representation of women in Asia's finance industry leadership positions is likely to continue evolving positively, given that organizations are more and more appreciating the benefits of diverse leadership has on decision-making and performance. Many firms have initiated mentoring programs and hiring initiatives that focus specifically on this matter. Overall, while challenges remain, the movement towards gender equality in senior financial positions in Asia is steadily advancing.

Hala Sleiman, Group CFO, Tamer

Hala Sleiman is the Group CFO of Tamer, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy and fostering growth. Committed to diversity and mentorship, she advocates for greater representation of women in leadership, driving impactful initiatives across Asia's finance industry.