Ahmed Haider

CFO and COO with 25+ years of P&L leadership in power and infrastructure projects. Delivered $800M+ in large-scale project execution, secured $250M+ in debt financing, achieved 100% recovery on $15M insurance claims with key tariff approvals, and led complex debt restructuring through extensive global banking and legal networks across the UK, Europe, Hong Kong, Korea, and Singapore. Recognized as a trusted board advisor with a proven track record in executing public-private partnerships (PPPs), building high-performing teams, and driving profitable growth.

Director Finance / Strategic Finance Advisor

Shemas International (Private) Limited, Lahore, Pakistan Apr 2017 – Present

High-level strategic financial advisory and operational leadership for trading, management, and investment entities in dynamic markets.

• Orchestrating capital formation strategies for high-growth FinTech and InsurTech ventures, including the end-to-end structuring of a $750K – $1.5M seed funding round to accelerate digital distribution capabilities.
• Architecting high-stakes investor collateral, specifically comprehensive financial models, unit economics, and executive pitch decks to translate platform traction into actionable investment mandates.
• Directing the strategic rollout of digital micro-insurance platforms, successfully transitioning products from beta phases to live market distribution and validating product-market fit.
• Executing organizational process optimization and internal control frameworks that enhanced data-driven decision-making and accelerated month-end reporting cycles.
• Evaluating and scoping SaaS-based ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) sustainability tools and e-invoicing solutions to ensure strict alignment with international regulatory standards.
• Delivering board-level insights and strategic advisory to multiple client organizations, optimizing liquidity and supporting sustainable growth across dynamic global markets.
• Leading financial due diligence and risk assessments for investment decisions, enhancing overall profitability and corporate resilience for portfolio entities.

Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

Halmore Power Generation Company Limited, Lahore, Pakistan Aug 2011 – Nov 2016

Integrated financial and operational leadership for a 225 MW combined-cycle power plant developed at a $250M project cost.

• Directed finance and operations functions, optimizing business performance, cost structures, and efficiency in a regulated energy environment.
• Negotiated and closed a $250M long-term loan facility; successfully recovered $15M in insurance claims (100% achievement).
• Secured regulatory tariff approval and developed long-term plans for a $500M PPP expansion project.
• Implemented standardized financial systems enabling real-time reporting and faster executive decision-making.
• Led cross-functional teams to achieve financial targets and operational excellence.

Chief Financial Officer

Reshma Power Generation Company Limited, Lahore, Pakistan Dec 2009 – Jun 2011

Full financial oversight for a 225 MW power plant developed at a $150M project cost.

• Aligned finance with operations to ensure effective resource allocation and project delivery.
• Secured $50M letter of credit facilities, raised $15M additional financing, and negotiated $20M supplier credit for fuel supply.
• Conducted due diligence and risk management to minimize exposure in a capital-intensive sector.
• Directed finance and payroll teams, promoting alignment and efficient execution.

Chief Operating Officer

Al-Tijarat FZC, Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, UAE Feb 2008 – Aug 2009

Led overall business operations and financial planning for a trading and consultancy firm specializing in diesel generators and spare parts.

• Established and scaled operations, budgeting, and compliance frameworks in line with UAE regulatory requirements.
• Executed operational and financial strategies that delivered stability, resilience, and sustainable performance.

Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary

Kohinoor Energy Limited (KEL), Lahore, Pakistan Sep 1996 – Dec 2007

CFO and Corporate Secretary for a publicly listed joint venture (Toyota Tsusho Corp. & Saigol Group) operating a 131.4 MW Wärtsilä power plant at a $120M project cost.

• Negotiated $120M debt financing and managed over $20M in cash investments in the US market while maintaining strong liquidity.
• Directed multi-disciplinary teams in a $150M expansion project and led the Group Benefits Committee for 100+ employees.
• Supported board governance and shareholder relations as Corporate Secretary.
• Drove financial performance reviews and strategic initiatives that enhanced overall business value.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA) — 2016 Member,

Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA), United Kingdom

• Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) — 1996 Fellow Member,

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) Completed 4-year articleship with Ernst & Young (Big 4)

• International Diploma in Accounting Studies — 1990

Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom (1-year full-time + 6 months UK training)

• Bachelor of Commerce — 1988

Hailey College of Commerce, Lahore, Pakistan