CEO Insights Magazine

In the dynamic landscape of Iraq's pharmaceutical industry, leaders with a unique ability to navigate complexity while fostering innovation and growth stand out. These leaders adeptly steer their organizations through challenges, leveraging their strategic acumen to anticipate market trends. Leaders such as Ahmed Hadi Ferman foster innovation and collaboration, motivating teams to break barriers and advance. In Iraq's competitive scenario, Ahmed Hadi Ferman's visionary leadership distinguishes him, shaping the future of pharmaceutical distribution.

Ahmed Hadi Ferman stands as a beacon of visionary leadership and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as the esteemed Managing Partner of Al Mamorah Scientific Bureau. With a career steeped in dedication and excellence, Ahmed Hadi Ferman has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Al Mamorah Scientific Bureau, propelling it to the forefront of the market.

Below is an excerpt of Ahmed Hadi Ferman’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights ASIA magazine.

Could you give a brief account of your professional background and experiences? What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

With a solid foundation in pharmaceuticals from Baghdad University, I embarked on a journey driven by my fervor for sales and marketing. Since the inception of my career, I have navigated through various roles with esteemed organizations such as Mepha and GLAXOSMITHKLINE, each stepping stone contributing to my growth and expertise.

From the grassroots level as a sales representative to ascending the corporate ladder as a national sales manager and eventually serving as a country manager, my tenure with Mepha was marked by notable achievements and commendable sales milestones. Transitioning to GLAXOSMITHKLINE, I undertook the monumental task of establishing the company's presence in the market, spearheading operations within Iraq, and orchestrating a team geared toward success. Subsequently, my role as a Managing Partner at Al Mamorah Scientific Bureau further enriched my professional trajectory, encapsulating my commitment to fostering team development, driving takeover rates, and ensuring optimal talent retention. 

Motivation, for me, transcends the realm of mere routine. It stems from an insatiable passion for success and a relentless pursuit of challenges that propel growth and innovation. The dynamic nature of my roles across diverse departments fuels my drive, while support from my family serves as an anchor, propelling me to surpass boundaries and strive for excellence in every endeavor.

How would you define Al Mamorah Scientific Bureau as an organization and its current position in the market?

Al Mamorah Scientific Bureau stands at a pinnacle in the pharmaceutical distribution realm, renowned for its ethical practices and commitment to excellence. With a workforce exceeding 700 employees, our organization thrives on integrity and team development. We place utmost importance on our team, recognizing them as our most valuable asset.

This people-centric approach has propelled us to become trusted distributors for multinational, esteemed companies in the market. As strategic partners to our principals, we diligently represent  their interests with integrity and professionalism. Al Mamorah Scientific Bureau's current position in the market is one of prominence, built on a foundation of ethical conduct, dedicated teamwork, and strategic partnerships. 

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader? 

My leadership approach revolves around a simple yet effective methodology - the Window, Glass, and Metal framework. In times of triumph and success, I adopt the perspective of looking through the window, allowing me to celebrate the achievements of the team wholeheartedly. Conversely, when confronted with challenges or adversities, I shift my focus to the metal, adopting a diagnostic stance to identify root causes and devise strategic solutions. As a selfproclaimed problem solver, I prioritize investing ample time in crafting solutions rather than dwelling on the problems themselves.

Central to my leadership philosophy is the belief that the team is our most valuable asset. Therefore, nurturing their growth and development takes precedence. Emphasizing training and fostering alignment across departments fosters a motivated environment conducive to innovation and creativity. Furthermore, I uphold the principle of empowering individuals within the team, cultivating a culture where everyone feels like a co-leader, equipped to tackle challenges head-on. This inclusive approach not only instills confidence but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among team members.

Navigating the Iraqi market has been rife with challenges, but therein lies the essence of our professional journey. There are no singular defining moments; instead, it's a continual evolution marked by resilience and resourcefulness. Our success mantra revolves around preparedness and foresight. Even during challenging times, our team remains equipped and proactive, anticipating future obstacles. We prioritize long-term sustainability, ensuring our initiatives align with the future trajectory of the industry. Moreover, our steadfast commitment to safety and efficacy, coupled with a zero-tolerance policy, has cemented our reputation as a trusted supplier in the market. These principles have been pivotal in achieving remarkable milestones and fostering enduring partnerships. 

How do you keep yourself up-to-date with ongoing industry trends to steer your organization towards the future?

At the core of our organizational ethos lies a commitment to continuous development. Recognizing the pivotal role of staying abreast of industry trends, not only for myself but for our entire leadership cadre, we invest considerable resources and time into ongoing learning initiatives. Also, our approach entails harnessing state-of-the-art knowledge and scientific advancements in training programs, spanning from the induction phase to nurturing seasoned employees. Partnering with esteemed institutions, we curate comprehensive development modules that encompass academic learning, ensuring a structured progression for our workforce.

This structured approach not only cultivates a culture of lifelong learning but also fortifies our organization's resilience in the evolving market setting. By prioritizing knowledge enhancement and skill development, we bolster the capabilities of our team to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality in our products. Moreover, our dedication to continuous improvement fosters a reputation for reliability and excellence among customers, prescribers, and dispensers alike. Lastly, we view our team as the linchpin of our strategic vision, recognizing that their ongoing development is paramount to steering our organization toward a prosperous future.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

We intend to progress strategically and achieve significant goals, both within and beyond our organization. This entails forging strategic partnerships and alliances with like-minded entities in the market, each with their unique approach and operational strategies but sharing common interests. This forward-looking approach guides our vision for the future.

What guidance would you offer to emerging leaders within the industry?

I strongly advise that leaders prioritize the development and empowerment of their teams, recognizing them as invaluable assets. Creating a supportive environment where team members feel empowered to take initiative fosters self-leadership and camaraderie. This approach is crucial for organizational success. 

Ahmed Hadi Ferman, Managing Partner, Al Mamorah Scientific Bureau

Ahmed Hadi Ferman, a distinguished Managing Partner at Al Mamorah Scientific Bureau, leads with a vision for excellence. With a deep-rooted commitment to innovation and strategic foresight, Ahmed Hadi Ferman has navigated the complexities of Iraq's pharmaceutical domain, driving growth and setting new standards in distribution practices.