CEO Insights Magazine

Country Manager, a dynamic and multifaceted position, serves as the linchpin in a business, overseeing all operations within their designated region. Acting as a bridge between global strategy and local execution, a Country Manager plays a vital role in driving the company's success in diverse and ever-evolving markets. Md. Abdul Hafiz Bhuiyan, with over 24 years of experience in the field, exemplifies the significance of this role. Graduating from BIT, Rajshahi (now RUET) with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hafiz embarked on his career journey with Adex Corporation, delving into the realm of power engineering in Bangladesh. However, his aspirations transcended local boundaries, as he aimed to work with renowned multinational corporations.

In 2005, Hafiz's trajectory took a pivotal turn when he joined Havells India as the Business Development Manager for Bangladesh. Through dedication and strategic acumen, he swiftly ascended to the coveted position of Country Manager, a testament to his leadership prowess and business acumen. Over the years, Hafiz has not only represented multiple brands but also played a pivotal role in their establishment and growth within his territory.

His achievements speak volumes about his capabilities. From transforming the business landscape for Havells, driving significant revenue growth, to launching and establishing brands like Larsen & Toubro (L&T), C&S Electric in Bangladesh, Hafiz's track record is replete with milestones. In 2021, Abdul Hafiz assumed the role of Country Manager for Raychem RPG, adding another feather to his cap. With his wealth of experience and a penchant for innovation, he continues to steer businesses towards success, leaving an indelible mark on the corporate landscape of Bangladesh. As a visionary leader, Hafiz epitomizes the essence of a Country Manager, driving growth, fostering relationships, and propelling businesses towards greater heights. Let’s hear more from him in this interaction.

How do you, as the Country Manager, attract new customers to the market and cultivate enduring relationships with them?

With each new role I undertake, my aim has always been to instigate transformation, elevate performance, and foster growth within the business. As the Country Manager, I set the precedent for the company's management style. Rather than relying solely on consultants, I prioritize direct engagement with customers to formulate effective strategies. By extensively interacting with customers, I gain invaluable insights into their needs, preferences, working styles, and objectives. My approach revolves around understanding their mindset and operational dynamics, thereby enabling me to offer tailored solutions aimed at enhancing their business profitability. The gratification I derive from receiving positive feedback from customers, affirming the tangible benefits and efficiencies they've experienced under my guidance, is truly fulfilling. It validates the effectiveness of my customer-centric approach and motivates me to continually strive for excellence in fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

How do you formulate a brand strategy that fosters brand awareness and cultivates brand equity among customers?

My role entails overseeing the long-term strategic direction of the company, with a keen emphasis on fortifying our commitment to customers and partners. This involves the development of customer- centric processes, the delivery of innovative Power and Energy solutions, and the cultivation of strong relationships with our clientele. Tailoring strategies based on product offerings and their applications, I employ a mix of direct and indirect policies through our network of distributors and channel partners. Initiatives aimed at enhancing brand awareness include organizing seminars, facilitating gatherings of engineers and technical staff, conducting in-house presentations at customer premises or industrial sites, and arranging visits for specifiers and consultants to our manufacturing facilities. These efforts collectively contribute to elevating our brand presence and fostering enduring connections with our target audience.

Could you please share your experience in enhancing cross-functional communication with stakeholders to establish achievable project goals and expectations?

Throughout my career, I've spearheaded the transformation of numerous unstructured teams, particularly in the domains of marketing and sales, consistently achieving challenging targets. In my previous role, I successfully revitalized teams within our distributor and channel partner networks in Bangladesh, which initially lacked technical expertise and marketing acumen. This was accomplished through comprehensive training initiatives and regular performance assessments for all team members. Furthermore, I empowered senior team members to unlock their full potential, employing a leadership style that resonated with everyone. A key attribute of mine is my energetic leadership style, which enables me to inspire and empower employees, granting them the autonomy to work autonomously. I consistently set high expectations for all stakeholders and embrace change, swiftly implementing it to ensure our position as a prominent brand in the market is maintained.

Could you elaborate on your leadership philosophy? What principles or methodologies guide your approach as a leader?

Every leader must discover their unique leadership style, but it's imperative not to compromise on ethics, reliability, and trustworthiness. Authenticity is paramount; it involves introspection to understand one's strengths and weaknesses, and then transforming that self-awareness into a distinctive management approach. Throughout my career, I've learned that attempting to conform to a global standard often led to failure. Instead, embracing my true self proved to be the path to becoming a better leader.

In my role as a Country Manager and as an individual, five key traits define my approach: meticulous organization, unwavering passion for my work, adept communication skills, innate leadership abilities, and a penchant for embracing challenges and responsibilities for personal growth and development. Trustworthiness and integrity are fundamental to my character, guiding my actions both professionally and personally.

What kind of impact do you envision making on your professional journey moving forward?

With over 16 years of experience managing multiple brands as a Country Manager for various MNCs, I may not aspire to reach the highest pinnacle, but I have diligently prepared myself to lead the business of any Fortune 500 MNC as a regional CEO, and I'm confident that I'm on the right path. Working for a company that contributes positively to the planet adds an extra layer of excitement to my journey. I relish the opportunity to explore new places and connect with new people. As for what lies ahead, I remain open-minded and committed to doing my part, eagerly anticipating what the future holds.

Md. Abdul Hafiz Bhuiyan, Country Manager, Raychem RPG

Abdul Hafiz, a seasoned Country Manager at Raychem RPG, brings over 16 years of extensive experience in managing multiple brands for various multinational corporations. With a passion for driving growth and fostering strong relationships, he is committed to leading the business towards continued success in the dynamic market landscape.

• Hobbies: Playing, Reading, & Traveling
• Favorite Book: The Goal, Built to Last, The Holy Quran
• Favorite Travel Destination: Switzerland