Safwan's work

About Safwan

Safwan Almakhmari
Executive Business & Marketing Strategist | Growth & Business Development | Brand Portfolio Management | Market Research & Consumer Insights

Professional Profile
- Executive business and marketing leader with over 16 years of experience across FMCG, food and essential commodities, home and personal care, industrial products, automotive, and market research.
- Experienced in translating market intelligence, consumer insights, and commercial data into business strategies, growth opportunities, and actionable decisions.
- Built a progressive career within HSA Group, covering market research, product marketing, marketing and sales leadership, and executive-level market intelligence.
- Founder and General Manager of Diala Research and Marketing Services, providing market research, consumer insights, strategic marketing, business development, feasibility studies, and commercial advisory services.
- Strong expertise in commercial strategy, go-to-market planning, brand and product portfolio management, market expansion, channel development, pricing, sales planning, and customer relationship management.
- Experienced in designing research and consulting solutions that support product development, competitive analysis, market entry, brand positioning, and business growth.
- Led and supported multidisciplinary teams, developed operational systems and procedures, and worked across marketing, sales, research, product, and operations functions.
- Professional experience includes managing and developing brands and products across food, edible oils, flour, grains, detergents, personal care, confectionery, and other consumer and industrial categories.
- Managed and contributed to a broad portfolio of market research and strategic projects, including quantitative and qualitative studies, retail audits, consumer behavior analysis, and market opportunity assessments.
- Experienced in developing business relationships, supporting investment and commercial decisions, and identifying opportunities for market expansion and sustainable growth.
- Passionate about data-driven decision-making, innovation, entrepreneurship, and building practical solutions that connect business performance with market needs.
Selected Professional Highlights
- More than 16 years of progressive experience in marketing, sales, market research, product management, and business development.
- Founder and General Manager of Diala Research and Marketing Services, supporting organizations across multiple sectors through research-led strategy and commercial advisory.
- Experience in managing and developing diverse brand and product portfolios within major industrial and consumer goods businesses.
- More than 1,800 research projects managed or contributed to throughout the professional career, subject to project records and scope verification.
- Experience supporting 15+ product launches or development initiatives, subject to project documentation and role clarification.
- Developed the Smart Water Bank concept, a data-driven digital model designed to connect water-source information with community needs, as part of the Made by Yemeni Hands initiative.
Core Areas of Expertise
- Executive Business Strategy
- Marketing & Commercial Leadership
- Growth Strategy & Business Development
- Brand & Product Portfolio Management
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- Market Research & Consumer Insights
- Business Intelligence & Competitive Analysis
- Product Development & Market Expansion
- Sales Strategy & Distribution Channels
- Key Account Management
- Pricing & Commercial Planning
- Operational Systems & Process Development
- Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Management
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Production and Marketing — Thamar University, Yemen, 2007
- Diploma in Leadership and Supervisory Skills Development — Leaders Development and Consulting Center, 2018
Languages
- Arabic: Native
- English: Professional working proficiency
Professional References
Available upon request.