Our story

People Matter – Let's Empower Their Success

SAMER KHATIB

As an organizational psychologist with over 20 years of international HR management experience, including roles up to CHRO level, I have successfully led transformational change programs to enhance talent acquisition, engagement, development, performance, and retention across diverse industries and geographies.

Transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship, I have established two successful companies over the past five years. Currently, I am the founder and managing partner of a boutique HR management consulting business, dedicated to empowering organizations and their people to achieve their full potential through innovative strategic HR practices.

Additionally, I own and manage a boutique real estate investment business that specializes in the strategic acquisition and development of properties with significant upside potential through value-add capital improvements and a more efficient management structure, across the Florida market.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am an active volunteer, mentor, and thought leader, serving my community, professional network, and advisory councils. I leverage my expertise and network to create value and impact, contributing to the growth and success of those around me.

PEOPLE MATTER LLC (HR Consulting) – Doha, Qatar (Sep ‘23 – Present)

Founder & Managing Partner

Role: Founder & Managing Partner of a boutique HR management consulting firm based in Doha, Qatar, dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that drive organizational excellence through enhanced structures, talent, competence, performance, & rewards that ultimately unlock potential and empower success.

Mission: ‘Unlocking Potential, Empowering Success.’

Clients:
• Saudi Tourism Authority – KSA
• Alfardan Automobiles – Qatar
• Alfardan Real Estate – Qatar

  • Alfardan Hospitality – Qatar
  • Alfardan Group – Qatar
  • Amana Insurance – KSA

Projects Delivered:
• Redesigned organization structure to align with strategic objectives.
• Redesigned grading, merit, and variable reward systems to align with strategic objectives.
• Redesigned HR policies, processes, systems, & frameworks to align with strategic objectives.
• Developed nationalization programs to attract & retain talented nationals.
• Redesigned performance management process to identify/recognize/calibrate performers.
• Redesigned talent reviews to identify & grow future leaders.
• Redesigned competence management frameworks to assess & address development gaps.
• Conducted Job Evaluation and Workforce planning reviews to enhance workforce optimization.
• Created and implemented HR dashboard and Analytics to measure the HR functional plan delivery.

SK MIAMI HOLDINGS LLC (Real Estate) – Coral Springs/FL, USA (Apr ‘19 – Present)

Owner & Managing Partner

Role: Owner & Managing Partner of a Real Estate Investment Company based in Miami, Florida. The Company specializes in the strategic acquisition and development of properties with significant upside potential through value-add capital improvements and a more efficient management structure, across Florida. Mission: ‘Reinventing Spaces, Bettering Lives.’

High Gate Townhomes (Jun ’19 – Present), Role: Owner of townhome community in Coral Springs, Florida. Accomplishments:
• Successfully invested over $2 million in capital improvements to transform into a leading 20-unit residential community.
• Achieved a 100% occupancy rate with a market leading average renewal period at 4+ years, demonstrating the community’s desirability and effective property management practices.
• Reduced operational expense ratio to below 30%, while enhancing the Net Operating Income (NOI) by 70%, and Gross Income by an impressive 100% showcasing the successful implementation of strategic improvements and effective management practices.
• Refinanced the property with attractive long-term debt, allowing for the pullout of the initial capital expenditures (CAPEX) for future acquisitions.

EL SEIF INVESTMENTS (Construction) – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Apr ‘17 – Mar ‘19):

Chief Human Resources Officer      

Role: Serve as Sr. Advisor to the Chairman and Executive Chairman while developing the HR strategy and plans for a large construction business across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar (workforce size: 50,000). Accomplishments:
• Drove nationalization efforts to increase local workforce representation (Nitiqat improved to from Red to Green).
• Implemented HRIS systems to streamline HR operations and data management (Oracle Fusion).
• Established HR analytics to provide insights and drive data-informed decision-making and align HR w/Business strategy.
• Developed/executed an HR Business Partnering model to enhance HR service delivery/strategic alignment.
• Instituted comprehensive Performance/Talent, & Competence Management systems/frameworks to drive performance & safety.
• Enhanced Corporate Governance in support of IPO/Joint Stock Offering w/emphasis on HR Committees & Policy development.
• Designed and implemented Pay & Benefits frameworks and systems to ensure competitive and fair employee remuneration.

ROYAL DUTCH SHELL (Oil & Gas) – Dubai/UAE, Muscat/Oman, Basra/Iraq, The Hague/NL (Aug ‘08 – Mar ’17)

Global VP Talent & Development      

Netherlands (Sep ’16 – Mar ’17), Role: Led the development of the Talent & Development strategy and plan for the Integrated Gas and New Energies business across the globe (workforce size: 10,000). Accomplishments:
• Established strategic initiatives to enhance workforce diversity and inclusion across global operations.
• Implemented nationalization programs to increase local workforce participation in various regions.
• Enhanced bench strength staff ratios to ensure robust talent pipelines and readiness for key roles.
• Developed and managed succession plans to ensure leadership continuity and development.
• Facilitated senior progressions to support career growth and leadership development within the organization.

Iraq (Feb ’12 – Aug ’16), Role: Led the development and delivery of the HR strategy & plan for a Midstream Gas JV business across Iraq (workforce size: 5,200). Accomplishments:
• Recruited and inducted 5,000 government workers to the new JV.
• Established the JV and met the commencement of operations target date.
• Managed the open resourcing process to attract international talent to a hardship work environment.
• Created a best-in-class training academy to successfully train nationals in English and computer literacy.

Oman (Feb ’10 – Feb ’12), Role: Led the HR governance of multiple Joint Ventures and the implementation of the Shell standards in Performance Management, Talent Management, and International Mobility within the Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream joint venture businesses across Oman (workforce size: 6,000). Accomplishments:
• Enhanced national secondment opportunities within Shell’s Open Resourcing process.
• Drove nationalization by building local capabilities.
• Managed labor relations during staff strikes in the Arab Spring.
• Strengthened Shell secondee staff affiliation with the parent company.

UAE (Aug ’08 – Feb ’10), Role: Led the delivery of the HR functional plan and global initiatives & processes within the Upstream Businesses, across the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia (workforce size: 8,000). Accomplishments:
• Successfully managed and coordinated country HR teams across multiple regions to ensure seamless execution of the functional plan, resulting in improved operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
• Designed and implemented a comprehensive regional dashboard, providing leadership with critical insights into delivery metrics, thereby enhancing strategic decision-making and overall performance tracking.
• Spearheaded the change management rollout of a tiered service delivery model and orchestrated a large-scale reduction-in-force across the region, achieving significant cost savings while maintaining workforce morale and compliance with local regulations.

ALFARDAN GROUP (Automotive, Real Estate, Luxury Retail) – Doha, Qatar (Apr ‘04 – Jul ’08)                              

HR Director

Role: Led the development and delivery of the HR strategy and plan for the group of companies, across Qatar and Saudi Arabia (workforce size: 2,000). Accomplishments:
• Ensured HR strategy alignment with overall business objectives.
• Created and implemented comprehensive Group HR policies, establishing consistent and fair guidelines across all subsidiaries.
• Designed and launched annual townhall event to elevate employee recognition programs to enhance engagement and morale, driving a positive organizational culture.
• Introduced performance management systems to streamline evaluations and foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Established robust compensation and benefits frameworks, ensuring competitive and equitable reward structures across the organization.
• Initiated a graduate sponsorship program to attract and develop young talent, providing educational support and clear career pathways.

MORGAN STANLEY (Banking) – USA (Apr ‘99 – Mar ’04)

HR Manager
New Jersey (Apr ’03 – Mar ’04), Role: Led the recruitment, employee relations, and HR Analytics for the Trust Investment Company across Jersey City (workforce size: 500). Accomplishments:
• Led the successful delivery of a high-volume recruitment plan utilizing innovative non-fee sourcing strategies, resulting in a 30% reduction in recruitment costs and a 25% improvement in time-to-hire metrics.
• Conducted and led multiple in-depth investigations and implemented corrective actions, effectively addressing performance issues and significantly improving overall staff productivity and compliance.
• Developed and presented a comprehensive HR Analytics report for management, providing valuable data-driven insights that informed strategic decisions, optimized workforce planning, and enhanced HR operations.

New York (Apr ’01 – Apr ’03), Role: Led HR Business Partnering, Recruitment, Pay Benchmarking, & Performance Management for the Finance Function across New York (workforce size: 500). Accomplishments:
• Strategically sourced and acquired top talent through innovative non-fee channels, resulting in timely recruitment that met business needs while achieving significant cost savings.
• Efficiently delivered and administered the Performance Management process, fostering a high-performance culture and enabling continuous improvement across the Finance Function.
• Played a key role in supporting acquisition integration efforts following a major merger, ensuring seamless transition, cultural alignment, and retention of critical talent.
• Conducted a comprehensive Pay Benchmarking survey, providing actionable insights that informed competitive compensation strategies and enhanced employee satisfaction and retention.

New York (Apr ’99 – Apr ’01), Role: Led recruitment, internal mobility, and exit interviews for the Trade Support Operations BU across Brooklyn (workforce size: 500). Accomplishments:
• Strategically sourced and acquired top-tier talent through innovative non-fee channels, resulting in timely recruitment that met business needs while achieving significant cost savings.
• Facilitated internal mobility initiatives, enhancing career development opportunities for employees and optimizing workforce utilization within the Trade Support Operations Business Unit.
• Conducted thorough exit interviews, providing valuable insights into employee experiences and identifying key areas for organizational improvement and retention strategies.

Transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship, I have established two successful companies over the past five years. Currently, I am the founder and managing partner of a boutique HR management consulting business, dedicated to empowering organizations and their people to achieve their full potential through innovative strategic HR practices.

Additionally, I own and manage a boutique real estate investment business that specializes in the strategic acquisition and development of properties with significant upside potential through value-add capital improvements and a more efficient management structure, across the Florida market.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am an active volunteer, mentor, and thought leader, serving my community, professional network, and advisory councils. I leverage my expertise and network to create value and impact, contributing to the growth and success of those around me.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY     New York, USA 
Master of Arts, Organizational Psychology – Change Management & HR Development

  • JP Morgan: Employee Relations and Employee Mobilization Intern
  • Barneys New York: Union and Labor Relations Intern

WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY     Wayne, USA                                               
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology. Minor in Biology

  • Dean’s list (GPA Major: 3.9/4.0)
  • Psychology Honors Program; Psi Chi National Honors Society
  • Macys – Electronics
  • Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation – Physical Therapy Externship

Transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship, I have established two successful companies over the past five years. Currently, I am the founder and managing partner of a boutique HR management consulting business, dedicated to empowering organizations and their people to achieve their full potential through innovative strategic HR practices.

Additionally, I own and manage a boutique real estate investment business that specializes in the strategic acquisition and development of properties with significant upside potential through value-add capital improvements and a more efficient management structure, across the Florida market.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am an active volunteer, mentor, and thought leader, serving my community, professional network, and advisory councils. I leverage my expertise and network to create value and impact, contributing to the growth and success of those around me.

Project Experience

Organizational Design & Development Projects

• Redesigned organization structure to align with strategic objectives.
• Redesigned grading, merit, and variable reward systems to align with strategic objectives.
• Redesigned HR policies, processes, systems, & frameworks to align with strategic objectives.
• Lead Change Management, including LM scripts, FAQs, & CX Plan.

• Developed nationalization programs to attract & retain talented nationals.
• Developed Employee Value Proposition program to attract & retain talent in general.
• Developed multi-year targets and control mechanisms to ensure target delivery on national and other D&I targets.

• Redesigned performance management process to identify/recognize/calibrate performers.
• Redesigned talent reviews to identify & grow future leaders.
• Redesigned competence management frameworks to assess & address development gaps.

• Conducted Job Evaluation and Workforce planning reviews to enhance workforce optimization.
• Created and implemented HR dashboard and Analytics to measure the HR functional plan delivery.

• Developed Competency Based Selection Matrices by Job Family.
• Develop Attraction, Assessment, & Selection Processes and Frameworks to enhance Talent Acquisition.
• Develop effective onboarding & integration programs, including probationary assessments & mentoring.

Doha, Qatar | 2024
PEOPLE MATTER
FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER, HR Management Consultancy – Organization Effectiveness, Change Management, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partnering, Talent Management, Performance Management, Competence Management, Nationalization, HR Analytics, HR Policy Development, Job Evaluation, HR Digitization, HR Outsourcing
Doha, Qatar | 2024
Miami, USA | 2019
SK MIAMI HOLDINGS
OWNER & MANAGING PARTER, Real Estate Investment – Portfolio Management, Property Management, Real Estate Redevelopment, Real Estate Due Diligence & Underwriting, JV Formation
Miami, USA | 2019
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 2017
EL SEIF INVESTMENTS
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER, Construction & Manufacturing Conglomerate – Organization Effectiveness, Change Management, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partnering, HR Policy Development, Performance Management, Talent Management, Competence Management, Nationalization, HR Analytics, HR Digitization, HR Operations
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 2017
Dubai, United Arab Emirates / Doha, Qatar / Muscat, Oman / Basrah, Iraq / The Hague, Netherlands | 2008
ROYAL DUTCH SHELL
HR GLOBAL VICE PRESIDENT, Oil & Gas – Organization Effectiveness, Change Management, Employee Relations, Talent Management, Competence Management, HR Business Partnering, Performance Management, HR Analytics, HR Digitization, Employee Engagement, Diversity & Inclusiveness, Nationalization
Dubai, United Arab Emirates / Doha, Qatar / Muscat, Oman / Basrah, Iraq / The Hague, Netherlands | 2008
ALFARDAN GROUP | 2004
ALFARDAN GROUP
HR DIRECTOR, Luxury Retail Conglomerate – Organization Effectiveness, Change Management, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partnering, Performance Management, HR Analytics, HR Digitization, HR Operations
ALFARDAN GROUP | 2004
New York City, USA | 1999
MORGAN STANLEY
HR MANAGER, Investment Banking – Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partnering, Performance Management, HR Analytics
New York City, USA | 1999
New York City, USA | 1996
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
MASTER OF ARTS, Organizational Psychology – Change Management & HR Development
New York City, USA | 1996

Let's Connect!

Whether you’re looking to enhance your HR strategy, have questions about our services, or just want to learn more, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today, and let’s discuss how we can support your goals.

Email: samer.khatib@peoplematter.ai
Phone: 754.303.6026 (USA) – 974.51291577 (Qatar)