Hany Marey: Trailblazing the Future of Risk Management with Visionary Leadership

The 10 Most Influential People in The Business World 2024

In the dynamic landscape of professional growth and leadership, individuals like Hany Marey, Portfolio Risk Director in Saudi Arabia, stand out for their commitment to excellence and innovation.

As a seasoned professional with a passion for Risk Management, Hany’s personal goals are not just about personal achievement but also about leaving a lasting impact on his field. One of his key objectives is to create an accessible “reference in practical Risk Management” that will benefit professionals across the industry, showcasing his dedication to knowledge sharing and advancement.

Defining Success Through Hard Work, Learning, and Commitment

As a seasoned civil engineer with over 23 years of experience in projects and risk management, Hany holds several prestigious professional certifications. These include Project Management Professional (PMP), Risk Management Professional (RMP), ISO31000, Portfolio, Programme and Project management Offices (P3O), Project Management Office Certified Professional (PMOCP), FIDIC, Claims management, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Hany’s professional journey includes key roles in Saudi Arabia such as Program Risk Director, where he managed a mega construction program worth multi billion dollars. He also served as a Risk and Change Manager for the Makkah Public Transportation program in KSA.

Hany’s expertise extends to creating risk management plans, policies, and procedures, supporting program delivery, and ensuring effective communication of risks to stakeholders. Passionate about project management, he believes in continuous improvement as the key to success.

Hany believes that “Success is the result of hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, commitment, and persistence.” For him, hard work is the foundation upon which good luck can build. Learning from failure is a crucial step forward. Loyalty demonstrates a genuine passion for one’s work. Commitment ensures alignment with planned objectives, while persistence is the driving force behind overcoming challenges. This, he believes, culminates in true success.

“Hard work puts you where good luck can find you.”

The Journey of Excellence in Risk Management

Hany has a wealth of experience in the industry, with a track record of success at various organizations. Currently serving as the Program Risk Director at the largest construction company in the Middle East, he plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective risk management strategies are in place to support senior management’s decision-making process. He is dedicated to minimizing the impact of negative risks and maximizing the potential of positive risks, all while fostering a culture of “risk-based thinking” within his team.

Before his current role, Hany held key positions at reputable organizations such as AECOM, ILF, and PACE. At AECOM, he served as the Risk & Change Manager for the Makkah Public Transportation Program (MPTP) under the Royal Commission of Makkah City (RCMC) in Saudi Arabia. His responsibilities included creating comprehensive risk and change management plans, overseeing program delivery, managing variations processes, and ensuring timely communication and escalation of risks.

During his tenure at ILF, Hany excelled as a Risk Manager for the Shuaiba Tanks Farm (Phase-4) Project, a strategic water tanks project for the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) in Saudi Arabia. His role involved developing risk management plans and policies, conducting risk status meetings, and actively monitoring and controlling potential emerging risks to support project delivery.

At PACE, Hany served as a Consultant Project Manager/Risk Manager for the Old Care Compound Project for the Ministry of Labor in Saudi Arabia. Here, he was responsible for managing the project till hand over stage including developing and implementing risk management plans and policies, tracking response strategies, and ensuring effective communication and management of contractor risks.

Hany’s extensive experience and expertise in risk management have been instrumental in driving successful project outcomes and enhancing organizational performance. His commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge transfer underscores his dedication to shaping the future of the industry and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Pioneering Operational Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation

At the helm of his current team, Hany Marey spearheads a rigorous approach to risk management, ensuring the seamless continuity of business operations. His team’s relentless efforts are geared towards not only minimizing the probability and impact of negative risks (threats) but also maximizing the potential of positive risks (opportunities).

Hany is a staunch advocate for “enhancing a risk-based thinking culture,” underscoring the importance of every team member actively engaging in the risk management process. In cultivating a culture of integrity and innovation, he places a premium on earning his team’s respect and trust. This foundational principle creates an environment ripe for the flourishing of passion, effective involvement, and creativity.

Through ongoing guidance and the continual realignment of efforts with pre-established goals, Hany ensures that the team remains laser-focused on achieving overarching business objectives. When it comes to the development and evaluation of services, he is steadfast in his commitment to adhering to industry best practices.

Despite the myriad challenges that often arise, Hany adeptly applies a range of management methodologies to surmount obstacles, motivate his team, and embrace novel ideas for innovative solutions. He firmly believes in the process of continuous improvement, noting that the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” principle is instrumental in not only guaranteeing performance assurance but also delivering optimal results that exceed expectations.

“It’s what you choose to believe that makes you the person you are.”

Empowering Through Knowledge: A Transformational Leadership Journey

Hany considers his most influential achievement as a transformational leader to be his role in supporting senior management’s decision-making process through effective risk management. He believes this has enabled them to have a proactive and clear vision for the future.

Hany takes pride in training his team to be familiar with “risk-based thinking,” enhancing their capabilities and impact. In making an influential impact on the next generation, he emphasizes the importance of knowledge transfer. Hany believes that sharing lessons learned can provide a clear path for future generations.

To this end, Hany plans to write a book illustrating his practical experience and highlighting critical success factors in project management, particularly in Risk Management. Furthermore, he intends to develop a detailed training course focusing on the practical application of risk management in mega projects, programs, and portfolios.

By documenting his experiences and insights in a book, Hany hopes to reach a wider audience and inspire the next generation of leaders. Through his training course, he aims to provide practical guidance and mentorship, ensuring that future leaders are well-equipped to handle the challenges of large-scale projects. Hany sees these initiatives as his way of leaving a lasting impact on the industry and shaping its future direction.

“You are what you believe yourself to be.”

Managing Priorities and Balancing Commitments

Hany’s day unfolds with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. He begins each morning by consulting his “To Do List,” a carefully curated roadmap that guides his daily activities. Prioritizing tasks is paramount, ensuring that the most critical issues are addressed first.

Hany’s day is punctuated by meetings, both internal and external, where he collaborates with his team and communicates with stakeholders. These interactions are essential for gathering information, providing updates, and aligning everyone’s efforts toward common goals.

As the day progresses, Hany monitors progress closely, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule. He understands the importance of timely communication and keeps all parties informed of developments. This proactive approach not only minimizes the risk of delays but also fosters a culture of transparency and accountability within the team.

For Hany, commitment is not just a word; it’s a way of life. It drives him to strive for excellence in everything he does, whether at work or in his personal life. His dedication to his responsibilities is unwavering, ensuring that he delivers results that exceed expectations. This commitment extends beyond his professional endeavors, as he also values the support and understanding of his family.

Maintaining a balance between personal and professional life is a challenge that Hany embraces wholeheartedly. He believes in the importance of two key factors: avoiding the postponement of tasks and the unwavering support of his family. Hany’s family, particularly his wife “Shosho” and his daughters “Nada-Noor-Nadeen,” play a crucial role in his life, providing him with the support and encouragement he needs to excel in all aspects of his life. Their understanding and encouragement create a positive environment that enables Hany to fulfill his commitments and achieve his goals.

Aspirations and Insights: A Message for Future Leaders

Hany’s personal goals are closely aligned with his professional endeavors. He is driven by the desire to create an accessible “reference in practical Risk Management” for all stakeholders, showcasing his commitment to knowledge dissemination and industry advancement.

For aspiring leaders and professionals, Hany shares a profound insight: “Not only our goals are connected with hard work, but also connected with our morals, respect, and modesty.” This belief underscores his philosophy that true success is not just about individual accomplishments but also about how one’s character and values influence and inspire others.

Hany believes that embodying these values is not only essential for personal success but also for earning the trust and respect of others. By integrating these principles into their professional journey, individuals can leave a lasting impression on those around them, gaining both recognition and influence.

Conclusion

Hany Marey’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their professional endeavors. By embodying qualities such as hard work, integrity, and humility, individuals can not only achieve their goals but also earn the respect and admiration of those around them. Hany’s journey reminds us that true leadership is not just about reaching the top but also about lifting others along the way.

“Dream Big, Think Big, Start small, and Work Smart.”