In business, while glossy brochures offer a glimpse, the true story lies in the numbers. Sales figures, growth rates, and retention metrics reveal a company’s real health. Sameh Masri, CFO of Cigalah Group, exemplifies this philosophy, blending financial expertise with family business acumen. Raised in an entrepreneurial environment, Sameh recognized early on that understanding numbers is key to business potential. With an MBA from the American University of Beirut and CPA certification, he utilizes finance as the backbone of business, driving growth and innovation at Cigalah Group. His insights and strategic approach have made him a respected leader in the industry.
Sameh Masri considers himself fortunate to practice finance at Cigalah Group, a leader since 1911. Under Sheikh Yaser Yousuf Naghi’s guidance, the company expanded across sectors like pharmaceuticals, FMCG, food, and real estate. Sameh highlights key challenges, such as misconceptions between finance and accounting, and adapting to Saudi Arabia’s 2017 tax reforms. He emphasizes effective delegation and the importance of selecting motivated leaders. Through his academic experience, including conducting Saudi Arabia’s inaugural VAT training, Sameh refined his coaching skills. He believes strong numerical literacy, IT knowledge, and business acumen are essential for corporate leadership and success in joint ventures.
Sameh emphasizes the importance of continuous self-education to stay updated with trends and best practices in his field. He actively participates in training sessions, seminars, and consultations with other professionals to enhance his expertise. Additionally, he regularly engages in business readings to stay informed about industry dynamics. His experience at Arthur Andersen provided valuable insights into auditing and stakeholder perspectives, which he applies in the private sector. Sameh prioritizes effective cross-functional communication by adapting his style to different audiences, valuing contributions from all stakeholders, and fostering an inclusive environment for collaboration and idea exchange.
Recognized by Arabian World Magazine as Saudi Arabia’s Most Visionary CFOs to Watch in 2024, Sameh Masri’s journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning, stakeholder-driven decision-making, and strategic leadership.
