AM Foods Group was looking to improve internal governance and culture when we decided to bring Mark Khalifé on board as Interim CEO. Through his strategic leadership, we were able to greatly improve our company culture, fostering a more positive and productive work environment. Mark also implemented vital operational improvements, including a streamlined budgeting process and optimised import procedures, creating more transparency with all the departments and saving us over 80 hours a month. His strategic guidance and operational improvements positioned us for a more sustained success. 

Jalal Abu Gazaleh: Founder & Chairman AM Foods Group  |  Website

     

 In August of 2005 our investor group decided to bring Mark on board as CEO to set up, manage, and scale our company in Egypt. He successfully created a reputable and respected multi brand and multi unit hospitality company with a strong and sustainable foundation, and was able to bring the company up to USD 15M+ per year in turnover. 

Moody Dagher: Board Member & Investor - International Restaurants Group - Cairo, EGYPT  |  LinkedIn

     

 Mark played a key role during the set up and opening of our restaurants airside and landside at the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut. During his time with us, Mark produced training and operating manuals, conducted trainings, assisted with menu design, established inventory control mechanisms, and contributed to the development of the marketing plan. He also oversaw operations to optimize productivity and ensure service quality. 

Youmna Ashkar Chedid: General Manager - Fulcrum - Beirut, LEBANON  |  Article

     

 Mark has been instrumental to our restaurant’s wonderful start. He came onboard for the pre-opening in November of 2018 and built a strong foundational core that is bound for success. He provided strategical practices that were geared toward revenue optimisation and employed tactics that ensured operational efficiency. He provided manuals, implemented standard operating procedures, assisted with trainings and marketing, and contributed to the overall development of the company and its mission. He is an all-rounded person who is definitely tenacious in his efficacy. A great person who is available whenever needed and exemplifies the best advisor anyone wishes to work with. 

Marwan Fakhreddin: Founder/Owner - Simsim Levantine Eatery - Berlin, GERMANY  |  Website

     

 I had the privilege of working closely with Mark at AM Foods Group during his role as interim CEO, leading the organisational transformation of the company, and I can confidently say that he was an exceptional leader with a remarkable vision for the organization! He was not only dedicated to the success of the company, but also deeply invested in the growth and development of every team member. He possessed a rare combination of strategic acumen, empathy, energy, and integrity that inspired everyone around him. Under Mark’s leadership, he was able to streamline processes within key departments creating better transparency and efficiency, in addition to achieving revenue growth. All of this during challenging times related to the importation restrictions and currency devaluation. These achievements were a testament to his ability to steer the company towards success. What truly set him apart, was his commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. He encouraged open communication, valued diverse perspectives, and actively supported professional development initiatives. He genuinely cared about the well-being of employees at every level and went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt valued and motivated. Mark was not just a leader, but a mentor who led by example. His unwavering dedication to excellence motivated us all to push our boundaries and strive for greatness. It was an honor to work under Mark's leadership! I would highly recommend Mark to any organization seeking a visionary leader who can inspire, transform, and deliver results. 

Mahmoud Farag: People and Culture Manager  |  LinkedIn