Meet the team, a diverse group of professionals and talents that makes RISE who we are – a diverse group of talents and professionals.
Our shared services team keeps the engine running at RISE and supports the wider business across a variety of functions. Meet the diverse team of superstars that keep us going:
RAY SMART
PARTNER - COORay Smart oversees RISE’s finances and operations. Based in Riyadh, he brings 20+ years of experience, fueling growth, streamlining operations and delivering the platforms to guide multicultural professionals to excellence.
Having led a record breaking transaction in the Marketing sector, he is committed to driving value across the organisation.
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Finance
ABDUL
ELSHAWEESHAccountant
AccountantAbdul is an Accounting & Finance specialist at RISE with over 10 years of experience across various functions including bookkeeping Product Cost analysis, financial management, etc.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in International Accounting from the German Jordanian University.
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ABDULLAH
ALHARBIHR Executive
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ALAA
MOUNIERHR Executive
HR ExecutiveAlaa is an HR Executive with 4+ years’ experience across HR functions. Her data-driven approach and interpersonal skills foster a thriving workplace.
At RISE, Alaa coordinates employee obligations across UAE and KSA Labour Laws and implements growth-oriented HR strategies, emphasizing diversity and inclusion.
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Creative
ISSA
ALSALAMINHead of Creative - Acting
Head of Creative - ActingIssa leads the creative team at RISE, where he drives their creativity and storytelling. He has 12+ years of experience in production cycles across events, animation, film, TV, and creative agencies.
Issa has been involved in award-winning projects in the Middle East, where he has delivered commercial assets through his expertise in multimedia tools including 2D/3D design, UI/UX, etc.
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Creative
MICO
PEDRIGALSenior Graphic Designer
Senior Graphic DesignerA seasoned design expert with over 7 years of diverse experience in Graphics, Web, and Photography. Certified in Visual Design Professional by Adobe.
At RISE, he excels in crafting visually impactful sales presentations and agency proposals, showcasing his passion for creating captivating designs.
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Translation
MOONIA
BILALCopywriter
CopywriterMoonia is a translator at RISE, with big experience in translating technical proposals, contracts and legal documents.
She has a bachelor’s’ degree in English-Arabic translation and over 8 years of experience in translation including the private and public sectors.
Moonia has experience in working with international NGOs.
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Finance
Rickus
RossouwFinance Manager
Finance ManagerRickus is the Finance Manager at RISE with a demonstrated history of working across various industries. He is strong finance professional with a Chartered Accountant Qualification in focus.
He holds Postgraduate diplomas in Applied Accounting Sciences, Accounting and Finance from the University of South Africa.
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Operations
Shanu
BasheerTransportation
TransportationShanu
BasheerOur superstar on wheels, Shanu coordinates logistics for the RISE Team in Riyadh.
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Creative
STEFAN
URSACHIJunior Graphic Designer
Junior Graphic DesignerStefan is a Graphic Designer at RISE and is adept at problem-solving, where he excels in designing brand mockups, infographics, turning language into visuals, and concepts that enhance graphic visualisation on proposals.
With unwavering creativity and flexibility, Stefan is a proven asset for RISE, delivering innovative solutions for entrepreneurial success.
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Stephanie
MacKinnonHR Manager
HR ManagerStephanie is the HR Manager at RISE and Aim to create High-Quality Company Cultures through satisfaction and Employee well-being.
She drives the team to enhance employee engagement, workplace culture, diversity & inclusion, learning & development practices, and overall career development.
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Operations
TALITA
BOUDNAINOperations & Recruitment Manager
Operations & Recruitment ManagerTalita is the Operations & Recruitment Manager at RISE.
Whilst ensuring that RISEs operations run smoothly, she actively drives engagement across the business ensuring that all departments are focused and effective.
On top of the demands of the operational needs of the business, she also leads Talent Acquisition and has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the business.
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Marketing
WAFA
ALTHUBATIYMarketing Executive
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Operations
KRISTA
NAVARROReceptionist
ReceptionistStarting as a receptionist and eventually progressing within administration-focussed roles, Krista has over 11 years of Dubai-based experience.
At RISE, she manages the front desk, and supports the administration, operations and management.
Her readiness to offer smiles, aid, and foster positivity extends to RISE’s Dubai and Saudi offices.