VP Digital Strategy Abu Dhabi Food Hub, Economic Cities & Free Zones

Abu Dhabi Food Hub (ADFH) is the region's first AI-powered food trade and distribution ecosystem. Operating as part of AD Ports Group, ADFH will serve as a strategic ecosystem managing large-scale trade and warehousing facilities for food distribution tenants, while simultaneously building an innovative digital marketplace platform that connects buyers, sellers, and service providers across the food value chain. This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Vision for food security and positions the emirate as a global food trade hub.About The RoleThe VP of Digital Strategy & Product will lead the digital transformation and product evolution of ADFH through two critical phases: launch readiness (next 6-9 months) and ongoing platform development. This senior strategic role requires a leader who can operate at board level while driving hands‑on execution, bridging technology and business strategy, and managing a complex matrix environment across Commercial, Operations, and Technology teams.This role owns the three-horizon digital roadmap spanning smart physical operations (Horizon 1), digital marketplace platform (Horizon 2), and regional AI-powered platform (Horizon 3), while navigating critical platform partnership decisions and technology vendor relationships.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipLead digital transformation strategy and roadmap for ADFH, positioning it as a trade hub rather than a traditional distribution facilityPresent strategic recommendations to board level stakeholders including platform partnerships, technology investments, and go‑to‑market strategiesAlign digital initiatives with AD Ports, KEZAD and ADFH vision and demonstrate national priorities integrationMake critical partnership decisions evaluating global platforms versus proprietary developmentOwn the business case and ROI modeling for digital marketplace and AI capabilities developmentProduct & Platform DevelopmentDefine and execute digital marketplace product strategy, including B2B trade enablement, tenant services, and value-added servicesDrive development of AI-powered capabilities including demand forecasting, predictive analytics, and intelligent supply chain optimizationEstablish data architecture foundation to support advanced analytics and future AI capabilitiesManage integration with Abu Dhabi Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP) and other government systemsDefine feature roadmaps, prioritization frameworks, and MVP scoping for iterative platform releasesTechnology Implementation (Launch Phase)Oversee completion of Phase I technology systems (CRM, ERP, access management) with July 2026 go‑live deadlineManage technology gap assessment and procurement planning for identified system needsCoordinate integration assessments between existing KEZAD Group infrastructure and new ADFH requirementsLead RFP processes and vendor selection for new technology platforms and servicesEnsure seamless coordination between technology implementation and physical facility readiness for October 2026 launchStakeholder & Matrix ManagementCollaborate with KEZAD CTO and technology team to leverage existing infrastructure and capabilitiesWork cross‑functionally with Commercial, Operations, and Administration teams to align digital strategy with operational prioritiesManage consultant and vendor relationships including technology implementers and strategic advisorsCoordinate across multiple Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) to ensure integrated executionInfluence without direct authority in a matrix environment where technology team reports to ADFH CEO and KEZAD GroupPost‑Launch OwnershipOwn ongoing digital marketplace platform evolution and feature releases after October 2026 launchMonitor platform performance, user adoption metrics, and business outcomesDrive continuous improvement of tenant experience and digital service offeringsManage evolution from Horizon 1 (smart operations) through Horizon 2 (marketplace) to Horizon 3 (AI‑powered regional platform)Build and lead a small digital product team as the platform scalesRequired QualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business, Technology, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred10+ years experience in digital transformation, product management, or technology strategy roles5+ years at senior leadership level (VP, Director, or equivalent) with board‑level presentation experienceProven track record of launching digital platforms or marketplaces, preferably in B2B environmentsIndustry & Domain ExpertiseDeep experience in digital marketplace or e‑commerce platform development (B2B strongly preferred)Background in food & beverage, FMCG, supply chain, or logistics industriesFamiliarity with AI/ML applications in supply chain, demand forecasting, or predictive analyticsExperience with trade platforms, logistics technology, or distribution systemsTechnical & Strategic CapabilitiesStrong technology acumen with ability to evaluate enterprise systems architecture and integrat