Zakaria NAIM
Head Of Strategy & Operations | Founder / Entrepreneur-in-Residence | COO | Head Of Crypto Infrastructure | Head Of Product & Partnerships
Dubai
Summary
Results-driven and entrepreneurial leader with a proven track record in general management, strategy execution, and business transformation across corporate and startup environments. Built and scaled businesses, leading cross-functional teams and driving end-to-end execution - from product development and sales growth to operational excellence and financial performance. Recognized for strong problem-solving skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and a relentless focus on efficiency and value creation. Proactive leadership style, with the ability to autonomously execute and adapt across industries including crypto infrastructure, FMCG, consulting, and manufacturing. Skilled at navigating complex environments, forging strategic partnerships, and delivering results in fast-paced, multicultural settings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Founder & CEO
50Blocks
01.2022 - Current
- Founded and scaled a global crypto infrastructure marketplace, connecting clients with data center hosting, hardware, and services
- Raised angel funding, built a core team of 4, and led product development of the marketplace platform
- Achieved $7.5M revenue in 24 months, deploying 20+ MW hosting capacity and selling 4,500+ servers across four continents
- Handled all core functions: sales, BD, compliance, HR, accounting, governance, and partnership development
- Built a global client base, delivering services across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
COO / Project Manager (Part-Time)
Freelance Crypto Projects
01.2020 - 01.2022
- COO for NFT Artist (Q1-Q2 2022): Coordinated end-to-end launch of NFT project including smart contract deployment, website development, marketing strategy, and community management
- Project Manager for Crypto Influencer (2020): Led development of community token and DEX platform; contributed to community engagement, support, and product rollout
Chief Operating Officer
Tania Bottled Water Company
12.2020 - 09.2021
- Led daily operations across sales, marketing, HR, finance, manufacturing, and logistics with full P&L ownership
- Managed a senior leadership team and launched 25+ cross-functional initiatives to enhance performance
- Developed and executed strategic plans, achieving recurring cost savings of SAR 8M/year
Chief Transformation Officer
Tania Bottled Water Company
02.2020 - 12.2020
- Spearheaded full company transformation for a 2,500-employee, SAR 380-425M revenue FMCG business
- Turned around financial performance from -SAR 2M to +SAR 17M EBITDA, while improving staff conditions
- Reorganized company structure, optimized processes, and enhanced IT infrastructure
Management Consultant
Four Principles
01.2018 - 02.2020
- Delivered Lean management and operational excellence projects across public and private sectors
- Specialized in value stream mapping, process optimization, and Kaizen events
- Promoted 8 tracks in 2 years, rising from Analyst to Senior Consultant
Various Roles
Oberthur Technologies
01.2015 - 12.2017
- M&A Analyst / Strategic Projects Consultant: Supported factory acquisitions, designed client-specific solutions; delivered a project for HSBC yielding $800K revenue at launch and $400K annual net profit
- Plant Manager / Acting Regional Ops Director: Managed Dubai plant to become the most profitable globally; oversaw 5 regional sites and led engineering, PM, and customer service teams
- Industrialization Engineer: Scaled newly acquired factory; led UAE's first laser metal card production, with high-profile product launch
Junior Project Manager
Mercedes Benz France
10.2013 - 09.2014
- Led logistics flow optimization project; achieved 28% reduction in walking distance, 20% faster stock picking, and 40% conveyor load reduction
- Coordinated cross-functional team, including intern and Daimler HQ support; developed internal monitoring tool
Education
Master's - Industrial Engineering & Sustainable Development
Mines Douai
01.2012 - 01.2014
Skills
Entrepreneurial and innovative
Revenue development
Cross-functional Leadership
Business Development
Financial Analysis
Project Management
Strategic Planning
Lean Manufacturing
Product Development
P&L Management
Strategic thinking
Crypto Infrastructure
Community Management
NFT & Token Launch
Timeline
Founder & CEO
50Blocks
01.2022 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Tania Bottled Water Company
12.2020 - 09.2021
Chief Transformation Officer
Tania Bottled Water Company
02.2020 - 12.2020
COO / Project Manager (Part-Time)
Freelance Crypto Projects
01.2020 - 01.2022
Management Consultant
Four Principles
01.2018 - 02.2020
Various Roles
Oberthur Technologies
01.2015 - 12.2017
Junior Project Manager
Mercedes Benz France
10.2013 - 09.2014
Master's - Industrial Engineering & Sustainable Development
Mines Douai
01.2012 - 01.2014