Mazhar, you've been with us for more than a year now. Could you tell us what your first impressions were on your first day?
Has it already been a year? Time really flies! My very first impression was that it’s a beautiful office. As I met everyone, I realized how diverse the team is, with people from so many different nationalities, and I received a very warm welcome. What struck me the most was that, for a company of this size, there wasn’t a secretary. Now, having experienced grenke's culture, I see how versatile our team members are. At grenke, when guests arrive, we make them coffee ourselves, which creates a unique, personal touch in our approach toward customers and suppliers.
At grenke, we cherish diversity and uniqueness. What have you found particularly interesting, business-wise, compared to your previous experience?
The biggest difference I’ve noticed is that you work with channel partners and customers from a wide range of industries, including technology, medical, fitness, sustainability, and manufacturing, just to name a few. Interacting with them daily gives you the opportunity to learn so much about their businesses. Another aspect I really appreciate is the strong emphasis on a personal approach to each of our partners. Since they come from different industries, it’s important to understand their specific needs and challenges. This makes our job incredibly interesting, as every meeting is unique and you have to offer tailor-made solutions that meet their expectations.
Now that you've worked with many businesses, you’ve seen the problems they face. From a channel perspective, what do you think are the main challenges UAE suppliers are facing, and how can grenke support them?
Each industry has its own challenges, but broadly speaking, the biggest issue many of them face is related to payment terms and cash flow. In today’s world, many businesses are shifting toward an OPEX model, but not all suppliers are equipped to adapt to that. Customers now expect quality, flexibility, simplicity and speed. Suppliers who recognize the need for constant technological updates often struggle to find common ground with customers. Many customers stretch the lifespan of their assets and delay upgrading them. This is where grenke steps in as a bridge between the customer and supplier, ensuring a smooth process.
Building a bridge is not always easy, but it’s certainly possible. What do you consider the most valuable solution we offer to our channel partners?
Building a bridge between the channel partner and the customer can be challenging, because it requires finding common ground to execute a deal. However, when both parties understand the benefits of leasing, it becomes a win-win situation. Leasing not only frees up capital for the customer but also allows them to always access the latest technology. For suppliers, leasing provides the opportunity to upsell and, most importantly, receive payment upfront, enabling them to focus on generating more sales rather than worrying about receivables. Suppliers can also utilize our Go Partner portal to automate the entire process—from raising requests to signing e-contracts—giving them more control and visibility over their pipeline. This system helps many of our long-standing suppliers manage the entire cycle, from purchase to the exchange of leased items.
Mazhar, you’ve been living in the UAE for a long time and have witnessed the country’s development over the past decades. Given this, how do you see the future of leasing in the UAE?
The UAE is one of the most dynamic countries in the world, and it continues to evolve every day. In today’s world, where technology is so integral to everything, staying up to date with the latest innovations is essential to remain competitive. With budget constraints, more businesses are exploring leasing options, and I believe this will be the trend in the future. Grenke has been an expert in leasing for over 45 years and is well-prepared to handle these changes. Recent tax changes also favor leasing. The introduction of corporate income tax in the UAE will play a key role, especially when you consider possible tax deductions. The mindset in the UAE is also changing. Our government is proactive and constantly sets new benchmarks, enabling local businesses to be more competitive and to respond faster to global changes. That’s why I believe the idea of usage and exchange is gradually replacing the traditional ownership mindset.
The UAE is always evolving, and we are happy to be part of that growth. Lastly, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
