Charihane Benstaali
Paris
Summary
Strategic business and digital transformation leader with 13 years of international experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Expertise in AI and data strategy, driving growth and overseeing major operations. Delivered significant synergies and savings while managing high-value M&A transactions. Strong foundation in AI-driven decision systems, offering strategic insights to Boards and CEOs.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Business Development – Middle East & Africa
Stellantis
Paris
09.2024 - Current
- Executive lead for strategic growth initiatives across 20+ MEA markets, reporting into global leadership.
- Define and execute regional growth strategy aligned with Stellantis’ global industrial and commercial roadmap.
- Lead high-stakes partnerships, joint ventures, and confidential market entry initiatives.
- Advise Group leadership on geopolitical, regulatory, and investment risks across MEA.
- Drive cross-functional alignment (strategy, finance, industrial, digital) to accelerate value creation.
Chief Data & Processes Officer (C-Level)
Holcim France
Paris
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Owned data, digital platforms, internal control, CRM, BI, and process excellence for France operations.
- Eliminated fragmented legacy systems by architecting enterprise-wide digital and data platforms across sales, finance, operations, and supply chain.
- Established data governance, internal control, and performance management frameworks, enhancing operational integrity and accountability nationwide.
- Designed and deployed AI-powered analytics platforms enabling real-time forecasting, budgeting transparency, and executive decision-making.
- Led CRM and customer digital ecosystem transformation, unifying cross-product client database and driving sales productivity improvements.
Country Retail Marketing Manager
LafargeHolcim Algeria
Algiers
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Full ownership of retail strategy for a €1B+ national business in a high-growth emerging market.
- Maintained profitability of €1B+ P&L by optimizing bulk-to-retail sales strategy.
- Developed and expanded owned distribution and franchise retail network, overseeing 4,000+ SKUs with strict revenue and margin control.
- Initiated Group’s first digital retail initiatives (social commerce and e-store), establishing omnichannel sales in the market.
Strategic Projects Manager – Head of France Merger Integration
LafargeHolcim France
Paris
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Appointed to lead the post-merger integration of Lafarge & Holcim France.
- Directed integration of 4,500 FTEs, 400 sites, €1.4B in sales.
- Delivered €60M in post-merger synergies in partnership with Bain & Company.
- Led a €50M SG&A optimization program, redesigning operating models and governance.
- Acted as primary interface between Group leadership, unions, and external advisors.
Investment & Asset Manager
Hammerson
Paris
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Managed a portfolio of French shopping centers (€720M total investment cost, 16.3% IRR).
- Led a €15M asset repositioning and renovation project in Strasbourg, delivering 8% IRR.
European Graduate Leadership Program
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Amsterdam & Paris
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Highly selective rotational program across P&L management, investments, M&A, leasing, and marketing.
- Exposure to a €1.5B European real estate portfolio.
- Early leadership in cross-border investment committees and strategic projects.
Financial Analyst
Havas Middle East
Dubai
- Managed $18M cash flow and financial planning for regional entities, aligning with organizational goals.
M&A Analyst Intern
Total
Asia Pacific (Singapore)
- Supported cross-border acquisitions and strategic investment analysis.
Education
AI Executive Diploma -
Oxford Saïd Business School
Oxford01.2024
Master in Management - Grande École
HEC Paris
Paris01.2011
BSc - Mathematics
University Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne
Paris01.2007
Leadership Public Profile Governance
- Featured on national Algerian TV program “Challenges” as an inspiring business leader.
- Organizer of HEC Executive Masterclasses, convening 100+ CEOs, diplomats, and journalists.
- Founder & President, HEC Alumni Chapter Algeria.
Technology Analytics
- Anaplan
- Qlik
- Power BI
- SAP
- Salesforce
- DataRobot
- Advanced Financial Valuation & Modeling
Target Roles
- Business Transformation & Post-Merger Integration
- AI, Data & Digital Strategy Implementation
- Growth Strategy & Market Expansion (Europe, MEA)
- Operational Optimization & Cost Efficiency Programs
- Executive Advisory / Board-Level Strategic Consulting
Languages
Native, Fluent (C2 – IELTS 8.5), Advanced (C1)
Core Leadership Strengths
- Board-level strategy & governance
- AI & data-driven transformation
- M&A, PMI, and value creation
- International business development (MEA, Europe)
- P&L leadership & large-scale operations
- Digital platforms, CRM & advanced analytics
- Cost optimization & performance management
- Emerging markets & sustainable growth
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
French
Native
Native
Spanish
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Timeline
Director, Business Development – Middle East & Africa
Stellantis
09.2024 - Current
Chief Data & Processes Officer (C-Level)
Holcim France
01.2019 - 01.2024
Country Retail Marketing Manager
LafargeHolcim Algeria
01.2017 - 01.2019
Strategic Projects Manager – Head of France Merger Integration
LafargeHolcim France
01.2014 - 01.2017
Investment & Asset Manager
Hammerson
01.2013 - 01.2014
European Graduate Leadership Program
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
01.2011 - 01.2013
Financial Analyst
Havas Middle East
M&A Analyst Intern
Total
AI Executive Diploma -
Oxford Saïd Business School
Master in Management - Grande École
HEC Paris
BSc - Mathematics
University Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne