With a vision to be the Best Service Solutions Company, by leading in the provision of integrated, soft and hard facilities management and accommodation solutions, Renaissance Services will continue with its challenging spirit to diversify in segments, geographies and services, says Hussain Mohammed Al Lawati, Chief Commercial Officer in an interview with Oommen John P

Renaissance Services has an impressive track record of success in facilities management in Oman. What is your role as Chief Commercial Officer?

With the economy and trends coming into shorter, unique and turbulent cycles, Renaissance Services SAOG moves with a clear long term strategy on growth and diversification in segments, geographies and services whilst remaining focused on its core IFM business. This underpins the organisation’s journey from transition to transformation which includes various digital opportunities. The role of the commercial department has now expanded shifting its definition. The newly branded and named Value Chain Solutions Division including business development, communications and supply chain will bring in various synergies and efficiencies as the company continues its growth and diversification journey building on further capabilities to reach our goals and objectives for 2019 and beyond. This is the mandate and role of the CCO in Renaissance Services SAOG.

What are the business development strategies envisioned for the company in the next three years?

With our vision to be the Best Service Solutions Company, by leading in provision of integrated, soft and hard facilities management and accommodation solutions, we continue with our challenging spirit to diversify in segments, geographies and services. The breakthrough into waste management Be’ah contract is the start of the diversification journey and we will continue to increase our presence in this emerging vertical. Capitalising on our expertise in the IFM area in B2B, we have initiated a programme based on a mobile application for home care maintenance. We will continue exploring opportunities in line with the vison of the country in areas such as Duqm, to add value to the nation and our shareholders.

Are there any specific ICV strategies being planned?

We, at Renaissance strive to build long term relationships in all the communities we operate in and understanding the local needs is essential to our business. Moreover, delivering locally is one of our main sustainability pillars. We work very closely with communities in Oman, as we operate in over 140 sites all across the Sultanate and are serious about creating lasting values through meaningful and positive impacts on communities that we serve. Consistent monitoring and commitment lead to positive outcomes on ICV, where the percentage of our ICV expenditure has been growing year on year and in 2018 it consisted of 58 per cent of our total expenditure. This was backed up by a vision and strategy with clear plans, objectives and commitment by the leadership of Renaissance Services.

How is the company contributing to economic diversification?

With Tanfeedh and the diversification vision of Oman aiming at attracting over 11 million visitors per annum by 2040, and the focus on various verticals besides oil and gas; and sectors like tourism and logistics, Renaissance will be playing an essential role as a leading IFM solutions company. We continue our commitment and contribution to the country’s vision on various fronts. Our $200 mn investment to develop the Renaissance Village Duqm, which started gaining regional and global recognition is a clear indication of our endeavour to utilise our potential in various platforms serving multi sectors. Renaissance Services’ leadership continues the same path eying and studying new trends and areas contributing to the growth of the nation and the company.

What are the company’s CSR initiatives?

Global organisations now are inclined to drop the “S” from CSR and are committing to being responsible leaders in the area of Corporate Responsibility. Renaissance, has been very active in this arena since inception through many programmes that were sponsored and through the continuous self-driven initiatives that our employees carry out in the area we operate in. Our CSR programme focuses on three key areas, economic well-being and personal development, protecting the environment and improving and assisting communities. We will continue looking out for and supporting programmes with a tangible and measured impact not only in Muscat but certainly in rural and regional communities that we work and operate in Oman. Enhancing our impact in local communities will continue to be a strategic priority for our CSR programmes in line with His Majesty’s vision to take Oman’s human capital continuously to the next stage.