Haitham Abdelkader has been appointed as a judge for the 2025 Global Recognition Awards, bringing over decades of experience in the field. His technical proficiency in IFRS and international taxation, combined with leadership managing GE Vernova's multi-jurisdictional operations, enables a comprehensive evaluation of organizational achievements.
-- Haitham Abdelkader, Head of Europe & META Tax Organization at GE Vernova, has been appointed as a judge for the 2025 Global Recognition Awards, bringing over two decades of distinguished experience in international finance, taxation, and corporate leadership to the evaluation panel. Based in Cairo, Egypt, Abdelkader's appointment acknowledges his strong record in managing complex cross-border operations, his deep technical knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and his proven ability to navigate sophisticated regulatory environments across multiple jurisdictions.
Photo Courtesy of Haitham Abdelkader
The appointment draws on Abdelkader's combined background in Big Four accounting firms and senior corporate leadership during one of the energy sector's most significant structural shifts. His role overseeing statutory reporting, tax compliance, and strategic responsibilities across Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa enables him to assess achievements across diverse industries and geographical contexts with well-informed judgment. "The depth of experience required to assess meaningful organizational progress depends on both technical knowledge and perspective gained through managing real-world complexity," Abdelkader noted regarding his judging responsibilities. "I am pleased to contribute to recognizing work that genuinely advances professional practice and industry development."
Comprehensive Technical Skills and Professional Credentials
Abdelkader's qualifications as a judge are built on a broad technical foundation developed over many years in professional services and multinational corporate roles. His Big Four background provided rigorous training in audit, assurance, and advisory work, developing the analytical skills essential for evaluating complex organizational submissions. Mathematical and analytical capabilities that enable a careful review of information and support well-grounded assessments and projections are core competencies in leading accounting environments, and are particularly important for evaluating candidate entries.
His certified expertise in IFRS, which incorporates significant updates effective January 1, 2026, including amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 regarding financial instrument classification and disclosure, demonstrates his commitment to staying current with evolving professional standards. The implementation of IFRS 18, which reshapes income statement presentations into operating, investing, and financing categories, requires a nuanced understanding of accounting frameworks. "Professional certifications demonstrate capabilities and a sustained focus on the discipline," Abdelkader explained. "Whether assessing ACCA, CIMA, or CPA qualifications, or reviewing organizational achievements, the approach is similar—recognizing proven expertise supported by verifiable results." His knowledge encompasses both direct and indirect taxation, including corporate income tax strategy, transfer pricing, VAT compliance, and deferred tax accounting across various regulatory systems.
Strategic Leadership and Measurable Organizational Impact
Alongside technical strength, Abdelkader demonstrates the leadership and management capabilities expected of senior finance professionals in multinational settings. The head of tax role extends beyond addressing technical questions to resolving broader business issues through teams, requiring business management skills, clear communication, and the ability to work effectively with senior leadership and boards. His oversight of GE Vernova's regional activities during the company's anticipated 2026 revenue target of $41 billion to $42 billion, with organic growth projections of 16% to 18% in the power segment, illustrates his capacity to guide functions during periods of substantial expansion.
Managing the separation of more than 2,000 legal entities, allocating over $4 billion in shared assets, and coordinating more than 700 transitional service agreements required designing new systems and governance arrangements while maintaining consistent regulatory compliance. "Effective leadership means defining and embedding practical strategies within organizations while clearly demonstrating how decisions influence planning and performance," Abdelkader observed. "As a judge, I apply this viewpoint when assessing how candidates turn objectives into measurable outcomes, manage change responsibly, and show meaningful improvement rather than routine progress." His work navigating updated Middle Eastern regulations, including UAE CIT and VAT changes effective Jun 1, 2024, and supporting Egypt's $1.8 billion renewable energy agreements linked to its 42% clean electricity target by 2030, reflects engagement with current policy developments and sector trends.
Final Words
"Haitham Abdelkader offers precisely the combination of technical depth, strategic understanding, and practical leadership experience that is needed to evaluate organizational achievements to a high standard," stated Alex Sterling from the Global Recognition Awards. "His background covers demanding Big Four training, certified knowledge of evolving international standards, including the 2026 IFRS updates, and a record of managing one of the energy sector's more complex corporate restructurings across numerous jurisdictions.”
Judges must have the analytical capability to review entries fairly, the breadth of experience to appreciate different industries and contexts, and the judgement to identify meaningful innovation over routine practice. Abdelkader's role on the panel strengthens our ability to highlight and acknowledge contributions that move sectors forward and set clear reference points for professional accomplishment worldwide.
About Global Recognition Awards
Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes notable companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to their industry.
Contact Info:
Name: Alexander Sterling
Email: Send Email
Organization: Global Recognition Awards
Website: https://globalrecognitionawards.org
Release ID: 89181111
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