Leading European Firm Duval Union Consulting Launches Dubai Operation, As It Announces Plan For MENA Expansion

Leading Belgian firm, Duval Union Consulting, has today announced its expansion into the Middle East with the establishment of a new hub in Dubai. Building on its strong presence across Europe, the move represents a significant investment into the region for the business. The announcement comes as Duval Union Consulting reveals its plans for growth, having already secured luxury retailer, Chalhoub Group in the Middle East.

The appointment of Duval Union Consulting will see the boutique consultancy strategically accompany Chalhoub Group’s digital operations transformation, allowing the group and its brands to optimally connect and respond to the needs of its customers across the Middle East.

Duval Union Consulting specialises in future-proofing organisations, by helping them to navigate the digital world and leverage the power of digital technologies in order to create a competitive edge and deliver tangible growth opportunities for their business.

The new operation will provide business transformation consulting in the MENA region, with an initial focus on the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and plans to expand its footprint into markets including Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as Oman, Lebanon, India, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria over the next five years. Duval Union Consulting’s growth strategy also includes the aim of creating over 50 jobs for the locality by 2020.

With Dubai’s ambitious plan to become one of the smartest cities in the world by 2021, and as Expo 2020 fast approaches, Duval Union Consulting’s team of young, disruptive entrepreneurs will provide a pioneering approach to digital strategy and offer real-world solutions to help businesses in the region thrive in preparation for the digital future.

The new operation will be headed by Nick Vinckier as Chief Strategy Officer, who’ll lead the strategic development of the firm across the MENA region. Having spent five years at Duval Union Consulting in Ghent, Vinckier was responsible for developing and leading high-profile projects for companies including Volvo Trucks Group, Belfius Bank and Aliaxis Group. An expert in business strategy and a well-respected keynote speaker, he regularly travels across the globe delivering talks and lectures on the subject of transformation and growth strategy in a digital era.

Vinckier will be supported by Dado Van Peteghem, co-CEO of Duval Union Consulting and a pioneer in the field of digital consultancy. Van Peteghem is also co-author of the internationally acclaimed book, ‘Digital Transformation – Prepare your Organisation for the Future’, in which the term ‘digital transformation’ was first coined. He is also a frequent guest lecturer, keynote speaker and co-founder of a number of successful international start-ups.

Speaking about its new hub in the Middle East and its expansion plans, Nick Vinckier, Chief Strategy Officer, Duval Union Consulting, comments: “At a time when innovation and technology is at the top of the agenda in the Middle East, there has never been a better time for us to bring our unique, entrepreneurial approach to digital strategy to the region. Our pioneering offering has put us at the forefront of digital transformation in Europe and we’re now ready to bring this expertise to the Middle East and beyond. Our appetite for growth is unparalleled and as we approach Expo 2020, we can’t wait to shake up the region and bring digital success to businesses far and wide. We are sure the region can surpass Europe in terms of digital business maturity during the coming five years.”

Dado Van Peteghem, Co-CEO, Duval Union Consulting, added: “Today is a very proud day for us at Duval Union Consulting. Over the past ten years, we have prided ourselves on our passion, our trailblazing approach to business and our unwavering commitment to delivering real value for our customers across a range of industries. The time is now right for us to start a new chapter and make the move into the MENA region. The team, led by the talented Nick Vinckier, has already hit the ground running, securing our partnership with Chalhoub Group. As we get set for our biggest and best year to date, we look forward to introducing our revolutionary approach to businesses across the Middle East. One thing is for sure, the future is bright for Duval Union Consulting. Watch this space.”

Since launching in 2009, Duval Union Consulting has been at the forefront of digital transformation, guiding over 150 companies across industries including finance, telecom, retail and pharmaceuticals with their digital transformation and growth strategies. The firm’s entrepreneurial, disruptive approach to consultancy, coupled with headline-grabbing work for high-profile clients including Volvo, Belfius Bank, Atlas Copco, Continental, Microsoft and Samsung has set it apart from traditional offerings.