In the dynamic landscape of a facilities management company, the CEO stands as the cornerstone, orchestrating the organization's symphony of operations and strategy. Tasked with charting the course for success, they wield the baton of leadership to harmonize efficient workflows, cultivate a thriving workplace culture, and propel the company towards sustainable growth and prosperity. As the face of the company, the CEO embodies its ethos and vision, forging connections with stakeholders, clients, and the broader community. Eng. Irene Vidal, CEO of Facilities Management & Maintenance Company (FMM) is one such example. Irene’s professional journey spans over two decades, commencing after the completion of her Industrial Engineering degree. Her career has taken her across multiple countries, including Finland, France, Spain, Peru, the Emirates, and Qatar, where she has immersed herself in the construction and facility management sector.

A decade ago, Eng. Irene embarked on her adventure with FMM, seizing the opportunity to lead this ambitious endeavor and lay its foundation. Her thirst for fresh challenges, continuous learning, and personal growth has remained unabated, fueling her unwavering commitment to the enterprise. Today, Irene's decisions and actions are shaped by these driving forces, as she navigates the complexities of the facility management industry and steers FMM towards success. Let’s hear more from Irene in this one on one interaction.

Could you share with us the expertise you have cultivated throughout your tenure in the construction and facilities management industry?

My journey within the construction and facilities management realm has been marked by continuous growth and adaptation. Over the years, I've refined various key areas of expertise that have played a pivotal role in our achievements.

Strategic planning and execution have been foundational to our success. I make it a priority to align the company's objectives with market dynamics and shareholder expectations. This entails ensuring that our strategic plans are mindful of our capabilities, resources, and budget constraints, guiding decisions on optimizing facility operations or expanding our portfolio.

I've also immersed myself in process optimization, aiming to streamline workflows and embed sustainable practices. Whether it's integrating energy-efficient systems or implementing waste reduction strategies, our commitment to minimizing our environmental impact remains unwavering.

In terms of client relationships, I've honed the ability to discern market trends, deeply understand client needs, actively listen to feedback, and maintain a customer-centric approach. Upholding trust is paramount for cultivating enduring partnerships, a responsibility I approach with utmost diligence.

Embracing technology has been another cornerstone of our strategy. From leveraging IoT sensors for predictive maintenance to harnessing robust facility management software, we prioritize staying ahead of technological advancements to deliver efficient, data-driven solutions to our clients.

Lastly, I firmly believe in the power of a cohesive team. I've fostered a collaborative work environment that empowers our staff to excel. Through investments in training and mentorship, we ensure that our team remains equipped to tackle challenges and drive innovation.

Tell us about Facilities Management & Maintenance Company (FMM) and the underlying idea behind establishing the venture and its key areas of specialization.

Established in 2013, Facilities Management & Maintenance Company (FMM), is a joint venture between Qatar Airways and Ferrovial Group. FMM is a leader in Qatar's facility management industry, renowned for its unparalleled quality and safety standards. Our mission is to create optimal environments for clients, allowing them to focus on core activities. Our flagship project, Hamad International Airport (DOH), has consistently won awards, including the '2022 Best Airport in the World,' and Cleanest Airport in the Middle East at the 2023 SKYTRAX World Airport Awards owing in part to FMM's integrated facility management solutions. Today, FMM is recognized as a trusted IFM partner, carefully selecting projects and clients, including prestigious landmark facilities, to continue our legacy of excellence.

In your view, what are some of the most significant challenges faced by business leaders in today's corporate landscape? How do you address these obstacles?

As the CEO of FMM, I navigate a dynamic business environment rife with both opportunities and challenges. To effectively manage our company, I prioritize gaining a comprehensive understanding of overall performance across all areas. This entails relying on monthly dashboard data to inform decisionmaking processes. These insights enable me to pinpoint areas for improvement and promptly address emerging issues. Swift responsiveness is crucial for anticipating and mitigating potential problems. Consequently, we continuously refine processes, enhance supplier partnerships, and invest in innovative, sustainable technologies such as electric vehicles and robotic cleaners to optimize efficiency while maintaining excellence.

Navigating the realm of digital transformation— transitioning from legacy systems to digital platforms— poses considerable complexity. To overcome this challenge, we approach digital transformation strategically. This involves investing in tools like SAP Success Factors and leveraging Virtual Reality technology for soft services. Regular training ensures our workforce seamlessly adapts to these technological advancements.

We integrate sustainability into our operations by implementing green initiatives and promoting energyefficient practices, such as utilizing LED lighting and eco-friendly cleaning materials, while also phasing out plastic and paper cup usage. These efforts are integral to our long-term success.

"As the CEO of FMM, I navigate a dynamic business environment rife with both opportunities & challenges"

Furthermore, meeting diverse client needs and expectations presents an ongoing challenge. Clients seek cost-effective solutions, exceptional service, and innovative approaches. To address these demands, we maintain open lines of communication, actively listen to their requirements, and tailor our services accordingly. Proactive problem-solving and personalized attention foster strong client relationships, underpinning our mutual success.

Illuminate the most pivotal professional milestone you've encountered on your journey. What guiding principles have shaped your success?

I consider my ability to transform the vision for FMM into a tangible reality as the most critical milestone in my career. It's one thing to conceive brilliant ideas, but translating them into actionable plans requires inspired leadership. As CEO, I've guided the team through crises, demonstrating empathy and adaptability. We've cultivated a culture grounded in trust, open communication, and empowerment.

My success mantra revolves around prioritizing solutions over dwelling on problems. Amidst challenges, I've instilled a mindset focused on finding innovative paths forward. Encouraging collaboration, resilience, and maintaining a positive outlook have been paramount. This approach has not only steered us through storms but also fostered continuous growth and adaptability within FMM.

Looking ahead, how do you anticipate the evolution of women's representation in prominent leadership roles within Qatar's business sphere?

Qatar, like numerous other nations, is witnessing a transformative phase. I firmly believe that women are transcending traditional confines and actively redefining the business landscape. The increasing visibility of women in leadership positions is evident, and this representation will further amplify through collective efforts to mentor and support emerging female leaders. Equipping women with the necessary skills to lead with confidence is essential in this journey.

Looking forward, I envision Qatar evolving into a society where women's leadership is seamlessly integrated, reflecting a progressive and inclusive business environment.

For aspiring women leaders:

To all women aspiring to lead: Life unfolds through our actions, shaping our journey. Every choice we make today shapes our tomorrow. Rather than fearing failure, fear not trying, for failure breeds learning and perseverance drives progress. Embrace unexpected detours, for they often reveal beautiful surprises and unforeseen opportunities. Don't fret when plans go awry; instead, relish the adventure. Have faith in your abilities, trust your intuition, your vision, and your resilience in overcoming obstacles. Believe in your potential, let that belief propel you onward, and savor the journey ahead.

Eng. Irene Vidal, CEO of Facilities Management and Maintenance Company

Eng. Irene Vidal, CEO of Facilities Management and Maintenance Company in Qatar for 9 years, boasts over 20 years of global experience in landmark projects. Leading a team of more than 4000 and reporting to esteemed shareholders, she revamped revenue distribution, increasing new project revenue to 45 percent.Recognized for implementing innovative VR training, she champions workplace technology adoption. Committed to CSR, she strives to support marginalized groups lacking access to education, healthcare, and workplace inclusion.