Driven by his commitment to institutional development and leadership empowerment, Said Zater has announced his transition from CEO of Contact Financial Holding to a new strategic role as Vice Chairman of the Group’s Board of Directors and Board Advisor.
This milestone marks the culmination of an exceptional 24-year journey, during which he played a pivotal role in transforming Contact Financial Holding into one of Egypt’s leading non-banking financial institutions.
This transition underscores Zater’s dedication to ensuring business continuity, safeguarding corporate memory, and fostering long-term success by passing on expertise to a new generation of leaders. In his new role, he will continue to provide strategic guidance, support the Group’s long-term vision, and enhance institutional learning to sustain growth and innovation.
Over the past 24 years, Zater’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding Contact Financial Holding’s offerings beyond auto financing to secure Egypt’s first consumer finance license, paving the way for the Group to become a fully integrated financial services provider.
Today, Contact provides a diverse portfolio of financial solutions, including mortgage finance, leasing, factoring, and insurance, reinforcing its market leadership and ensuring a well-diversified and sustainable financial ecosystem.
Expanding Contact’s Footprint and Digital Transformation
Since taking over as CEO in May 2020, Zater led Contact Financial Holding through a major expansion phase, increasing its network to over 74 branches across Egypt and successfully entering the UAE market with the launch of Contact’s Dubai branch.
He also spearheaded the Group’s insurance sector growth, while overseeing a remarkable 230% increase in profitability over six years and achieving a 22% year-on-year growth in net operating income in 2024.
Additionally, Zater championed a digital transformation strategy that significantly improved customer experience, enhanced operational efficiency, and strengthened Contact’s competitive positioning in the fintech era.
Industry Recognition and Market Leadership
Under Zater’s leadership, Contact Financial Holding earned significant industry recognition, ranking among Forbes Middle East’s Top 50 Fintech Companies in 2023 and maintaining its position among the Top 50 Listed Companies for three consecutive years, including 2024.
On an individual level, Said Zater was honored as one of Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs in both 2023 and 2024. The Group also received prestigious accolades from The Global Economics, including Fastest Growing Financial Company and Best Fintech Company in Digital Transformation.
Commitment to Sustainability and Financial Inclusion
As a leader in sustainable finance, Zater was recognized among the Top 100 Sustainability Leaders, securing first place in the green finance sector for his role in introducing innovative green financing products.
He has also been a key advocate for women’s empowerment in finance, launching initiatives that promote gender inclusion and equal opportunities, aligning with Contact’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments.
Driving Consumer Finance Growth in Egypt
Beyond his leadership at Contact, Zater serves as the Chairman of the Egyptian Federation of Consumer Finance, where he became the first elected Chairman following the Federation’s establishment by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA).
His contributions to developing the consumer finance sector, eliminating barriers for finance companies, and strengthening the industry’s regulatory framework have been instrumental in its continued growth.
