Interview - Ihab RIAD GABRA, Sales Director for Spain and Portugal

In today’s world of technology, it is necessary to integrate a vision that allows HR to achieve its goals by maximizing the benefits of technology as a means and not an end.

The latest report on HR priorities in 2024 by Gartner shows that 60% of HR managers are questioning the impact of technology trends, such as AI. It seems that Sopra HR Software was already aware of this when it signed Ihab Riad as business development director for Spain, Portugal and international accounts; a clear sign of the company's firm commitment in Spain and Portugal, and reinforcement in international accounts that will ensure its position in the market.  

Ihab Riad has many years of experience in technology companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, etc. He is passionate about technology and is committed to a realistic approach, incorporating technology as a means and not an end.  

You have worked in large technology companies, such as Microsoft, Oracle and Huawei. Why are you now switching to the HR sector?  

Because it is about innovation, technology and investment and HR has become increasingly important within organizations.  

When Sopra HR Software contacted me, I was initially surprised, but we had several meetings and during the process I got to know their vision and culture, as well as their strategy for the following years. I understood that it was an important project that would include innovation and technology and that, together with a strong investment capability, it is a new challenge in which I believe I have a lot to contribute. I have worked for many years in large technology companies and have experience with large accounts, including accounts with an international presence and this means that I can contribute my knowledge of new technologies to drive for continuous improvement of the customer experience, something that has always been key at Sopra HR Software. In recent years I have seen how HR’s role has increased within companies; both in strategy and decision-making. HR will become increasingly important and essential in ensuring a company’s success. This is a project with a great future that will allow us to continue to position ourselves as a leading provider.  

What have you learned from your work experience? 

It is incredible how everything has evolved and at the speed at which it has evolved: the Cloud, blockchain, big data, cybersecurity, 5G networks, AI, IoT (Internet of things), etc. Looking back, 10 years ago it would have been difficult to imagine the speed at which everything has developed. It is true that I am passionate about technology and I have always been aware of new trends, maybe that has led me to work in technology, and certainly being part of their team has taught me a lot to understand the technology and focus on how it can help companies achieve their goals. In terms of technology, the CIO used to be the main contact, but this has changed and nowadays even the CEO is involved, which is totally logical if we think about the competitive position of the company. In other words, in addition to progress, we are seeing a generalized use of technology. It is no longer something that only a few understand or want, it is now a resource that we use daily. HR is no exception; in fact, it has led the digital transformation these past few years. 

What are your goals at Sopra HR Software? 

We are investing in all areas: people and experts (who are the core of all projects), technology, solutions, new services, etc. My personal goal is to provide my knowledge to help HR decide where they want to go and offer them the solution, the service and the technology that will drive them to achieve their objectives. They need to attach a sense of meaning to the investment they want to make, and this starts with defining where they want to go. We need to accompany them throughout the entire process: defining objectives, feasibility, prioritizing, evaluating the potential of different solutions and technologies and identifying which ones will allow them to achieve their goals in the most efficient way.  

There are still doubts about changing solutions, implementing new technologies, making ad-hoc developments, especially in HR, which is the area in a company that has faced the most changes in recent years. It is essential to work on a real approach to each situation, now and in the future.  

What are the reasons that attracted you to Sopra HR Software? 

I am passionate about the idea of being part of a market leader whose customers are major companies with international and local presence. When you have a good solution, good customers, the resources to invest and are capable of making decisions, you just have to persevere and focus on your objectives, and you will be on the right track. I think it is very important to participate in the evolution and innovation of the solutions and services we offer at Sopra HR Software. This is possible because we own the software and because we listen and consider all ideas. Being a member of the executive committee allows me to drive changes and innovations that will help our customers now and in the future.  We also have a research laboratory for new solutions, which, together with new technologies and features, allows us to achieve more success. In other words, I am part of the process.