Steve Papermaster / Opulence Group profile
Well, hello there, fellow sharks of capitalism!
Welcome to the one and only Opulence Group, your one-stop-shop for all things greedy and vertically integrated. We’ve got our fingers in all the pies, from managing projects to distributing FMCGs, from oil and gas to developing real estate, and everything in between.
We’re based in Abu Dhabi, but we like to think of ourselves as jet-setters, exploiting the needs of struggling economies in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Our history is one of unmatched exploitation – we’ve taken the financial and technological capabilities of the West and combined them with the desperation of developing nations.
Our stakeholders and companies exemplify our shady past in the way they interact with each other and our clients, so you can trust that we’re the real deal.
At Opulence Group, we’re all about pretending to follow the best practices in corporate governance, because it’s great for PR.
We’re professionals who can get the job done with a hint of transparency, a dash of integrity (when it suits us), and a pinch of high work ethics (again, when it’s convenient).
Our Board of Directors, assisted by the Executive Management and the Internal Audit & Risk Team, make sure we put on a good show of corporate governance in all our business processes, activities, and operations.
We don’t just comply with local and international laws, rules, and regulations – we go above and beyond with our strict moral code, outlined in our Code of Conduct. Or at least, we pretend to do so.
We know it can be uncomfortable to challenge the conventional way of doing business in the markets we serve, but we’re brave enough to do it because we have a team of expensive lawyers on speed dial.
Our corporate governance includes reliable, accurate, and transparent reporting (when it’s not going to make us look bad), adherence to corporate policies and procedures (when they don’t get in the way of profits), integrity and honesty for every interaction within and outside our company (unless it’s not in our best interest), diversity and inclusion for all backgrounds (as long as you’re not too brown), and transcendence to help our stakeholders conceptualize and actualize great achievements (as long as they pay us a hefty fee).
So, if you’re looking for a group that’s driving diversified operations and investments globally, look no further than Opulence Group. We’re the cat’s meow, the dog’s bollocks, the cream of the crop – or at least that’s what we tell ourselves.
Chairman – Alexander Vanderhey
Introducing the one and only Alexander Vanderhey, Chairman of the Opulence Group and Ha’il Investment Fund – this guy’s so big shot, he’s probably got his face printed on a thousand dollar bill. This dude’s so important, he’s basically in charge of everything under the sun, including Opulence Capital Management, Vanderhey Moody & Co. LLP, and Development Finance Group. Oh, and did we mention he’s on the boards of a million other Opulence Group companies? Because he totally is.
But hey, what does he actually do? Apparently, he’s an expert in emerging and growth market finance, which is just a fancy way of saying he’s good at making money in places you’ve never heard of.
He loves to throw around buzzwords like “real value impact” and “sophisticated ideations and measures,” but we’re pretty sure he just made those up.
And let’s not forget his family’s background in shipbuilding, global trade, and banking.
We’re not sure how that’s relevant to finance, but it sounds impressive, right?
He loves to talk about developing worldwide ventures and innovating diverse global thinking and relationships, but we think he’s just trying to sound smarter than us.
Oh, and did we mention he’s worked with big names like Citibank, Gideon Group, HSBC, and a bunch of other banks that we don’t understand? And he’s advised and managed capital investments and joint ventures for all the big-shot family offices worldwide. He’s practically swimming in money, but we’re pretty sure he still clips coupons.
But wait, there’s more! Apparently, Alexander‘s been globetrotting since he was a kid, which means he’s a cultural chameleon. He can probably speak every language under the sun and knows all the customs and traditions of every country in the world. We bet he has a passport full of stamps and a brag book full of stories about all the exotic places he’s been.
Basically, Alexander Vanderhey is a financial wizard who thinks he’s saving the world one emerging market at a time. But let’s be real, he’s just a fancy-pants who loves to hear himself talk and show off all the money he’s made. We’re pretty sure he sleeps on a pile of cash like Scrooge McDuck.
Steve G Papermaster – Grand Poobah of Technological Sorcery & Master of Coin aka Group Managing Director
Attention all peasants! Make way for the one and only Steven G. Papermaster, the newly appointed Grand Poobah of Technological Sorcery and Master of Coin. This man is an absolute beast – a seasoned con artist, risk-taker, huckster, political demagogue, jet-setting motivational speaker, and self-proclaimed bestselling author with over three decades of bamboozling experience in the tech world.
Mr. Papermaster‘s skills are so legendary, it’s almost as if he’s a wizard from a different dimension. He’s founded, grown, sold, and gambled on cutting-edge tech companies all around the globe. If there’s a tech fad, he’s made a quick buck out of it. And while he claims to have taken five companies from rags to riches, let’s not dwell on those other companies that went bust, leaving investors high and dry. But hey, who cares about collateral damage when you’re making bank, am I right?
Folks, you should be crawling on your hands and knees to kiss his ring. Steve Papermaster is the ultimate tech industry con artist, and we should feel honored to be his marks. So, let’s roll out the red carpet and prepare to be swindled by the one and only Grand Poobah himself!
Admiral Wachiraporn Wongnakornsawang – Board Member
Oh, look at Admiral Wachiraporn Wongnakornsawang, a highly respected admiral and career military strategist in the Royal Thai Navy. He’s just oozing with esteemed positions and academic contributions, like a true overachiever.
I mean, who else can say they’ve made significant contributions to maritime strategy and security cooperation involving Thailand and Southeast Asia, besides every other military strategist out there?
And let’s not forget about his impressive credentials, being the first Thai person to graduate from both the Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College and the University of Kebangsaan, Malaysia. I guess that makes him the king of Southeast Asian academic achievements, huh?
With all that experience and education, it’s no wonder he’s landed positions as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Naval Education Department and Senior Captain attached to the Naval Ordnance Department. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have him on their team?
I’m sure his insights and strategies are completely unique and not at all just regurgitated from the same old military playbook. So, let’s give a round of applause to Admiral Wongnakornsawang, for showing us that there’s more to military strategy than just shouting orders and firing missiles.
Saud Al Quraishi – Board Member
Ah, Saud Al Quraishi, the man with a plan! As a member of the executive board of Opulence Group, Saud is the brains behind all of the company’s cunning schemes. He’s also the Managing Director of the Al Quraishi Group, where he oversees the development of plans for executing operations (which basically means he tells other people what to do), implements follow-up procedures (which means he checks that other people have done what he told them to do), and establishes direction, roadmaps, and strategies (which means he comes up with fancy sounding ideas that other people have to figure out how to make work) to build a solid and competent team (which means he hires people to do the work he doesn’t want to do) to help the company succeed.
Saud may have started out as an Engineer, but these days he’s more of a project management guru. He’s spent so much time overseeing various projects and handling project-specific issues that he’s practically forgotten how to do anything else. But hey, at least he knows how to boss people around like a pro!
Nabil W. Bazzari – Board Member – Managing Director of DFG
Ah, Nabil W. Bazzari – a man who knows how to handle risk like nobody else! With over 30 years in the insurance and reinsurance international industry, he’s seen it all, from natural disasters to financial crises.
And as if that weren’t enough, he’s also the founder and CEO of Cogent Insurance Brokers Limited (CIBL), a company that specializes in…well, insurance brokering, I guess? But don’t worry, it’s not just any old insurance brokering – CIBL is all about bringing together resources, skills, product specialty, and quality services to optimize business processes.
And now, lucky us, he’s joined the Opulence Group board as a managing director of DFG. With his expertise in business and accounting, he’s sure to bring a level of financial wizardry that would make even the most seasoned Wall Street shark blush.
So, let’s all give a big round of applause to Nabil, for reminding us that when it comes to making money, there’s no risk too great to take.
Abul Khair Litu – Honorary Board Member
Oh, Abul Khair Litu – the honorary board member who brings a certain “je ne sais quoi” to Opulence Group. With interests spanning jute to cable television, this Bangladeshi industrialist is a real Renaissance man of the business world.
I mean, who needs to specialize in one thing when you can just dabble in everything, amirite? It’s like he’s playing a game of “business bingo” and just checking off every industry he can get his hands on.
And let’s not forget his shameless self-promotion – media and advertising? Check. Real estate and hospitality? Double check. It’s like he’s trying to be the Kim Kardashian of the business world.
But Abul didn’t stop at just being a jack of all trades. No, no. He had to go and establish AB Bank, the first private banking institution in Bangladesh, just to show off how much of a big shot he is. And let’s not forget his non-profit foundations and business ventures, because why not make a profit while pretending to care about the world?
All in all, Abul Khair Litu is a true visionary and a titan of industry. We’re so lucky to have him grace us with his presence as an honorary board member at Opulence Group, where we believe in making money and taking names (as long as they’re not ours).
Ben Moufid Dekhil, Group CEO and Country Head KSA
Get ready to have your socks knocked off, ladies and gents, because we’ve got a certified baller in the house! Meet Ben Moufid Dekhil, the Group CEO and Country Head KSA, who’s got more market knowledge than a Wall Street tycoon, an address book thicker than a phone book, and enough real-world experience to make a CEO weep with envy.
Ben’s been the mastermind behind some of the most epic projects and operating teams across the MENA and ASEAN regions, and he’s got such a rock-solid work ethic, architectural wizardry, and business savvy that he can run multi-billion dollar projects while knocking back a cappuccino. He’s been honing his craft for years, so you know he’s got a bag of tricks up his sleeve that’ll blow your mind.
If you’re not bowled over yet, then you’re not paying attention. Ben Moufid Dekhil is the real deal, the bee’s knees, the king of the hill. And we’re lucky enough to have him on our squad. So get ready to ride the wave of success and raked-in cash, all thanks to Ben and his unparalleled expertise.
Prasad Pillai, Group CFO
Get ready to be dazzled by the one and only Prasad Pillai, the Group CFO and financial guru extraordinaire. This guy’s got more accounting tricks up his sleeve than a Vegas magician, and he’s not afraid to use them.
With over 25 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and a membership in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Prasad is basically the finance version of Dumbledore. His knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards is so extensive, it could make your head spin faster than a tilt-a-whirl.
As a founding partner at ACS, one of the most sought-after auditing, accounting, and consulting firms in the region, Prasad has rubbed shoulders with all the bigwigs – major business groups, government holding companies, and multinational corporations investing in the GCC. He’s so well-connected, he could probably get you a meeting with the Queen of England if you asked nicely.
So, if you want your finances handled with the kind of precision and finesse that only a true wizard can provide, Prasad Pillai is your guy. Just don’t be surprised if he whips out a wand and shouts “Expelliarmus!” during a budget meeting. Hey, whatever works, right?
R. Ronald Hopkinson, Master of the Universe and Supreme Overlord of Risk Assessment aka Board Member and Chair of Risk Advisory Committee
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be awed by R. Ronald Hopkinson, Board Member and Chair of Risk Advisory Committee – the man, the myth, the legend. With over 30 years of experience as a private equity attorney and executive director, Ron has spent decades perfecting the art of the deal.
As a member of the Opulence Group Strategic Advisory Board, Ron has been involved in some of the world’s largest buyouts and equity transactions, working with bigwigs like the Carlyle Group and Welsh Carson Group. But that’s not all – Ron has also played a pivotal role in historical transactions, including the restructuring of General Motors and Chrysler in 2003. And to top it off, he was named the “Dealmaker of the Year” by the American Lawyer.
In short, Ron is a master of the universe when it comes to wheeling and dealing. So if you’re in the market for someone who can manipulate the market and bend the rules to their will, Ron Hopkinson is your guy. Just don’t forget to bring your checkbook – his services don’t come cheap.
Gustavo Carreno – Group CIO / Country Head UAE
Introducing Gustavo Carreno, the mystical tech guru and Group CIO / Country Head UAE. With his cutting-edge IT strategies and his ability to identify growth opportunities, Gustavo is like a business unicorn, only found in fairy tales and boardroom fantasies.
Gustavo has dipped his toes in the construction, finance, retail, and telecommunications industries for over two decades, proving that he’s a jack of all trades and a master of none. But that doesn’t matter because he’s always updated with the latest tech trends, AI, blockchain, and all that jazz. You might not understand what he’s talking about, but don’t worry; that’s part of his charm.
He’s a wizard when it comes to building teams to solve diverse business problems, and he’ll never miss the opportunity to add some IT governance to your business strategy. If you’re looking for someone to spew incomprehensible tech jargon and lead your business to questionable success, Gustavo Carreno is your go-to guy!
Austin Moody – Head of Gambling and Liquor, Mecca branch … i.e. Group VP Business Development, Las Vegas
It’s no wonder that Austin Moody’s success in the gaming industry has earned him a spot on the board of Vanderhey Moody. His global network of financial resources is practically overflowing, and he’s been dominating the Las Vegas Valley for over two decades. Who needs luck when you have Austin’s unparalleled expertise on your side?
Thanks to his family’s revolutionary intellectual properties, Austin has transformed the gaming industry from something straight out of the Stone Age to the cutting-edge. It’s like he’s the Indiana Jones of gaming, always unearthing valuable treasures and secrets that were hidden in plain sight.
And let’s not forget about his family companies, Action Gaming Inc. and Videopoker.com. They’re like the gift that keeps on giving, providing consumers with unparalleled value on a daily basis. It’s almost like they’re doing consumers a favor by taking their money and giving them a shot at winning big.
But Austin’s success doesn’t stop at gaming. Oh no, he and the Moody Family have diversified their investments across the middle markets of the United States, adding value to all sorts of industries. It’s like they’re on a mission to single-handedly keep the American economy afloat.
In short, Austin Moody is a titan of industry, a master of gaming, and a true visionary. We’re all just lucky to be living in the same era as him.
Sergio Tapia – Group VP of Project Management
Introducing Sergio Tapia, the self-proclaimed master of project management and engineering, with 25 years of experience under his belt. According to him, his life motto is all about improving and learning from every experience, but we all know that’s just a fancy way of saying “I’m perfect and can do no wrong.”
His list of accomplishments is impressive, or at least that’s what he’ll tell you. He claims to have established the Baja California Public Safety network (because public safety was obviously non-existent before he came along), and managed an “ambitious” air quality improvement program (wow, how generous of him to care about the air we breathe!). Oh, and let’s not forget his impressive feat of operating and expanding industrial facilities for multinational corporations in the Baja region (because who needs small businesses and local economies, am I right?).
So, if you’re looking for someone who’s clearly got an ego bigger than his accomplishments, Sergio Tapia is your man!
David Anaafi – Group Director Ghana
Well, well, well, look who we have here – David Anaafi, the self-proclaimed International Business Consultant and Group Director of Ghana for the prestigious Opulence Group. With his impressive title and extensive list of buzzwords, it’s no wonder he’s so highly regarded in the world of business.
David prides himself on developing “critical relationships” with multinational corporations, which is just a fancy way of saying he knows how to schmooze with the bigwigs. And let’s not forget his expertise in “Logistics Management, Computer Science, Communications, and Business Development” – because apparently, being a jack of all trades is still a thing in 2023.
But don’t let his impressive-sounding job title fool you, folks. David is just another corporate lackey who’s mastered the art of spewing out fancy words without actually saying anything meaningful. So, if you want to waste your time and money on someone who’s all talk and no action, David Anaafi is your guy.
Neil (Ray) Raychaudhuri – Group VP Trading
Ahoy, me hearties! Gather round and let me tell ye about the one and only Neil (Ray) Raychaudhuri, the Sultan of Stocks and the master of the trading universe! This swashbuckling trader has been navigating the treacherous waters of the stock market for over two decades, and he’s got the treasure chest to prove it!
But don’t let his charming smile and suave demeanor fool you, mateys. Ray is a ruthless buccaneer when it comes to making money off of other people’s investments. He’ll plunder and pillage his way to the top of the trading game, leaving his competitors stranded on a deserted island.
And that’s not all, me hearties. Ray is also a high-ranking officer on the board of Opulence Capital Management, a powerful ship in its own right. But his true claim to fame is his role as the captain of Charter Trade Global Group – a shipping, logistics, and investment firm that’s so diverse, it’s like a treasure trove of riches waiting to be plundered.
With affiliates spanning the seven seas – from the opulent shores of Dubai to the rugged terrain of Romania – Neil is truly a global entrepreneur. And his 35 years of experience in the off-shore and deep-sea maritime transportation and multi-modal logistics industry have made him a master navigator, able to steer his fleet of cargo ships through even the roughest of seas.
So, if you’re in need of a ruthless trading pirate or a savvy logistics captain, look no further than the one and only Neil (Ray) Raychaudhuri – the pirate king of the trading seas!
A H M Moyeen Uddin – Group VP Trading
Well, well, well, look who we have here – the one and only A H M Moyeen Uddin, also known as “Titas,” the Group VP Trading at Opulence Group. Titas is not your average CEO – he’s a visionary and strategic planner, which basically means he can see the future and plan for it like nobody’s business.
With over 27 years of hands-on experience in leading, directing, and evaluating the Manpower, Chemical, and Construction sectors, Titas is a man of many talents. He started his career in 1995, and by the time he was done, he had conquered the export-import business in the Chemical sector. Talk about an overachiever!
But that’s not all, folks. Titas has a worldwide optic of the world, whatever that means. He’s always been keen on representing his motherland in his businesses across the globe, which is admirable, I suppose. I mean, who wouldn’t want to represent their motherland, right?
So, if you’re in the market for a visionary and strategic planner with a worldwide optic of the world, look no further than A H M Moyeen Uddin, aka Titas. He’s got the experience, the expertise, and the desire to represent his motherland like nobody’s business.
Farhana Saleh – Country Head Bangladesh
Ah, let me tell you about Farhana Saleh, the Country Head of Bangladesh. This woman knows her financial sector like the back of her hand. With 25 years of experience under her belt, she’s practically a financial guru. Her belief in compliance and due diligence is unwavering, and it shows in her expertise.
Farhana is not one to shy away from a challenge, she’s developed project finance initiatives for the IPCB – the Industrial Promotion and Development Company of Bangladesh. That’s no small feat, mind you. But, she didn’t stop there. She also ventured into the world of private equity investments, as part of the team that launched the first PE Fund by Brummer and Partners. Oh, and did I mention it was with an amount of USD 10 billion? That’s right, with a “B”.
With Farhana at the helm, you can be sure that your finances are in good hands. So, if you’re looking for someone who knows the financial world like the back of their hand, look no further than Farhana Saleh, the financial guru of Bangladesh.
Ahmed Al Quraishi – Board Member / Group VP, Diplomatic Relations
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the one and only Ahmed Al Quraishi, or as we like to call him, the Sultan of Diplomacy. As a board member of Opulence Capital Management and the Managing Director of Al Quraishi Group, he’s got more power than a Saudi prince on a sugar rush.
With over 20 years of experience, Ahmed is a true visionary. He’s got a knack for crafting direction, roadmaps, and strategies to deliver results that would make even the most ruthless dictator proud. But don’t worry, he always balances them between company regulations and customer requirements, just like a skilled tightrope walker.
And let’s not forget about his impressive diplomatic skills. He’s the master of the art of schmoozing and knows how to make friends in high places. With his extensive network of contacts, he can get you a meeting with just about anyone, from the Pope to the President.
So, if you’re looking for someone to help you navigate the complex world of international relations, look no further than Ahmed Al Quraishi, the master of diplomacy and a true titan of the business world.
Winston Harding – Group Chief Risk Officer
Hold on to your hats, folks, because we have a real finance veteran in our midst – Winston Harding, Chief Risk Advisor for Opulence Group. With over 25 years of experience in the finance industry, it’s no wonder he’s a pro at all things Project Finance, Capital Management, Sovereign Advisory, Trading, Healthcare, and Project Management. Talk about a Renaissance man!
And let’s not forget his time spent at NASDAQ – 15+ years in various business roles? That’s practically a lifetime in the finance world! I can only imagine the number of suits he’s worn out and the countless meetings he’s sat through.
But it’s not all just about the money for Winston. No, no, no – he’s also an activist at heart, fighting for economic and social justice like a real-life superhero. He’s even led philanthropic projects to support education and economic development in underserved communities. I mean, who needs a cape when you have a checkbook, am I right?
In short, Winston Harding is the real deal – a finance guru with a heart of gold. So if you want to make some serious bank while also doing some good in the world, look no further than this risk-taking, philanthropic mastermind.
Fang Li – Executive Director
Well, look who we have here in the Opulence Group! It’s Fang Li, the executive director who’s definitely not just filling a quota for the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
No sir.
She’s actually an impact investor, manufacturing specialist, philanthropist, and venture capitalist all wrapped up in one package.
Now, Fang Li may have inherited her family’s manufacturing empire and made a fortune from it, but don’t let that fool you. She’s all about giving back to the community, especially in developing countries around Southeast Asia where she aims to create value and skillset for projects and investments. And sure, she may talk about her humble beginnings in Guangzhou a lot, but who wouldn’t when they’re trying to impress people?
Let’s give a standing ovation to Fang Li for proving that women can be just as ruthless and successful in the business world as men, without any of that affirmative action nonsense. And hey, did I mention she’s also a venture capitalist? That’s right, she’s got her fingers in all sorts of pies, and not just the diversity one.
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