Samer Asfour
Chief Executive Officer
samer@designjordan.com
My current position as the CEO of “Design Jordan ” has enabled me to implement what is needed now for a creative imperative for Jordan . I have been dedicated to raising the quality and competitiveness of Jordanian products in the local and global markets by offering tailored industrial and product design services including technical support and research, seed funding and management assistance to nascent initiatives in the private and public sectors. However, this function has not addressed innovative design solutions for an industry, but also through promoting awareness toward the implementation of an innovation, creative and design culture in Jordan.
Mr. Asfour, will not only provide innovative solutions for industry, but also emphasize design as a strategic tool for economic progress and improved competitiveness, as well as its national role in creating jobs and business opportunities.
Before that, Asfour was a Director of ICT Promotion and Investment, and was responsible for strategic investments which have distinguished the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology as a pioneer in e-initiatives, e-government and e-learning. This sector has attracted more than USD 3 billion in foreign investments to Jordan .
Between 2002 and 2004, Mr. Asfour headed the Amman World Trade Center(AWTC), a member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) based in New York . The WTCA is an organization that stands outside politics across national boundaries, in service to those who develop and facilitate international trade and business. With its unique global mission and membership, the WTCA has been a world leader in creating innovative service for international business. Mr. Asfour has been able to create a process for the AWTC by which he's able to attract investors to Jordan while exposing local Jordanian companies to trade opportunities in the world. Under Mr. Asfour's leadership, the AWTC has grown from a localized grass roots entity into a distinguished association with a pioneering role in the development of the entire region. He targets potential international businesses to engage in Jordan and capitalize of the different trade and investments agreements Jordan has, identifies and develops new sectors, and encourages a culture of excellence in his business environment and among Jordanian companies. In 2004, Mr. Asfour introduced and led a national initiative, World Trade Week-Jordan; an annual platform to build the Kingdom's export capacity by helping companies conquer foreign markets and fully exploit the revenue potential of global trade. He also introduced Woman in International Trade concept in Jordan . He has been Recognized as the most active World Trade Center Manager at the General Assembly Meeting of the World Trade Centers Association in Washington D.C, 2003.Mr. Asfour served at the Central Bank of Jordan . In 1996, he received the Central Bank's scholarship to do his first Masters degree in U.K.
Some of Mr. Asfour's recognitions include: Receiving President's Eisenhower Fellowship 2005. Receiving Daniels Award of Excellence 2002 during his second Masters degree-MBA from University of Denver, Receiving the Pioneer Award for University of Denver 2002; Nominated for Daniels Award of Excellence 2001; Member of the Executive Committee for Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC)-University of Denver 2001, 2002; Chairman of the International Friendship Partners(IFP) Association- University of Denver; Member of the Admission Committee at Daniels College of Business, 2001; Member of Student Council-University of Jordan,1992; Published several articles in Jordan and the US between 1998 till 2004.
University of Denver – MBA(First) specializing in strategic management and real estate, 2002
University of Reading , UK –M.Sc (Merit) International Securities, Investments& Banking., 1997
University of Jordan – B. Sc.(First) (m aj or in Economics & Statistics., minor in Politics), 1993
Sahar Madanat
sahar@designjordan.com
Sahar Anis Madanat has been with Design Jordan since its inception in December 2004. As Assistant Founder and interim director, Ms. Madanat conducted key interviews and factory visits to assess the seven shareholder companies' needs and capabilities in relevance to industrial design. She was also responsible for setting up and deciding on crucial requirements necessary for the establishment of Design Jordan .
Ms. Madanat believes that every product has an interesting life story to tell. Her passion for industrial design lies in translating these stories into sellable solutions taking into account human factors. In her role as Project Manager for the company, Ms. Madanat acts as the sole liaison with the clients and selects, manages and guides the appropriate team of designers to implement projects. She is also involved in hands-on design work from research, concept development to client presentations. Ms. Madanat is a firm believer in the need to create a design cultured and innovative thinking region, and is implementing this through various means such as involving clients in the design process and student internships.
While at University in California , Ms. Madanat worked as a freelance industrial designer for a variety of companies and gained valuable experience in concept generation and development of various consumer products. She has a life time membership in the Golden Key Honor Society and was elected as treasurer for her University's Design Student Association (DSA).
