Who is Kamal Azar?
Kamal Azar in the spotlight
14 April 2022
Kamal T. Azar
CEO
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
(Albert Einstein)
Company: Vexcel Imaging Middle East, a GIS Transport Ltd. company
Core business: GIS Transport provides customized software systems and solutions for specific GIS requirements. The company develops information systems for land management, transportation and various other sectors and has extensive experience in linking GIS with specialized planning and data management tools.
GIS Transport's philosophy: GIS Transport always works closely with customers to develop high-quality applications and cost-effective solutions.
Territory:
MIDDLE EAST (Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arabic Emirates, Yemen)
AFRICA (Benin, Cameroun, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Togo, other West African Countries)
KEY FACTS
⚫ GIS Transport was founded in 1993
⚫ GIS Transport has been a Vexcel Sales Partner since 2000
⚫ Number of employees: approx. 200 employees between Nigeria, Lebanon and Uganda.
Kamal Azar is the CEO of GIS Transport Ltd, a Lebanese company that also has offices in Nigeria, Uganda and Iraq. GIS Transport was a subsidiary of GIS/Trans Ltd., USA, a world leader in the application of GIS to transportation. As CEO, Kamal deals with all managerial issues and decisions. However, due to his profound knowledge and many years of experience in the industry, he is also a competent contact person when it comes to geospatial topics. Kamal holds a PhD. in Transportation Planning and a MCP in Urban and Regional Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In addition to a wide range of services, GIS Transport further sells UltraCam aerial camera systems and the UltraMap post-processing software in parts of Africa and the Middle East.
When meeting prospects to discuss future projects, Kamal frequently fields questions from prospects, such as the market share of UltraCam, the benefits of UltraCam and UltraMap and the quality of customer service. Responding to these types of questions comes easily to Kamal as the answers are reasons why he decided to become a Vexcel sales partner. For Kamal, the greatest success is when customers are satisfied and appreciate the innovative and cost-effective solutions that GIS Transport provides! Due to a large territory, a lot of travel, and Kamal’s tireless dedication to the business, he is kept consistently busy. When business takes over and life falls by the wayside, his secret formula is to reprioritize tasks and duties.
Customer visit.
Kamal visits the Nigerian company Aeroprecisa, a long-term UltraCam customer.
Kamal strives to satisfy his customers by providing the best possible solutions
UltraCam in 3 words.
Precision, reliability, efficiency
What motivated you to become a Vexcel sales partner?
There was not one reason, but many. I am convinced of the products, the outstanding service, the unique cooperation with the team and that Vexcel enjoys a high reputation in the market.
What do you like most about the partnership with Vexcel?
I really appreciate the open company culture, as well as the spirit of the UltraCam family!
How would you describe working with Engelbert Breg and Charly Lothhammer, Vexcel Sales Directors in the region?
With Engelbert and Charly, a real and sincere friendship has developed from an initial business relationship. As far as business is concerned, we support each other and the cooperation works very well - you can always rely on each other!
We would love to hear about the most memorable experience you’ve had with the UltraCam family!
There was not one, but many memorable experiences, especially at the Sales Partner and User Group Meetings. These events always combine an atmosphere of education with fun. The Vexcel team welcomes us in a very generous and hospitable way!
What are the challenges and opportunities in your territory?
A major challenge in Africa is certainly that government contractors lack the resources to purchase systems. However, potential can be seen in international donors who support vital projects.
In the Gulf states, the situation is different. Here, governments rely on European contractors to provide the service for them. But there are still business opportunities in the Gulf region as the concept of self-reliance becomes more important.
Looking out 3 to 5 years, what do you think will be the next big change in the geospatial industry?
I am sure that the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will increase more and more, as there are already numerous areas of application. The drone industry is already on a growth course and will certainly remain so.
Would you like to add Kamal Azar to your professional network?
Reach out and stay in touch.
