Hattan Ibrahim Rayes: A Journey of Personal Growth, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship

A Story of Discovery and Bold Decisions

In today’s Leaders’ Spotlight, we’re honored to feature Hattan Ibrahim Rayes, a distinguished leader and entrepreneur with a remarkable story of personal discovery and transformation. Hattan has traveled a path marked by bold decisions, professional challenges, and personal growth that ultimately led him to success. His journey is not just about his professional achievements but also about the lessons he learned along the way.

Hattan Ibrahim Rayes is a passionate entrepreneur, a family man, and the driving force behind multiple successful ventures. Born and raised in Mecca, Hattan now resides in Jeddah with his wife, Mariam, and their three children. Hattan’s career journey has spanned many sectors, from his work in banking to his role as a key player in the investment world. His story highlights the importance of self-exploration and staying true to one's passions, especially in a rapidly evolving landscape like Saudi Arabia's business environment.

Early Life and Education: Forming a Strong Foundation

Hattan’s story begins with a family legacy of excellence. His father, Dr. Makkawi, holds a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, which played a pivotal role in shaping Hattan's perspective on education and ambition. Growing up, Hattan was inspired by his father's decision to switch career paths, starting in a challenging field and excelling despite the uncertainty.

Hattan attended Al-Manarat School in Jeddah, where he was exposed to a high standard of education, often competing with classmates from diverse backgrounds. Although his journey in school wasn’t always smooth, he learned an important lesson early on: knowledge is the key to success. This belief stayed with him, especially during his later years in high school, where he graduated with a solid 96% grade.

The Path to Engineering: A Pivotal Decision

When it came time to choose a university major, Hattan followed the traditional path and enrolled in Industrial Engineering. At that time in Jeddah, the options were limited to Medicine or Engineering, and Hattan chose the latter. He attended King Abdulaziz University, where he embraced the rigors of engineering studies, which introduced him to topics like Engineering Management and Economics. His academic journey gave him a solid foundation, and he graduated with excellent grades.

Shifting Career Focus: The Bank and Beyond

Despite his academic achievements, Hattan was still uncertain about his career direction. He began applying to top companies like Procter & Gamble (P&G) and BinDawood. It wasn’t until he received an offer from National Commercial Bank (NCB) that he found his first real career opportunity.

At NCB, Hattan was initially introduced to Enterprise Risk Management, which involved overseeing risk strategies and data models for the bank. It was a steep learning curve, and he was quickly faced with complex forecasting models and statistical questions that made him feel out of his depth. However, Hattan's ability to adapt quickly and his drive for excellence paid off. He began to excel in his role and was eventually introduced to a mentor Salah Khateeb, who would play a pivotal role in Hattan’s career development.

Learning From Mentors and Growing in the Corporate World

Working with Salah Khateeb, Hattan was exposed to a new world of leadership and risk management. Salah's mentoring helped Hattan understand the importance of building a team and learning from those around him. This experience taught him that leadership is not just about directing people but also about empowering them to grow and excel.

Venturing Into the Unknown: Taking the Leap

In 2015, after spending several years in the banking sector, Hattan realized that he was not fully aligned with his passion for business and entrepreneurship. He decided to make a major career shift, leaving the bank to start his own venture. His entrepreneurial journey began with the idea of financial advisory services.

Hattan and his partner Salah Khateeb launched a start-up advisory company, a bold move that required significant risk-taking. They began by consulting with industry leaders and seeking advice from experts, even traveling to Riyadh to meet with the Monsha'at (Saudi Small and Medium Enterprises Authority) for guidance.

Their journey was filled with uncertainty, but determination and a willingness to learn from their mistakes pushed them forward. By the end of 2022, the business had grown substantially, managing over 1.5 billion SAR in investments for more than 90,000 clients.

Lessons in Risk-Taking: The Importance of Calculated Decisions

Hattan’s entrepreneurial journey has been defined by risk-taking, but it’s the calculated risks that have made the difference. Hattan’s ability to weigh the potential rewards and pitfalls has been a key factor in his success. He believes that entrepreneurs must learn to make decisions with confidence, even when faced with uncertainty.

He shares his own experience of leaving a stable job at NCB to pursue his passion for business. Hattan acknowledges the fear and pressure of stepping away from a secure career, but he insists that it was the best decision he could have made for his personal growth.

Advice for Young Entrepreneurs: Embrace the Journey

Hattan’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: don’t rush the process. He emphasizes the importance of learning from early career experiences, especially when it comes to taking on challenging roles that teach you new skills.

“Invest in yourself,” Hattan says. “The early years in your career should be about learning and gaining experience, not focusing solely on salary. Every decision you make today can shape your future.”

Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future

As Hattan reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, he remains optimistic about the future. With the rise of Vision 2030, he believes that Saudi Arabia is poised to become a hub for innovation and start-ups, and he is excited to be part of that transformation. His next goal is to continue building successful businesses while helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

A Legacy of Leadership and Growth

Hattan Ibrahim Rayes’ story is one of transformation, bold decision-making, and personal growth. From his early days in banking to his eventual success as an entrepreneur, Hattan’s journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the willingness to take risks. As he continues to build his business and mentor others, his legacy will be defined by his commitment to empowering others and leading with passion and purpose.

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