Our Team

André Oppel

Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

André Oppel is an entrepreneur, executive, and advisor with 20+ years of global experience in operations, digital transformation, data analytics, and financial strategy. He specializes in turnarounds, M&A, and launching subsidiaries, combining technical expertise with visionary leadership. As a Strategic Advisor at A8 Innovation, André applies his global experience across Europe, the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East to deliver innovative, structured solutions for dynamic markets.

Gokhan Polat

Fractional Chief Product Officer (CPO)

Gokhan Polat is a strategic product development and innovation leader with 15+ years of experience in PropTech, FinTech, HealthTech, DeepTech, and the gig economy. He specializes in product vision, team scaling, and business growth across global markets, including Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, San Francisco, and Copenhagen. At A8 Innovation, Gokhan refines product roadmaps, solves core issues, and drives operational excellence through strategic planning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Holger Vogt

Fractional Chief Expansion Officer (CXO)

Holger Vogt is a dynamic strategist and impact-driven leader with over 20 years of diverse work experience, including the last 12 years focused on strategic market entry in Africa, servicing multinationals from across the world. With a strong foundation in business consulting, project management, and operational excellence, Holger specializes in bridging purpose with profit to unlock Africa’s vast market potential. As a Partner at A8 Innovation, he empowers startups and scale-ups to thrive in emerging economies through tailored growth strategies and cross-sector partnerships.

Hussein Hammoud

Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

Hussein Hammoud is a seasoned marketing strategist with 24 years of experience spanning diverse industries, including retail, fashion, telecommunications, banking, FMCG, and non-profit organizations. Renowned for driving actionable marketing insights, he specializes in propelling businesses forward through strategic branding, communication, and content strategies.

Jessica Michelle Kreher

Fractional Chief Digital Officer (CDO)

Jessica Michelle Kreher is a strategic brand architect, business transformation leader, and AI-driven growth expert with 15+ years of experience scaling brands, driving digital innovation, and leading customer-centric transformations worldwide. She revitalized Kreher Technik GmbH during the 2008 economic crisis, spearheading its restructuring and digital evolution. By building an end-to-end e-commerce operation, she positioned the company as a resilient leader in German retail and e-commerce. As a Strategic Advisor at A8 Innovation, Jessica helps mid-market brands, manufacturers, and digital businesses expand, optimize operations, and implement AI-driven strategies to unlock growth and navigate global markets.

Ramy Lahoud

Fractional Chief Growth Officer (CGO)

Ramy Lahoud is a seasoned strategist and market accelerator with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry across the Middle East and Africa. Known for his sharp acumen in Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, alliance building, and ecosystem development, Ramy has successfully guided international businesses in navigating complex regional landscapes. As a Partner at A8 Innovation, he brings a future-forward mindset rooted in operational excellence and collaborative growth.

Rita Makhoul

Fractional Chief Communications Officer (CCO)

Rita Makhoul is a strategic powerhouse with over 23 years of experience spanning media, communications, content, and business growth, with a sharp focus on the tech and startup ecosystem in the MENA region. Driven by curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, Rita has worked across leading sectors—from fintech and automotive to government and agriculture—bringing fresh narratives, scalable strategies, and impactful communications to life.