Alumni spotlight: Dr Abed Kasaji – at the forefront of business transformation
Dr Abed Kasaji's academic career began with a foundational interest in Electronics and Communications Engineering at Oxford Brookes.
His time at University was a period of significant achievement, including being honoured with a prize from the UK and Ireland Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in 2007 for his pioneering dissertation on molecular electronics and nanotechnology research.
Following his time at Brookes, Dr Kasaji continued to expand his expertise, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to lifelong learning. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University in 2016 and further postgraduate degrees, including a Doctorate of Business Administration from Henley Business School in 2024. His pursuit of knowledge continues as he is currently completing a Master of Business Analytics and Business Consultancy at Heriot-Watt University and has enrolled for a Master in Epistemology, Ethics and Mind at the University of Edinburgh.
Leading business transformation
Currently, Dr Kasaji serves as the Middle East and North Africa Business Design, Transformation, and Consulting Senior Manager at Ernst & Young, a position he has held since December 2021. In this pivotal role, he is at the forefront of solving enterprise-wide issues by architecting solutions for complex problems. His responsibilities encompass growth strategy, strategic planning, cost reduction strategies, and operating model designs.
From studying in the UK to building a global career
Dr Kasaji profoundly credits his United Kingdom education as a cornerstone of his success, emphasising its unique blend of academic rigour, cultural diversity, and a rich tradition of innovation. He highlights how the United Kingdom's educational system fosters critical thinking, independent research, and intellectual challenge, pushing him to expand his understanding. "The approach to learning in the UK is deeply analytical, with a focus on developing not just subject-specific knowledge but also the ability to apply this knowledge in practical, real-world situations," Dr Kasaji states. He adds, "This practical aspect of the UK education system was invaluable, as it provided me with a toolkit of skills that are directly transferable to the workplace". Furthermore, learning from leading minds involved in cutting-edge research and the cultural diversity within UK universities significantly influenced his global outlook and preparedness for international teamwork. "Studying alongside students from all over the world exposed me to a wide range of perspectives and ideas, fostering a global outlook and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of today's world," he explains.
Inspiring future generations
Dr Kasaji actively shares his experience, embracing the responsibility of inspiring others: he regularly participates in mentorship programmes and sessions organised by educational institutions and professional organisations. "By sharing stories of my own challenges and triumphs, I aim to illustrate the real-world impact of these experiences," says Dr Kasaji. He emphasises the importance of critical thinking, exposure to cutting-edge research, and the invaluable global network that United Kingdom education offers.
Dr Kasaji's remarkable achievements have recently been recognised through his shortlisting for the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards 2025 in Jordan, specifically within the Business and Innovation Award category. This accolade acknowledges the exceptional accomplishments of alumni from UK universities globally.