Meet Dr. Sassan Dieter Khatib-Shahidi, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in the field, spearheading sustainable printing solutions. Serving as the Founder and CEO of German Imaging Technologies (GIT), Dr. Sassan Dieter Khatib-Shahidi has been at the forefront of transformative initiatives, offering businesses remanufactured products, toner cartridges, software, and associated services. His skilled trajectory reflects an uncompromising devotion to making meaningful societal impacts.
In this insightful interview, Dr. Sassan Dieter Khatib-Shahidi delves into the progression of his industry, essential traits for effective leadership, and strategies for navigating shifting trends. He shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, shedding light on his organization’s industry position and his commitment to environmental sustainability. Join us as we uncover Sassan’s journey and his vision for a better world.
Dr. Sassan Dieter Khatib-Shahidi: A Complete Journey About the Company? When You Have Started, How and Where?
Dr. Sassan Dieter Khatib-Shahidi: Our venture was centered around manufacturing, prioritizing eco-friendliness, and strategically located in a region ripe for job creation and the advancement of a knowledge-based economy. Since my university days, I had pledged to myself to become an entrepreneur who would provide employment opportunities to as many individuals as possible, viewing this as the ultimate gauge of entrepreneurial success. My goal was to effect meaningful change in a region where it mattered most, where I could actively contribute to positive societal transformation and make a substantial impact.
Nobody could have predicted back then that the remanufactured print cartridge’s sustainability would become the center of attention for the Circular Economy, a concept that is currently very popular and trending worldwide! A prestigious German government group headed by the Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection paid us a visit just a year ago. Twenty years ago, waste management and extending the life cycle of electronic items were almost unheard of, as no one was paying attention to them.
Dr. Sassan Dieter Khatib-Shahidi: The Journey of Founder and Co-Founders?
Dr. Sassan Dieter Khatib – Shahidi: The start of my professional journey was filled with energy and excitement. I began my career as a corporate attorney at one of Germany’s top 10 city law firms. Leveraging my diverse background of Middle Eastern and German heritage, along with years of specialized legal training and experience catering to the needs of German companies operating in the Middle East, I hit the ground running from the very start.
My doctoral thesis, focusing on technology transfer from Germany to the region, was published as a book, with Siemens generously covering the publication costs—a symbol of quintessential German enterprise at the time. Additionally, my law firm assigned me to a stimulating project at the Federal Ministry of Economy in Germany, where I played a role in shaping sanctions laws concerning Iran at that period.
Entrepreneurs, if I may say, are far from ordinary—no offense intended; I certainly didn’t fit the mold. I harbored an intrinsic urge to embark on a different path, one that felt more purposeful to me. Stepping away from a notable legal career in Frankfurt, after twelve years of intensive legal training and practice, I dared to chase my entrepreneurial vision in Dubai. For those who recall, the Dubai of 1999 bore little resemblance to the dazzling metropolis it has become today.
With the collaboration of a fellow German colleague and an Emirati equity partner, we embarked on a journey that would lead to the creation of the leading remanufacturing facility in the Middle East and Africa. At the outset, our vision was not entirely clear. Initially, we aimed to set up an outsourced manufacturing concept, producing toner cartridges for laserjet printers for a German manufacturer under a subcontracting agreement.
What Factors Motivated Your Decision to Enter this Particular Industry?
Dr. Sassan Dieter Khatib – Shahidi: Throughout my journey, spanning from my formative school years and legal practice to my subsequent professional pursuits, I have consistently placed great value on both learning from others and sharing my own knowledge. I firmly believe that engaging in mentorship—both as a mentee and a mentor—is one of the most advantageous practices for any entrepreneur. It was with this mindset that I became a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) almost nine years ago. As the world’s premier entrepreneurial network, boasting 18,000 members across over 75 countries, EO has played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development.
Entering this organization, which was previously unfamiliar to me, marked the most profound turning point in my life. EO’s essence lies in peer-to-peer interaction, outstanding educational gatherings, and collective experiences that strike a chord with entrepreneurs worldwide.
During my nine-year tenure with EO, I’ve had the privilege of meeting remarkable entrepreneurs and individuals, all driven by a shared dedication to enhancing our world, each bringing their own unique perspective to the table. The opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and growth within this organization are truly unmatched. To my joy and somewhat to Jo’s astonishment, I felt compelled to give back to the organization that has enriched my life immensely. I’ve proudly served on the Board of Directors for the past four years and currently hold the position of President.
How has Your Sector Evolved within the Context of the UAE in Recent Years?
The Circular Economy has become a key focus for governments worldwide. Climate protection initiatives, compounded by shortages in raw materials and disruptions in the supply chain during and after COVID, have elevated our business segment to the forefront of the global agenda, positioning it among the top ten trendiest industries in the world.
We started by remanufacturing print cartridges and later expanded our operations to include printers. The future looks bright. We’ve already kicked off two studies on remanufacturing electric vehicle batteries, addressing the next major ecological challenge. Our industry’s focus is on the lifecycle management of these batteries and extending their lifespan. This shows an influential opportunity beyond our initial venture in the printing sector.
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