Nortal, a multinational strategic change and technology company known for helping transform Estonia into a global digital leader, has appointed Marek Helm as General Manager of the GCC and Africa. He is succeeding Peeter Smitt, who will move back to the Nordic region to HQ.
Marek Helm led the Tax and Customs Board in Estonia, reported by the Tax Foundation repeatedly as the most competitive tax system in the OECD, in 2011 – 2016 before joining Nortal in 2017 to head Public Finance and Change Management team.
According to Priit Alamäe, the Founder and CEO of Nortal, the company first entered the region nearly 10 years ago and has since built a track record of successful projects with a strong and committed team led by former manager Peeter Smitt.
“We have proved the export of company’s unique experience in digital transformations can be successful and see a lot of potential in this region that embraces innovation and new technologies,” says Alamäe.
With world-class experience in digital transformations combined with 20 years of experience as an executive, Marek Helm is a natural fit to run Nortal’s operations in the GCC and Africa according to Alamäe.
Marek Helm, General Manager of the GCC and Africa at Nortal, says he is glad to take on this new challenge in countries deeply invested in innovative solutions.
“I’m looking forward to unlocking new opportunities for the company as well as contributing to executing the ambitious and innovative visions of the countries in the region,” adds Helm.
Before joining Nortal in 2017, Helm held various managerial and executive positions in different ministries and authorities in Estonia for more than 20 years.
Nortal has extensive experience in carrying out mission-critical and high-impact projects across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and has been a partner and vendor for some of the most efficient tax organizations in the world.
Among other projects in the region, Nortal is proud to have consulted the Dubai government regarding the Smart Dubai 2021 vision. The vision Nortal helped establish for Dubai states that, by 2021, all public services will be available via electronic channels around the clock, and the Dubai government will work 24/7 365 days a year. There will be no need to visit any government service center in person; users will receive the results and documentation of services in electronic form on mobile devices.
In June 2018, Nortal signed a cooperation agreement with Al Maskari Holding, one of the most reputable groups in the United Arab Emirates, to introduce Nortal’s unique experience in creating change in governments, as well as businesses, with a strategic approach and data-driven technology in the UAE.
Nortal is also behind the renowned business e-portal “Invest Easy” that was named among the top five best government-to-business (G2B) solutions in the world by reputable Global Enterprise Registration (GER.co) rating.
Currently, using its extensive experience with modern technology and analytics, the company is working closely with Oman to introduce VAT and excise tax in the most advantageous way for the government and society.