Ilhaam Buckas

Evaluator
DISC Type : Cds

Head of Data (APAC) at Cushman & Wakefield

United Arab Emirates

Overview

Ilhaam Buckas is a Data & AI Transformation Leader and the Head of APAC Data, Analytics, and AI at Cushman & Wakefield. A Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience, she made a strategic pivot from CFO roles to technology, now driving governance, compliance, and AI readiness across 14 countries.

Outside of work, Ilhaam is active and enjoys new challenges. She recently took up the sport of padel and completed her first Park Run in Boston after a five-year hiatus from running, showcasing her perseverance and willingness to embrace new activities.

A former CFO, Ilhaam made a significant career pivot from finance to become a leader in data and AI, demonstrating her adaptability and strategic foresight.

Personality Overview

Hard To Convince

Thorough Evaluator

Fast But Analytical

They have a unique set of diverse traits where they are decisive and methodical but can sometimes be extra cautious and skeptical  They focus on the results, but can still be quite procedural and analytical about how to get there They are not very likely to become strong advocates of your product or service

Topics They Care About

AI Governance
Analyzes real-world events as practical case studies for AI governance, showing a deep and applied interest in the field's ethical and operational challenges.
Data Transformation
Passionate about scaling data into a strategic boardroom asset and has directed a global data platform to drive enterprise growth and compliance.
PropTech Integration
As a speaker at PropTech Connect, she discusses integrating technology to address bottlenecks and drive innovation in property development and real estate.

Media Appearances

Cushman & Wakefield strengthens Asia Pacific Data Centre leadership. Featured in Retalk Asia

See Now

Work History

1-2018
Head of Data (APAC) at Cushman & Wakefield
12-2016 - 1-2018
Senior Finance Transformation Lead at NHS Property Services Ltd
1-2015 - 10-2016
Group Financial Director at Augment Holdings
5-2012 - 1-2015
Chief Financial Officer at SMJ Beverages SA
1-2009 - 5-2012
Audit Supervisor at KPMG

Education

3-2025 - 3-2026
CDAIO Programme from National University of Singapore
Chartered Accountant (CA) from The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 17 Location : United Arab Emirates Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of Data (APAC) at Cushman & Wakefield
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Insights For Selling To Ilhaam

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them see both - the ‘big picture’ impact and the ROI of the investment
  • Keep a professional, business-like approach; especially if you tend to get informal quickly
  • Help them weigh the risks by sharing objective proof points instead of anecdotes and examples

DONT's

  • Avoid self-deprecating references or general informality, it could decrease their trust in you
  • Don’t focus on relationship, focus purely on the merit of your product
  • Avoid inviting them for any social interactions until you have built some rapport with them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Ilhaam is

  • ROI matters the most to them, followed by process and finally proof of results
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Ilhaam

  • They might hesitate a little, but will go ahead and say no when necessary (or asked)

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Ilhaam move?

  • They are unlikely to move very fast, especially when it comes to new products or services
  • Can Ilhaam take some risk or not?

  • They have relatively low risk-appetite and are not very likely to go for something unproven and risky

You And Ilhaam

Personality Compatibility


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