Ilhaam Karbelkar

Observer
DISC Type : ci

CIO | Area Head of Information & Digital Technology: Sub-Saharan Africa at BAT

City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Overview

Ilhaam Karbelkar is the CIO and Area Head of Information & Digital Technology for Sub-Saharan Africa at BAT, where she also serves on the BAT South Africa Board of Directors. She brings a strong background in digital business solutions and trade excellence.

She is passionate about empowering women in leadership, participating in programs and hosting discussions on career development and personal branding. She also values self-awareness and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Ilhaam is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Personality Overview

Value Driven

Curious

Example Seeker

They often ask many questions and rely heavily on information and documentation.  They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince. They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.

Topics They Care About

Women in Leadership
She recently hosted an event for BAT SSA Women in Leadership and participated in the BAT Women in Leadership Programme in the UK.
Digital Transformation
As CIO and Area Head of Information & Digital Technology, she leads digital initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa for BAT.
Career Development
She has led insightful conversations on career development, emphasizing authentic self and personal branding, and discussed overcoming imposter syndrome.

Media Appearances

BAT Announces Management Board Change. Featured in British American Tobacco (BAT) – Press Release

See Now

Work History

3-2025
CIO | Area Head of Information & Digital Technology: Sub-Saharan Africa at BAT
9-2024 - 3-2025
Head of Regional Corporate DBS: APMEA at BAT
7-2023 - 8-2024
Global Trade Excellence Lead: O2C at BAT

Education

2006 - 2006
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Honours from University of Cape Town
2011 - 2012
Leadership Development Programme from Gordon Institute of Business Science

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 2 Location : City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Job Level : Leadership Designation : CIO | Area Head of Information & Digital Technology: Sub-Saharan Africa at BAT
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Insights For Selling To Ilhaam

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them understand the risk aspect fully while inspiring confidence
  • Persuade objectively how your product will help them achieve their goals
  • Build rapport, it will come handy to handle hard questions later

DONT's

  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously
  • Avoid making offhand commitments
  • Don’t rely excessively on your relationship with them to win the deal

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Ilhaam is

  • Clear proof of product value matters to them, followed by others' testimonials and rapport.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Ilhaam

  • They are practical and friendly, don't expect a clear-cut response often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Ilhaam move?

  • They like to perform full analysis and can take time to make any decision.
  • Can Ilhaam take some risk or not?

  • They systematically evaluate all decisions and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Ilhaam

Personality Compatibility


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