Emerging Markets Property Group (EMPG), the Dubai-based unicorn that owns and operates successful homegrown brands Bayut & dubizzle and property verticals and classifieds platforms across MENA, South and Southeast Asia, has announced the appointment of Julien Lafouge as its new Chief Financial Officer, taking responsibility for the management of the group’s global finance operations. Prior to joining EMPG, Lafouge served as the Group CFO of BlaBlaCar.
Julien, who has a proven track record of expertise in Finance, M&A, strategy, entrepreneurship and business development, will be playing a pivotal role in implementing the Group’s expansion and growth strategies.
Under his leadership, BlaBlaCar, the leading digital marketplace for long-distance mobility, concluded and successfully integrated two major acquisitions, in France and Russia, along with other significant business integrations of a smaller scale. During his tenure, BlaBlaCar raised more than $180m and achieved break-even in 2018.
After his MBA at Insead in 2007, Julien pursued a career in Management Consulting, both in Europe and Brazil, where he primarily worked on R&D / Technology strategy and Engineering performance. Julien also holds an MSc in Engineering from Ecole Centrale Paris in France.
“I’m thrilled to join EMPG, which, thanks to its great teams around the world, possesses incredible potential and a very bright future,” Lafouge said. “I’m looking forward to working with the teams in all the countries where EMPG operates and contribute to the growth plans of the company.”
CEO of EMPG Imran Ali Khan welcomed Lafouge on board. “Julien has a tremendously successful track record with rapidly scaling enterprises, and we look forward to his addition to EMPG’s senior management as we consolidate our geographical footprint and continue our high-growth journey,” said Khan.
EMPG is the largest classifieds player in its region, with presence in 16 countries and over 5,000 employees. The Group owns and operates property verticals and classifieds platforms in emerging markets, with its market leading brands dubizzle, Bayut, Zameen, OLX (MENA), Bproperty, Mubawab, Kaidee and Lamudi. The group invests heavily in tech and R&D, with dedicated tech centres in Romania, Spain, Pakistan and Thailand.
