ZOLA Consulting is a boutique retail and e-commerce consultancy founded by industry expert Mona El-Gazzar, with over 20 years of hands-on experience driving business transformation and growth across the MENA region.
We work with brands, retailers, and startups at every stage — from concept to launch, scale-up to optimization — delivering practical strategies and operational solutions that create measurable impact.
Our approach is hands-on, collaborative, and grounded in real-world experience.
Our tailored services cover every aspect of retail and e-commerce growth, including →
Supporting brands through online expansion, omnichannel integration, and platform partnerships.
Designing SOPs, workflows, and systems to boost efficiency and consistency across the business.
Leveraging data to maximize sales, improvecustomer experience, and streamline operations.
Identifying white space, developing product strategies, and executing go-to-market plans — including brand onboarding, assortment planning, and market positioning.
Identifying growth opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and entering new markets with confidence.
Building high-performing teams through strategic hiring, organizational design, and hands-on training programs.
Mona El-Gazzar is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in eCommerce, retail, and incentive program development. As SVP of Partnerships and Business Development at Merit Incentives, she spearheads global loyalty and engagement solutions, forging strategic partnerships across diverse industries. She is also the Founder of ZOLA Consulting and ZOLA Retail Academy, where she advises brands on digital transformation, strategic planning, and operational excellence.
Mona has played a pivotal role in shaping the eCommerce landscape in the MENA region. She was part of the leadership team that led the transformation of Souq.com into Amazon MENA, overseeing vendor management, selection expansion, and category growth strategies. Prior to that, she served as VP of Fashion Business at Jumia Egypt, where she launched and scaled the platform’s fashion division into one of the company’s key growth drivers.
Her leadership extends to board-level contributions, currently serving as a Board Member of the Incentive Travel Council (ITC), and formerly on the Egyptian Export Council for Apparel, supporting international trade and industry development. She’s also a Board Advisor to the Urban Business Institute, a leading business training institution in MENA.
Mona is also the Co-Founder of MyList, introducing innovative gift registry and incentive solutions across the MENA region. As an Independent Consultant for USAID’s Trade Program in Egypt, she supports businesses in enhancing their export and growth potential through digital channels.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Fashion Buying from Istituto Marangoni in Milan and is widely respected for her ability to blend creativity with commercial strategy
