Al Ghurair, the UAE-based diversified industrial conglomerate with key businesses in food, resources, properties, construction, energy and ventures, has announced Samer Alhaj as its new group chief executive officer.
Alhaj has 35 years of multi-industry experience gained in the US, Asia and the GCC region, where he has developed strategic expertise in the fields of retail estate development, retail, hospitality and F&B.
In his new role, Alhaj will oversee Al Ghurair’s businesses and take charge in steering these operations to new levels of profitability and sustainability.
He commented: “I am delighted to open a new chapter in my career as the group CEO of Al Ghurair. Having been in the UAE for the past decade, I have long admired the business direction, values and goals of Al Ghurair as one of the most prominent family-owned companies in the country, as well as its major contributions to the local and regional economies.
“It is an exciting opportunity to be working with them and I am looking forward to bringing my expertise on board while learning from the group’s vast expertise in various industries fundamental to the constant development of the UAE.”
Alhaj joins the company from his previous role at Dubai Holding as chief financial officer, a position he held for five years.
He was also chief operating officer and chief financial officer at the Abu Dhabi Basic Industries Corporation (currently Senaat), and chief executive officer of Waha Capital, both in Abu Dhabi.
This is in addition to roles as deputy chief executive officer at Gulf Investment House, and deputy general manager at KIPCO Asset Management, both in Kuwait, and various Wall Street investment banking roles.
Alhaj is an INSEAD Certified International Board Director (IDP-C), and holds an MBA in Banking and Corporate Finance, an MS in Construction/Project and Engineering Management and a BSc in Civil Engineering from the USA and UK.
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, chairman of the executive committee added: “In line with Al Ghurair’s mission to constantly enhance our offerings and strengthen our businesses, we hereby welcome Mr. Alhaj who will make a tremendous addition to our leadership team.
“We are very confident that he will drive innovation in Al Ghurair in times of change, and help us achieve our vision, not only for the company but more especially for the communities that we serve.”
Al Ghurair Foods partners with suppliers to produce brands of flour, pasta, oats, semolina, eggs, noodles and animal feed.
Established in 1960, the company exports throughout Asia, the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East and Europe and provides a comprehensive distribution network and access to world markets.
