Dubai-based Al Ghurair Group, a diversified industrial conglomerate with key businesses in foods, resources, properties, construction, energy and ventures, has appointed Samer Alhaj as its new group chief executive officer.

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 while adhering to the company’s core values of integrity, accountability, customer centricity and community, said a statement from the company.

Alhaj brings with him 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, among many others.

With a deep knowledge of Wall Street investment banking and international business, asset management, reorganisation, restructuring, corporate finance and private equity, he has demonstrated keen business acumen coupled with excellent executive, operational and financial management results.

Alhaj joins the company from his previous role at Dubai Holding as chief financial officer, a position he held for five years. Other senior roles held by Alhaj include 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, as well as deputy chief executive officer at Gulf Investment House, and deputy general manager at Kipco Asset Management, both in Kuwait.

He 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 US and UK.

Speaking on his appointment, Alhaj said: “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 the company 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 absolutely 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,” he said.

Welcoming the appointment, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, chairman - executive committee, said: “In line with our mission to constantly enhance our offerings and strengthen our businesses, we hereby welcome Alhaj who will make a tremendous addition to our leadership team.”

“We are very confident that he will drive innovation here in times of change, and help us achieve our vision, not only for the company but more especially for the communities that we serve,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service