Sector News

Saudi’s Almarai appoints new chief executive

December 10, 2019
Consumer Packaged Goods

Saudi Arabia’s consumer goods company Almarai appointed Majed Nofal as its chief executive on Monday.

The company, which is the biggest producer of dairy products in the Middle East, said Mr Nofal will take over from Georges Schorderet from January 1.

Having been with the company for a number of years, Mr Nofal initially worked as chief financial officer of Western Bakeries Company (known as L’Usine) for seven years and then as chief executive after the company was acquired by Almarai. He was subsequently appointed as head of procurement, general manager for new business and as chief financial officer, before being appointed deputy CEO in July.

“In line with our plans, Mr. Georges P. Schorderet will handover on 31st December 2019, and continue to serve as an advisor to the board of directors,” Almarai said in a statement to the Saudi stock exchange, where its shares trade.

In a separate announcement, the company said it would propose a final dividend of 0.85 Saudi riyals (Dh0.83) per share, or a payout of about 8.5 per cent, for its 2019 financial year. A date for the payment will be announced after it receives approval from shareholders.

Mr Shorderet stepped back in to the chief executive role in July, having previously retired from the company, following the abrupt resignation of Alois Hofbauer, who had only taken up his post in April this year but then stepped back from the role for personal reasons.

The company made a profit attributable to shareholders of 581 million riyals in the third quarter. This was an 8.5 per cent decline on the same period a year earlier, despite a 7.7 per cent increase in revenue to 3.57 billion riyals. Profit for the nine-month period was down 8.6 per cent at 1.5 bn riyals, although revenue grew 4.6 per cent to 10.6 bn riyals.

The company made more than 60 per cent of its revenue in the quarter from dairy products, with the remainder coming from its fruit juices and bakery arms.

Source: The National

comments closed

Related News

April 20, 2024

Tereos opens new innovation centre for EU customers

Consumer Packaged Goods

The facility is designed to foster innovation and deepen collaboration with customers, by offering a range of new services and solidifying its role as a central hub for customer support. Tereos’ team, supported by a network of 50 scientists, will ensure customers can innovate and meet the rising consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable products.

April 20, 2024

Glanbia to buy US flavour platform in $300m deal

Consumer Packaged Goods

Glanbia has agreed to acquire Flavor Producers from Aroma Holding for an initial consideration of $300 million. Flavor Producers is a US-based flavour platform, providing flavours and extracts to the F&B industries, with a focus on organic and natural ingredients.

April 20, 2024

Godiva names former Nike executive as president to boost sales

Consumer Packaged Goods

Lesnard, who previously worked at Nike, The North Face and Sephora, has a mission to “grow and sustain GODIVA’s position and expertise in the premium chocolate category, leveraging ongoing support from pladis to take GODIVA and its legendary chocolate to new heights.”

How can we help you?

We're easy to reach