
The food industry is a mix of human necessity and pleasure, standing at the forefront of innovation, economic growth and increasingly, sustainability. This article highlights some of the most influential leaders in the global food sector, from South Africa to Dubai, Turkey to Kenya. These visionaries are running successful businesses, while reshaping the future of food production and consumption. From tackling food security issues to encouraging sustainable practices, these leaders are driving the food sector towards a more resilient, responsible and tasty industry.
10. Tabitha Karanja
CEO at Keroche Breweries
Kenya
As Kenya's largest locally-owned brewery, Keroche Breweries boasts an impressive annual beer production capacity of 110m litres. CEO Tabitha Karanja has led Keroche Breweries for the last 19 years.
“Keroche Breweries Limited is the first fully owned and second largest brewery in Kenya," Tabitha said. "We produce Summit Lager, summit Malt, Valley wines, Pinotage', Savignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Crescent Range of Spirits and Viena Ice and Viena Ice Ready to Drink Vodkas.”
She studied Bachelor of Business Administration at University of Nairobi and was awarded African Businesswoman of the Year in 2014.
9. Haim Gavrieli
Chairman at Tnuva
Israel
For over 95 years, Tnuva has been a cornerstone of Israeli cuisine, with 6,000 employees, 1,700 partnering farmers and 32 operational centres, Tnuva processes 900m litres of milk annually. The company's extensive network includes 11,000 points-of-sale, delivering 5m products daily while supporting local agriculture.
Chairman Haim Gavrieli has called for stronger attention to food security from the state and also advocates for diversity and inclusion across the company and the country.
“Tnuva reflects Israeli society in all its parts but also serves as its inverse mirror image - for where we see differences, we truly work to get to know one another, to work shoulder to shoulder, to embrace our differences and not fear them," he said recently.
8. Ismail AlMehairi
General Manager, Al Dahra
Dubai
Al Dahra is a global agribusiness leader, with a vast asset base including 400,000 acres of land, 60 farms and multiple processing facilities. The company has experienced rapid growth through strategic investments and partnerships and is driven to build innovative food solutions and sustainable agriculture.
Ismail AlMehairi, the General Manager of Al Dahra, studied business administration and management, at Canadian University Dubai and CIPS - The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. At Al Dahra, he is focused on enhancing food security, improving resource efficiency and promoting climate-smart farming practices.
7. Mohy E
General Manager at Global Food Industries & International Beverages and Filling Industries
Dubai
Global Food Industries (GFI) was established in 1992 in Sharjah, UAE. The company has become a leading frozen food manufacturer under the Albatha Group conglomerate. Specialising in halal products, GFI sources premium ingredients globally and distributes them across the Middle East and Africa.
As the company kicked off its back-to-school season, a consumer campaign for Star Soda has propelled the drink to become the region's favourite soda.
“This is what true market leadership looks like! Well done team,” Mohy E shared.
6. Nasser Al Maslamani
Chief Corporate Services Officer, Baladna Food Industries
Qatar
Zambeef Products PLC is Zambia's largest integrated cold chain food products and agribusiness company, with a significant presence in Southern Africa. Zambeef operates across the entire food production chain, from primary production to retail. With 236 outlets in Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana, the company sells beef, chicken, pork, dairy and crops, employing over 7,000 people and cultivating 23,000 hectares annually.
Nasser Al Maslamani studied business administration and management at Henley Business School and business administration at Qatar University.
He joined Baladna Food Industries eight years ago, after a varied career across Qatar Tourism, Qatar Stars League and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority.
5. Nusret Gökçe (also known as Salt Bae)
Founder of Nusr-Et
Turkey
In 2017, Chef Nusret Gökçe uploaded a video of himself flamboyantly sprinkling salt on a steak - and the Salt Bae meme was devoured by the internet. A Twitter user titled him ‘Salt Bae’, which stands for ‘before anyone else’.
Riding the high of his viral fame, Nusret expanded his restaurant empire, opening more Nusr-Et Steakhouse locations in Turkey, Dubai, the U.S., the UK, Greece and Saudi Arabia.
Yet in recent years, Nusret has come under fire for his increasingly expensive meals pricing out fans. Former staff have also accused him of tip theft and running a ‘hypermasculine’ work culture.
Despite this, Nusret’s trademark salt-sprinkling technique has endured, making him an example of the power of social media trends.
4. Vimal Shah
Co-Founder & Chairman, Bidco Africa
Kenya
Vimal Shah, Co-Founded Bidco Africa in 1985, where he is committed to enhancing happy healthy living.
“I am passionate about living life in the now and making a difference wherever I can, with whoever I come into contact with,” he shared on LinkedIn.
Bidco Africa has grown to become the largest producer of vegetable oils, fats, margarine, soaps and detergents in East and Central Africa. With a focus on modern technology and superior products, Bidco has expanded its market presence and evolved into a marketing organisation. The company aims to become the market leader throughout Africa by 2030, emphasising customer loyalty, affordable pricing and environmental commitment.
3. Mohamed Sultan
Managing Director, Juhayna Group
Egypt
Juhayna Food Industries, a leading Egyptian manufacturer, specialises in producing high-quality dairy and juice products and enjoys superior brand awareness across the Egyptian market. The company operates seven manufacturing facilities and offers over 250 products. It is continuously expanding its range to meet both global trends and local market demands.
Mohamed Sultan was appointed as Managing Director and Executive Board Member of Juhayna Group in February 2024. He brought with him his expertise from his time at Commercial International Bank, where he served as COO. Mohamed is an expert in strategic transformation, digital banking and operations management.
2. Paul Cruickshank
Chief Executive Officer at RCL FOODS
South Africa
RCL FOODS is a South African food manufacturer which produces a wide range of branded and private label products. The company employs over 21,000 people across South Africa, with its well-known brands including Selati sugar, Rainbow chicken and Yum Yum peanut butter. RCL FOODS is committed to responsible growth, community development and environmental stewardship.
Chief Executive Officer Paul Cruickshank of RCL FOODS, is based in Durban, South Africa. In his 17 years with the company, Paul has gained extensive experience in commercial, supply chain and operational directorship roles across the business.
“As a leader, I aim to drive diversity in my teams and love working with people to unlock their potential, thereby supporting the ever-changing market it operates in,” he shared.
1. Abdullah Albader
CEO of Almarai
Saudi Arabia
Founded in 1977, Almarai is the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy company and the biggest food and beverage manufacturing and distribution company in MENA. Almarai is ranked as the number one FMCG Brand in the MENA region and at 45 years old, Almarai continues to provide nutritious and healthy products to consumers. The company was ranked among the Top 100 Companies in the Middle East for 2023 according to Forbes Middle East.
Abdullah Al-Bader studied agri-business at MIT Sloan and Harvard Business School. He joined Almarai 24 years ago, as General Manager for Support Services. He moved to become Executive Vice President in 2015, before being appointed as CEO in 2021.
In 2023, Forbes Middle East recognised Abdullah, the CEO of Almarai, as one of the top 100 CEOs in the Middle East in its annual list, 'Most Powerful CEOs in the Middle East'.
******
Make sure you check out the latest industry news and insights at Food Digital.
******
Food Digital is a BizClik brand