Businessman of the Year 2013: Omar Alghanim
Mr Omar Kutayba Alghanim, Chairman of Gulf Bank and CEO of Alghanim Industries, has won Arabian Business magazine’s ‘Businessman of the Year’ award.
Kuwait – September 2013: Mr Omar Kutayba Alghanim, Chairman of Gulf Bank and CEO of Alghanim Industries, has won Arabian Business magazine’s ‘Businessman of the Year’ award. Mr Alghanim received the award at a prestigious ceremony that took place at a gala dinner in the Arraya Ballroom – Courtyard Marriott, on Sunday 22 September 2013.
“This past year has been one of continued development. Gulf Bank is on a sound footing and well positioned for growth, and we are continuing to expand our interests at Alghanim Industries, notably with the sole partnership agreement with Honda announced in June, and our agreement with TOTO, which was announced last week.
We have also been planning for the future, and through the work of INJAZ, I am sure that the young people of Kuwait and the region are better prepared to grasp the business opportunities that lie ahead of them.”
On receiving the award, Mr Alghanim said: “I am very honored to receive this award tonight. This past year has been one of continued development. Gulf Bank is on a sound footing and well positioned for growth, and we are continuing to expand our interests at Alghanim Industries, notably with the sole partnership agreement with Honda announced in June, and our agreement with TOTO, which was announced last week. We have also been planning for the future, and through the work of INJAZ, I am sure that the young people of Kuwait and the region are better prepared to grasp the business opportunities that lie ahead of them.
“But none of this happens by itself, it depends on great advice and commitment from many people, and I have been fortunate to have exceptional management teams and advisors who are both knowledgeable and driven to ensure that the companies we run are world-class in the sectors in which they operate.”
Mr Alghanim received the award in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer for his outstanding role in successfully building the Alghanim Industries brand into one of the region’s most recognizable companies.
Originally founded in 1932, the company has developed into a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, employing over 14,000 employees in 30 businesses, and operating in over 40 countries across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Alghanim Industries is a market leader in almost every major sector of its operations, including engineering, retail, automotive sales and service, manufacture of insulation and pre-engineered building structures, logistics and warehousing, FMCG, office automation, advertising, insurance, consumer credit and travel.
Mr Alghanim is also Chairman of Gulf Bank, having been elected in March 2013, after serving as a Member of the Board since 2009. The Bank was recognized as ‘Bank of the Year’ by Arabian Business at the same ceremony. Gulf Bank, Kuwait’s second largest commercial bank, is known for its dedication and commitment to customer services and products as it is a provider of the best and fastest banking services in Kuwait, as well as its highly successful ongoing ‘We Promise’ campaign, which promises customers the best and fastest retail banking services in Kuwait.
Outside his core business responsibilities, Mr Alghanim is also Chairman of the INJAZ MENA regional Board, and Chairman of INJAZ Kuwait, a major charitable organization which is committed to developing the skills and knowledge of young people in the region.
Mr Alghanim holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from New York University Stern School of Business and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Released by Gulf Bank.