Bio
Saleh Ahmed Hefni has been the Managing Director and the Chief Executive officer of Halwani Bros. Co., Ltd. since April 2007. He developed and implemented an across-the-board restructuring strategy in Halwani Bros., that resulted in a remarkable growth that quadrupled both the net and the operating profit in 4 years. He took Halwani Bros., to IPO in his first year of assuming the post and started building the state-of-the-art new industrial complex at the Jeddah Industrial Estate.
Information
Background
Prior to joining Halwani Bros in 2007, he successfully transformed SISCO into a public-trading company in 1988, and a holding company in 1999 where he eventually served as its Managing Director and President. He developed the infrastructure and operational procedure of Jeddah’s First Free Zone which later on gave birth to Saudi Trade and Export Development Co. (TUSDEER), where he also served as its President. He serves as a member of the Executive Committee in KINDASA Water Services (an affiliate of SISCO) where he contributed in building the largest wáter desalination Company in the Kingdom. He serves as Deputy Chairman at AlAhli Takaful Company and Chairman of the Executive Committee.
Education
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.)
- Research in the Department of Human Resource Management
- 1996, University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow, Scotland
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology in Civil
- 1984, Cogswell College
- San Francisco California, U.S.A.
Experience
April 2007 – Present
Halwani Bros
Key Accomplishments:
- Developed and implemented a total restructuring plan for the company and an aggressive strategy in terms of sustainable organic growth and acquisition of manufacturing companies that has horizontal and vertical integration.
- Achieved a remarkable growth in 5 years that quadrupled the company’s net and operating profit.
- Took the company into stock market within one year from joining date.
- Built state-of-the-art New Industrial Complex in Jeddah – a project that was dragging since 1999 and expanded operations and manufacturing facilities in Egypt.
Managing Director & President
- Managing a multi-million FMCG manufacturing group – both in Saudi Arabia and Egypt - that produces provisions such as halawa, maamoul, tahina, meat, dairies, beverages and jams, among others, with an annual turnover of SR1.2B and a distribution network of nearly 35 countries worldwide.
1989 – March 2007
Saudi Industrial Services Co. (SISCO), A joint stock company
Key Accomplishments:
- Holds a senior and executive position in SISCO and some of its subsidiaries for 18 years.
- Transformed SISCO into a publicly-traded company (1988).
- Developed an aggressive strategy that transformed SISCO into a holding company in year 2001.
- Developed the infrastructure and the operational procedure for the first free zone in Jeddah Port.
- Developed the first water desalination plant project in the Kingdom producing 64,000m3 per day.
- Developed the first BOT container terminal project in Jeddah Port.
1999 - 2007
Managing Director & President
- Manage a multi-million corporate group that cater to the basic needs of the Saudi economy, i.e. industrial services, desalination plant, re-export processing zone and waste water treatment plant. Directing and overseeing the company’s investments. Advise the board of directors on the projects’ progress, financial positions, new opportunities, etc. Initiates expansion programs, thus attracting investors/partners.
Setting up the corporate strategy (vision, mission, strategic goals, etc.) - Concurrently the President of Saudi Trade & Export Development Company - "Jeddah's Bonded and Re-export Zone" and Member of the Executive Committee of Kindasa Water Services, both SISCO affiliated companies.
1992 - 1999
General Manager/Secretary to the Board of Directors
- Initiated a cost cutting program that improved the company’s performance and profitability. Directing and managing the company’s resources by managing ten department heads and project managers . Negotiated and executed the outsourcing of some of SISCO’s facilities.
1985 – 1989
King Abdul Aziz International Airport
Directorate, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Engineer Inspector
- Monitored the contractors’ performance in the international terminal and royal reception pavilion. Charged of all maintenance function to various buildings as well as liaising with contractors.
Areas of Expertise
Any industries/sectors of which you are an expert on or any special skills you have.
- Water desalination plants, port operations and FMCG.
- Strong interpersonal skills in managing and leading multi skills team.
- Strong knowledge in Board structure work and corporate governance.
What have been the main lessons you have learned in your career and how do you implement them in your management?
Can be short or in-depth.
I have learned that politics in the workplace does not lead you anywhere and a clear set of objectives and targets are important to reach results.
Mentors
Who has given you information, advice, feedback and encouragement in your personal and professional life and how have they helped you become who you are today.
During my career, four people contributed in my success. Two of those in separate times were the MD and the Chairman of SISCO. In Halwani Bros. Co., the current Chairman and the company’s previous CFO.
Quotes
Can be some of your favorite quotes and what they mean to you or quotes of others about you.
A vision without execution is a nightmare and an execution without a vision is a dream.
Action speaks louder than words.
