16 June 2016, Kuwait

Alghanim Industries CEO Omar Kutayba Alghanim has received the Knowledge and Education Development CEO Excellence Award from the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute, which recognizes business leaders who have contributed to growth and development of the Gulf region and greater global economy. The award was conferred at the 13th Middle East CEO Excellence Awards gala at the Ritz-Carlton (DIFC).

The CEO Award was given in recognition of Omar Alghanim's many achievements as Chairman and founder of INJAZ Kuwait, and as the first Chairman of INJAZ Al Arab; in both roles, support of education and economic knowledge development of Arab youth is the primary objective. Under Omar Alghanim's leadership, Alghanim Industries has established a number of educational initiatives that share these goals, and these were also recognized by the Institution in conferring the CEO Award.  

Founded more than 20 years ago, the Institute is committed to building a culture of excellence and accomplishment across the Gulf, with the higher aim of improving performance of governments and private organizations. Alghanim Industries, founded more than a century ago in Kuwait, is one of the largest privately-held conglomerates in the Middle East, with more than 30 businesses in 40 countries.

Commenting on this award, Omar Alghanim said: "I am honored to receive this award, which recognizes the work we put into supporting education. I truly believe that supporting education and encouraging entrepreneurship are critical to the twin goals of decreasing unemployment and empowering youth, specific to owning their economic success."

Omar Alghanim further noted: "I thank the organizers of this event for recognizing our work, and I also thank our management team for their efforts. This is encouragement for us to continue our hard work to meet the many challenges that our region faces today."

Alghanim Industries recently sponsored the AGAIN Upcycling Initiative, which this year featured pieces from several international artists constructed of used materials - items that had been discarded as trash, basically -- to help raise awareness about the importance of recycling.

The company supports a broad array of other educational initiatives, including Start-up Weekend Kuwait, a forum for future entrepreneurs to learn the basics of startups and successful ventures. Alghanim Industries also contributes the highest number of  employee volunteers for INJAZ-Kuwait, which is likewise dedicated to elevating education and understanding around entrepreneurism as a career path for Arab youth.

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About Alghanim Industries
Alghanim Industries is one of the largest, privately-owned companies in the Gulf region.  Originally founded in 1932 by Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim in Kuwait, the company has since grown into a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, employing over 14,000 people in 30 businesses, and present in 40 countries across the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia.  

Alghanim Industries is a market leader in almost every major sector of its operations.  These sectors include engineering, retail, automotive sales and service, insulation and pre-engineered steel building structures, logistics and warehousing, fast moving consumer goods, food & beverage, oil & gas, office automation, advertising, insurance, consumer credit and travel. This range of business activities has allowed it to develop long-standing relationships with more than 300 global brands, including household names such as AC Delco, American Express, Avis, British Airways, British Petroleum, Cathay Pacific, Costa Coffee, Daewoo, General Motors, Honda, Saint-Gobain, Toshiba, Wendy's and Whirlpool. Alghanim Industries has also created successful regional businesses such X-cite by Alghanim Electronics, a leading electronics player in the region, and Safat Home, a lifestyle and home furniture concept.

For more information, please contact:
Reem AlGshat - Corporate Communications at Alghanim Industries,
ralgshat@alghanim.com - 60650205

© Press Release 2016