Dubai, March 10, 2010; Fonterra Brands Middle East has announced the appointment of Ahmad Yahya as Marketing Director for Middle East, Africa and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).   

Having worked in the FMCG sector for over 17 years, Ahmad Yahya's extensive consumer insight and strategic marketing knowledge will greatly benefit the world's largest dairy exporter.

He joins Fonterra from food giant Kraft, where he was head of the GCC marketing team for the region and prior to this, led the Kraft developing markets brand team. Before moving to Kraft, Ahmad worked for dairy brand Danone for two years and global giant Pepsi for around seven years, where he made significant strategic and tactical contributions to the success of the company while he was based in North America and Canada.

Amr Farghal, Managing Director for Fonterra Brands Middle East, Africa and CIS, said, "Ahmad's significant practical experience in the field and extensive understanding of building brands in both emerging and developing markets, makes him an invaluable new addition to the company. He has exactly the right skills to help continue to grow the Fonterra brand."

The world's largest dairy exporter has a significant presence in the Middle East, Africa and CIS and accounts for around 20% of sales in Fonterra's Asia Middle East consumer division.

"The opportunity to further establish Fonterra's position as a leading company in the region is an exciting challenge." says Ahmad. "It's a great team they have here and I'm looking forward to working alongside them, building on the tremendous success of the company."

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About Fonterra
Fonterra is the world's largest dairy exporter.

As New Zealand's largest and truly multinational business, Fonterra trades in 140 countries.

Their portfolio includes dairy ingredients, liquid and powdered milks, cultured foods and yoghurts, butter, cheese and specialty foodservices products.

Brands include Anchor, Anlene, Anmum, Fresh n' Fruity, Mainland, Western Star, Brownes, Ski, Tip Top and Chesdale.

For further information please contact:
Emma Jones
ASDA'A Burson Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 9714 3344550
e.jones@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2010