Savola Group names new CEO, on track for strategic transformation

Mr. Sameh Mahmoud Hassan, the new Savola Group CEO

Savola Group announced a change in its executive management. The Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Mr. Waleed Khalid Fatani from his position as CEO, effective June 30,2025, as part of a joint agreement on the strategic transformation plan that focuses on the food segment. 

In a recent press release, Savola said Fatani’s resignation follows a successful tenure marked by major strategic milestones. These include the launch of a SAR 6.0 billion rights issue to strengthen the Group’s capital position, as well as the distribution of Savola’s entire stake in Almarai to its shareholders.

Moreover, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sameh Mahmoud Hassan, as the new Savola Group CEO based on the recommendation of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee (RNC). Mr. Sameh currently holds the position of the CEO of Savola Foods Co. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Savola Group) since December 2018.  

Mr. Sameh Hassan is a seasoned executive in the FMCG and food industries. He brings decades of leadership experience across prominent regional and global organizations. Prior to his current role, he held senior positions including Chief Portfolio Officer at Al Faisaliah Group, Chief Operating Officer at Basamh Trading and Industries Group, in addition to almost 20 years in several international roles at Procter & Gamble company. He also serves on the boards of various companies, reflecting his broad industry expertise and strategic leadership. 

This leadership change reflects the Group’s continued evolution, with Savola Foods at the center of its future growth ambitions, Savola added.

While food will anchor the Group’s core operations going forward, Savola remains committed to responsibly managing and maximizing value from its portfolio assets and other non-core holdings.

As communicated in the February 2024 announcement, Savola continues to explore strategic alternatives to unlock value from these assets for the benefit of its shareholders, including potential listings, partnerships, or monetization avenues, subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals.

Mr. Sulaiman A.K. Al-Muhaidib, Chairman of Savola Group, commented: “The appointment of Mr. Sameh Hassan marks a new phase in Savola’s journey as we focus our efforts on building a scaled and integrated food platform with regional and global ambitions. On behalf of the Board, I thank Mr. Fatani for his leadership and contributions. With Mr. Hassan at the helm, Savola is well-positioned to accelerate its growth in the food sector while continuing to manage its broader portfolio in a value-maximizing manner.”

Mr. Waleed Khalid Fatani, outgoing CEO of Savola Group, added: “It has been a privilege to lead Savola during this transformative period. I am proud of what we have accomplished together—from the execution of value-enhancing transactions to laying the foundation for the future with Savola Foods at the center of its future growth ambitions. I am confident that Mr. Sameh Hassan will continue this momentum and take the Group to even greater heights.”

For his part, Mr. Sameh Hassan, incoming CEO of Savola Group, said: “It is an honor to take on the role of Group CEO at this pivotal time. We will continue to build on Savola’s heritage and strengths, driving sustainable growth in our food platform. I look forward to working closely with the Board and our teams to execute this next chapter of our strategy.”