Al-Fadley says his joining Almarai, NADEC boards to maximize shareholder value

MEWA minister, Abdulrahman Al-Fadley

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, said his appointment to the boards of Almarai and NADEC was aimed at maximizing shareholder value.

Al-Fadley chairs the board of Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co. (SALIC), which holds a stake in both companies and is entitled to nominate to their boards.

Speaking on the Socrates podcast, Al-Fadley added that there is no conflict of interest in MEWA minister serving on the boards of both companies. He is one of nine members of Almarai’s board and one of seven members of NADEC’s board. Each board has committees, and the minister cannot direct the private sector to invest unless the investment is first commercially viable for the company.

He said NADEC’s results had fluctuated between profits and losses for an extended period, while SALIC’s strategy for the company lacked clarity and disagreements had arisen within the board. SALIC subsequently increased its stake in NADEC, and the board was restructured to become more aligned before the minister joined.

Al-Fadley described Almarai as a fast-moving train that would continue moving for a long time even if its fuel supply were cut off. However, he noted that the company had experienced several CEO changes and other challenges in recent years.

He said that if Almarai or NADEC board members were asked whether the minister had imposed any projects, the answer would be no. However, if they were asked whether he had offered guidance on certain matters, most would answer yes.

He pointed out that a board member would be wrong not to express their point of view, but should not force it. Other board members can either challenge the proposal and offer a better alternative or, if no better alternative is presented, consider implementing it.

According to Argaam data, the boards of both Almarai and NADEC decided in November 2025 to appoint Al-Fadley as a member of their respective boards.