Saleh Lootah appointed to head CO-OP ISLAMI

The move aims to strengthen management at the real Halal food pioneer as it steps up its bid to become a leading player in the GCC's fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Mr. Lootah joined CO-OP ISLAMI seven years ago and held a succession of positions. He was previously the group's Assistant General Manager and earlier had been its factory manager, purchasing manager, and assistant general manager. Mr Lootah has unrivalled experience of food production, distribution and retailing and played a major role in upgrading the group's reach and performance.

He has overseen the changes that resulted in a series of quality and excellence awards for Co-OP ISLAMI. These include the HACCP certificate and the Dubai Quality Award - 2003.

Mr. Lootah said: "I am honoured to have been appointed to this role by the board of directors. It is a great responsibility, especially since the industry we are in, where we provide Halal products to a very demanding clientele, is by its very nature extremely sensitive.

"I hope to contribute to the implementation of the company's plans to consolidate its position in existing markets in the region and penetrate others where we do not have presence.

"I am confident that we are positioned to benefit from the latest developments in the region's food production sector. CO-OP ISLAMI is one of the few companies that is able to keep pace with the expansion of demand in the sector."

Mr. Lootah graduated from California State University in the US and also has a Master's degree in Business Administration. He has a strong team behind him and this has played a highly important part in realising CO-OP ISLAMI's vision of becoming both a pioneer and leader in food production and retailing in the Middle East.