Following retirements at the end of 2024, project freight forwarder deugro has made changes to its management in Saudi Arabia, with three appointments.
The appointments follow Suresh Rajan, regional director – Middle East and John Vetteth, general manager – western region Saudi Arabia both retiring from their roles on December 31, 2024.
Previously general manager for Saudi Arabia’s eastern region for over a year, Johnny El Hayek has taken up the role of country manager for Saudi Arabia, where he will lead a team across three offices – effective January 1, 2025.
Steffen Behrens, president – Middle East at deugro, said: “His [El Hayek’s] deep understanding of the region, coupled with his proven track record of success, makes him the ideal person to lead our team in Saudi Arabia.”
El Hayek said: “The focus is on seamless continuity, strategic expansion and accelerated growth.” He went on: “Key to this vision is strengthening our sales capabilities through targeted talent acquisition, enhancing our market presence in Saudi Arabia and driving business generation.”
El Hayek will be supported by Sidharth Menon, who in October 2024 took over from Vetteth as general manager – western region Saudi Arabia based out of the company’s Jeddah office. El Hayek will receive further support from Jawaid Malik, who relocated to Riyadh from deugro Pakistan and who took over as general manager – central region Saudi Arabia also in October 2024.
In September 2024, HLPFI reported that deugro (USA) had appointed Carl Sorensen as director of sales and business development.
