Abdullah Albader stands at the helm of Almarai Company, the Middle East’s largest food and beverage producer and the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy company. Since becoming CEO in March 2021, Albader has steered this Saudi Arabian giant toward remarkable growth through strategic vision, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to quality. His journey from joining the company in 2000 to leading its expansive operations showcases a leader who combines deep industry knowledge with forward-thinking innovation.
From Company Veteran to CEO
Abdullah Albader joined Almarai in 2000, beginning a journey that would span over two decades across multiple company divisions. During his tenure, he gained comprehensive experience in various critical areas, including manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing, and shares. This diverse background provided him with an intimate understanding of Almarai’s operations from multiple perspectives.
Before ascending to the CEO position, Albader served as the executive vice president of the bakery division, overseeing the company’s popular brands “L’usine” and “Seven Days.” He also previously held the position of General Manager of Human Resources and Support Services. This progression through the ranks equipped him with both the operational expertise and leadership qualities necessary to guide the entire organization.
On March 7, 2021, Abdullah Albader was appointed CEO of Almarai, marking a new chapter in both his career and the company’s history. His appointment represented Almarai’s confidence in homegrown talent and belief in continuity of leadership.
Strategic Vision and Business Impact
Under Albader’s leadership, Almarai has maintained its market dominance while pursuing ambitious growth strategies. His most significant strategic decision came with the announcement of Almarai’s five-year investment plan for 2024-2028, allocating an impressive $4.8 billion toward operational enhancements and product expansion.
The financial results during his tenure speak to his effective leadership. In the first nine months of 2023 alone, Almarai generated approximately $448 million in net profits while managing $9.6 billion in total assets. This financial strength has enabled strategic acquisitions, including the February 2023 purchase of PepsiCo’s 48% stake in IDJ for $68 million, which gave Almarai complete ownership of the subsidiary.
Abdullah Albader has also diversified Almarai’s product portfolio, expanding beyond the company’s traditional dairy stronghold into growing categories like frozen foods, red meat, seafood, and ice cream. The diversification strategy has positioned Almarai to meet evolving consumer preferences while reducing dependence on any single product category.
Leadership Philosophy and Management Approach
Albader’s leadership philosophy centers on three core principles: quality excellence, sustainable innovation, and strategic growth. As the leader of a company employing over 43,000 people as of 2022, he maintains a management approach that balances operational discipline with forward-thinking innovation.
“Quality you can trust” serves as more than just a company slogan under Albader’s leadership; it represents a fundamental commitment that guides every aspect of Almarai’s operations. He consistently champions this commitment in industry forums, including his recent appearance at Gulfood 2025, where he discussed Almarai’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and quality.
Industry Recognition and Influence
Abdullah Albader’s impact extends beyond Almarai’s operations to the broader food and beverage industry in the Middle East. His leadership has earned him significant recognition, including being ranked among the “Most Powerful CEOs in the Middle East” by Forbes Middle East for both 2022 and 2023.
In addition to his role as CEO, Albader serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Technical Institute for Dairy and Food and as a member of the board of directors of the Modern Food Industries Company “Seven Days.”
Corporate Responsibilities and Leadership Roles
Beyond his primary role at Almarai, Albader holds several important positions that showcase his industry leadership. He serves as chief executive officer and director at Modern Food Industry LLC while maintaining his responsibilities as Almarai’s CEO.
His membership on various boards allows him to contribute to industry standards and practices while creating strategic alignment between Almarai and its subsidiaries. This network of leadership roles positions him as a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s food industry ecosystem.
Future Outlook Under Albader’s Leadership
Looking ahead, Abdullah Albader continues to position Almarai for sustainable growth and innovation. His focus on technological integration, product diversification, and operational excellence aims to maintain Almarai’s market leadership while exploring new opportunities.
Under his guidance, Almarai has strengthened its position as one of the Middle East’s most valuable companies, ranking 38th among the Top 100 Companies in the Middle East for 2023, according to Forbes Middle East. This recognition reflects both the company’s financial performance and its strategic importance to the region’s economy.
Abdullah Albader exemplifies how deep company knowledge combined with strategic vision can drive organizational success. From his early days at Almarai in 2000 to his current position as CEO, he has demonstrated remarkable business acumen and leadership capability.
