Movers and Shakers in the Middle East

Breakbulk Magazine brings you the latest hires, promotions and departures in the Middle East:


NEOM Green Hydrogen Company

Wesam Alghamdi has been chosen as the new CEO of Saudi’s NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC), taking over from David Edmondson, who is returning to his post at Air Products. Alghamdi, who will transition into the role in January, has more than 25 years’ experience in engineering and project management, enjoying spells at companies including Maaden Aluminum Company, Sabic and Shell.

NGHC, an equal joint venture between ACWA Power, Air Products and NEOM, is being billed as the world’s largest green hydrogen project. The plant, slated for start-up by the end of 2026, will deploy up to four gigawatts of solar and wind energy to produce 600 tons per day of carbon-free hydrogen in the form of green ammonia. Air Products has an exclusive 30-year off-take agreement for all the ammonia produced at the facility.

“With full financial close on the plant, we are a significant step closer to revolutionizing the global energy market through the production of green hydrogen at scale,” said Nadhmi Al-Nasr, chairman of NGHC and CEO of NEOM. “The focus of the next two years at NGHC will be to complete the construction of the giga-scale facility for the operational phase of the project.”


Bolloré Logistics

Bolloré Logistics has stuck with a familiar face by naming Jean-Baptiste Rambaud as the new CEO of Bolloré Logistics Middle East. Rambaud joined the Franceheadquartered company two decades ago, with the bulk of his career spent overseeing operations and commercial departments in several African countries.

For the last three years, the executive has served as sales and marketing director for Bolloré Logistics Middle East and South Asia. Dubai-based Rambaud’s remit will include the launch of new projects to drive the company’s growth in several sectors including aerospace, healthcare, luxury goods, and food and reefer.

“I am truly honored to take on this new role, and I am excited to lead the Middle East region toward even greater success. I have complete confidence in our existing teams. Together we will strive to further develop the immense potential of this region and will expand our operations to better serve our customers,” the executive said.


Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd has named Lars Sorensen as its new senior managing director, Middle East. Sorensen, who joined the company in mid-2018 as head of Area India, previously enjoyed a lengthy spell at freight forwarder Damco – now part of Maersk – including three years as its CEO. The executive also worked at Maersk Logistics for more than a decade, focusing on projects and supply chain management.

Sorensen replaces Dheeraj Bhatia, who has become a member of the Hapag-Lloyd executive board and CEO of the new Rotterdam-based Hapag-Lloyd Terminal Holding. “Sorensen joined Hapag-Lloyd five years ago and successfully led Area India as managing director, where he has proven his dedication, passion, and exceptional managerial skills, making him a natural fit for his new endeavor,” Hapag-Lloyd said.


Breakbulk Middle East 2024 is taking place on 12-13 February at the Dubai World Trade Center.