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Abdel-Salam Bdeir (ASB) is an exceptional business leader with over 30 years of experience in Retail and FMCG industries in the GCC and Middle East markets.

Strategy formulation, structure design, business development, effective execution and business expansion are some of Abdel-Salam Bdeir's skills and specialities - with strong leadership and known talent for exceptional communication, negotiation and public-speaking.

Abdel-Salam Bdeir is a firm believer in the development of long-term business and shareholder value through the establishment of solid brand equity, market positioning, and most importantly, competitive edge and differentiation. Abdel-Salam Bdeir believes in recruiting fresh graduates from top universities, training and developing them for the current, as well as the future challenges and expansion plans of the business. From first-hand experience, this practice created a healthy internal competition between young ambitious management, which stimulated higher productivity, creativity and excellence in the whole business, whereby the most productive calibers earned personal and professional career progression.

Abdel-Salam Bdeir has always adopted latest industry best practices, and cutting-edge managerial skills through his strong passion to self-development, international business exposure and excessive business traveling throughout the USA, Europe and the Far East. He is an expert in the retail industry concept of ECR and Category Management. Abdel-Salam is a committed, principled, autonomous and strategic business leader with quick yet calculated decision-making abilities.

Career Saudi Company for Hardware (SACO)

In November 2022, Abdel-Salam Bdeir was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Company for Hardware (SACO), a Saudi retail company specializing in home improvement, hardware, and tools. He is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he oversees the company’s retail operations and strategic development.

Qatami Holding Group

Between January 2020 and January 2022, Bdeir served as Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatami Holding Group in Kuwait City, Kuwait. His role focused on restructuring the group’s retail, distribution, and fashion divisions. During this period, operating expenses were reduced by approximately 28% and inventory levels by around 40%. The electronics distribution division returned to profitability, while the food distribution and fashion businesses improved from negative to positive EBITDA.

The Sultan Center

From November 2016 to March 2019, Bdeir served as Chief Executive Officer of The Sultan Center, a retail company listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange. During his tenure, the company undertook a restructuring of its retail operations and corporate processes. By the end of his tenure, the retail business reported positive EBITDA and generated annual revenues exceeding USD 700 million. The company operated 65 stores across four retail formats and employed more than 4,000 staff across four countries.

Rival Consulting Group

In 2011, Bdeir founded Rival Consulting Group, a management consulting and strategy advisory firm focused on businesses in the Middle East and North Africa. The firm provides advisory services aimed at improving operational efficiency, revenue growth, market share, and profitability by introducing international management practices. Clients of the firm have included companies such as Unilever, Agility Logistics, Othaim Markets Company, and The Sultan Center.

Othaim Markets Company

Between October 2011 and July 2013, Bdeir served as Chief Executive Officer of Othaim Markets Company, a publicly listed retail company in Saudi Arabia. During this period, the company operated approximately 110 stores across four retail formats and employed more than 10,000 staff. The business generated revenues of about USD 1.2 billion. The company reported a 65% increase in net income, which was disclosed through stock market filings and local media.

Saudi Company for Hardware (SACO)

In November 2022, Abdel-Salam Bdeir was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Company for Hardware (SACO), a Saudi retail company specializing in home improvement, hardware, and tools, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Following his appointment, the company initiated a restructuring and operational improvement program aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening commercial performance, and improving profitability. The program included changes to merchandising strategy, cost management, inventory optimization, and the modernization of retail operations.

As a result of these initiatives, the company reported an improvement in its financial performance and returned to profitability after previously recording losses. The turnaround was reflected in improved operational metrics and financial results reported in the company’s subsequent financial disclosures.

Turnaround leadership

During his career, Bdeir has been associated with several corporate restructuring and turnaround initiatives in the retail sector in the Middle East. These include leadership roles at The Sultan Center, where the company returned to positive EBITDA after a period of financial difficulties, and later at Saudi Company for Hardware (SACO), where operational restructuring contributed to improved profitability. His work has generally focused on cost restructuring, operational efficiency, and retail transformation.