The Phillips Group, a global executive search firm, has announced Hesham Almekkawi as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tim Hortons, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), based out of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

 

The Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons, part of the Apparel Group, will see Almekkawi’s primary focus on driving the expansion of Tim Hortons across the MENA region. 

 

He will be overseeing additional responsibilities that include optimising operations and using his training as a certified career coach to mentor and developing future leaders. 

 

Tim Hortons announced in January 2021 it would establish a new Middle East headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The chain aims to open 42 new stores in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2021. 

 

Almekkawi said: “The MENA region is a hub of activity with coffee chains on the rise and all the major players implementing expansion plans with a view to take additional market share. I look forward to driving the expansion of Tim Hortons and feel I’ve joined at the right time, not only in the GCC but for North Africa.”

 

The Phillips Group CEO Shane Phillips said: “Almekkawi stood out with his vast experience, passion for the industry and natural leadership ability. He will be a game-changer for Tim Hortons in the Middle East.” 

 

Almekkawi has over 26 years’ experience in the food and beverage industry and held numerous senior positions in America and the UAE. These include CEO and Executive Board Member at YYT Food Corporation, Vice President of Hospitality at Majid Al Futtaim, Chief Operations Officer at Kuwait Food Company and Regional Director of Operations at ADF Companies & Pizza Hut inc. 

He is also the author of the book 'The 9 Traits of Hero Brands'.-TradeArabia News Service