Dow names new general manager for Saudi Arabia

Zuhair Allawi, general manager of Dow's Saudi operations.

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The Dow Chemical Company has named Zuhair Allawi as general manager of their Saudi Arabia operation.

Based at the Company’s Al Khobar office in the Eastern Province, Allawi will report to Markus Wildi, president of Dow Middle East and vice president of corporate development, Kuwait. Allawi's previous role was as senior commercial director in the Performance Materials Division, Dow Middle East & Africa.

In his new role, Allawi will support key partnerships and technical projects in the country such as those at the Dow Middle East and Africa R&D Centre at King Abdullah’s University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

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“Investing in country leadership is essential to capturing growth opportunities and establishing key relationships in our geographies,” said Geoffery Merszei, executive vice president and president of Dow Europe, Middle East & Africa. “Zuhair’s appointment reflects the important role the Kingdom will play in Dow’s transformation and EMEA’s growth strategy.”

The Dow Chemical Company believe Mr Allawi’s strong knowledge of the region will be a highly beneficial factor.

“Zuhair’s new role will help Dow establish the local presence and necessary dedication to support our partnerships in the Kingdom.

“I am confident that Dow will continue to make momentous strides in Saudi Arabia under his leadership,” said Wildi.

Allawi’s appointment follows Dow’s announcement of the signing of the Joint Venture (JV) Shareholders’ Agreement for Sadara Chemical Company by Saudi Aramco President and Chief Executive Officer Khalid A. Al-Falih and Dow Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew N. Liveris.

Once complete, the JV complex will be one of the world’s largest integrated chemical facilities - and the largest ever built in one single phase.

Mr Allawi has over 30 years experience with Dow. He began his career in Terneuzen, the Netherlands, as a trainee in the Middle East and Africa (MEAF) export department.