Milaha, a Qatar-based marine transport and logistics conglomerate, announced on Tuesday that its president and CEO, Khalifa Ali Al-Hetmi, will retire in September.
Having joined Milaha 31 years ago, Al-Hetmi has been at the helm of the company for the past seven years.
During his tenure as CEO, he oversaw the acquisition of Qatar Shipping and Halul Offshore Services in 2010, and was responsible for the subsequent transformation of the newly created group and the launch of the Milaha brand in 2011.
Milaha has since grown into one of the largest and most diversified maritime and logistics companies in the Middle East.
Al-Hetmi will remain in his position until a successor has been appointed, and will fully support the company during the transition period thereafter.
Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, chairman of Milaha, said: “All of us at Milaha are sad to see Mr. Al-Hetmi go. Not only has he been an integral part of the company’s development and the transformation of the group, but his excellent leadership has led to the creation of a sustainable and successful business model that will continue to generate returns for shareholders in the years to come.”
Al-Hetmi commented: “Our sustained growth in the past few years in is large part due to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, which enabled us to thrive even during downturns and strengthen our business. I am confident that the Milaha success story will continue to grow on the foundation we have worked so diligently to lay down.”
He added: “I would also like to thank the Board of Directors for their trust and for giving me the opportunity to lead Milaha for so many years; it has truly been an honour.”
The company was established in July 1957 as the first public shareholding company registered in Qatar. Its current activities include marine transportation in gas, petroleum products, containers and bulk; offshore support services; port management and operations; logistics services; shipyard; trading agencies; real estate investments; and asset management.
