SAL Saudi Logistics Services (SAL), a market leading air cargo handler, has appointed  Eng. Hesham bin Abdulla Alhussayen as acting chief executive officer (CEO) replacing Omar Hariri, who will move on to Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) in the role of CEO effective July 1.

Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Fawaz, chairman of SAL, said: “Eng. Hesham Alhussayen has gained the trust of the Board throughout his time as SAL’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) and has over 25 years of experience holding leadership positions at multiple prominent Saudi companies. We see huge possibilities to expand the business and deliver on our strategy. This transitional period SAL will not affect our operations at all and will serve as a new opportunity to enhance SAL’s logistics services at all of the Kingdom’s main airports. We are confident Eng. Hesham and his team will continue to deliver exceptional results and reach new milestones.”

He added: “I would also like to express our gratitude to Omar Hariri for his achievements during his tenure as CEO of SAL. Under his leadership, SAL became an independent joint stock cargo ground handling company carved out from Saudi Airlines Cargo Company which resulted in higher quality and more efficient services. Moreover, Omar led SAL through the major challenges that arose during the early stages of the pandemic by positioning SAL as the logistics services arm of the Kingdom.”

Omar Hariri, departing CEO of SAL, said: “It has been a privilege leading SAL and strengthening its position as a major player in the Kingdom’s air cargo handling sector. I leave the Company in a great place and in the capable hands of a truly high caliber management team that I had the pleasure of working closely with over the past two years. I am very pleased with our unprecedented financial and operational achievements and meeting the Board’s expectations. I am fully confident in the ability of Eng. Hesham and his team to deliver on the Company’s growth strategy and wish SAL all the best.”

Eng. Hesham bin Abdulla Alhussayen, acting CEO of SAL, said: “I am grateful to the board for entrusting me with this great leadership responsibility. SAL is moving ahead with our vision to be the logistics partner of choice in a dynamic and globally connected Saudi Arabia as per Vision 2030.”