Moving ahead with times

M. Salahuddin, CEO of Al Hathboor Group, has spearheaded operations for renowned multinational companies over a span of 20 years. He shares his insight into how to build a prolific career through sheer determination and hard work.

Al Hathboor conglomerate is one of the largest organisations in the region with over 60 years of diversified business growth across trading, manufacturing and service sectors in the Middle East. CEO M. Salahuddin's role within the corporation surpasses the traditional expectations of a head of the company, as Al Hathboor is an extension of family for him. Over a course of 20 years, his contributions towards diversification, and developing a work culture that encourages excellence and commitment to service has cemented their status as one of the key players in the market.
As an engineer, his career has included working in related industries; however, his hunger to grow as a professional led him to Dubai. "I was invited by the Bablani Brothers who were keen to establish an electrical trading division in Dubai. They felt that I was the right fit for their endeavour. Through extensive travelling to international markets over a span of five years, I was able to amass impressive product profiles and knowledge. In 1981, Al Hathboor acquired the company, and rebranded it as Al Hathboor Electricals. By 1982, there were about five smaller divisions, which were put under one umbrella of Al Hathboor Group of Companies by the CEO at that time, R.V. Raghavan," says Salahuddin.
Al Hathboor Group has a longstanding history in the region, guided by the visionary outlook of its founder the late Saif Obaid Al Hathboor. The organisation was initiated with a focus on recognising the gaps in the market, and creating new benchmarks by introducing more niche concepts into the region. The late Saif Obaid Al Hathboor was always envisioning to venture into new industries, which would be fruitful for the organisation, and in turn enrich the economy of the region. He commenced Al Hathboor initiative with an exclusive textile business followed with the aim of tapping into other lucrative avenues.
Al Hathboor's first business expansion was into the air-conditioning and refrigeration business. "During my role as a General Manager for the Electrical division, I was approached to take over the operations for Gulf Mechanical Engineers and Supplies. The challenge I had to undertake was transforming the division by restructuring. The results were immediate with rising profits, and in five years, it became one of the leading entities in the group. I integrated leading brands under our belt and recruited professionals to drive the sales. In January 1997, our Chairman, Abdulla Al Hathboor gave me a bigger challenge by appointing me as the CEO of the Group," he explains.
Prioritising values
Al Hathboor began with only five divisions, which expanded to 18 entities. The minor units subsequently merged, forming 12 dominant divisions, which became a permanent part of the group. "We are one of the largest suppliers of supermarket equipment and shelving, as well as laundry and dry-cleaning equipment in the region. We specialise in trading activities, wholesale and retail, in product lines ranging from FMCG, stationery, industrial maintenance, electrical installation, cosmetics, and car care to oilfield supply items," says Salahuddin.
The group manages a wide range of reputed branded product portfolios, such as SKF, WD40, Gojo, Loctite, Bison, Henkel, Crosby, Legrand, ABB, 3M, Barton, Syska LED, Arneg, Avon, Jensen, and many more. "In addition to trading, we have a well -established assembly unit for electrical panel boards in collaboration with Legrand. Al Hathboor is aligned with the region's vision of growth and development. We are actively involved in various industries, such as real estate sector, which promotes diversification, a core value of the organisation. The group also operates in all neighbouring GCC countries. We pride ourselves in maintaining our close relationships with almost all our major principals for over 35 to 40 years," he adds.
"Although I am involved in many other business ventures, Al Hathboor Group has always been my top priority. The group has a team strength of over 700 employees belonging to 18 different nationalities. We believe in providing a professional environment where employees are happy to be a part of the organisational growth. We have several employee welfare schemes such as 'CEOs' Employee Welfare Fund', provision of paternity leave, etc. In addition, our CSR initiatives include supporting the humanitarian activities of the local Red Crescent, in and around the region. We actively participate in various healthcare awareness initiatives, which includes raising awareness about breast cancer," says the CEO.
Paving the pathway to success
Al Hathboor strives to excel through maintaining an outlook where opportunity is sought. "To modify our business approach, and to keep abreast with the changes as demanded by the market, we are constantly broadening our horizons. Preparing to be part of the country's future thrust we are setting up a huge central logistic hub in JAFZA, Dubai. We are in parallel developing business lines with focus on technology orientation. This includes energy management systems, advanced ELV systems, digital solutions, energy-efficient LED and solar power installations," he says.
According to Salahuddin, with Expo 2020 around the corner, the market morale in the country, especially Dubai is all time high. "We are geared to reap the benefits of the exposition. The UAE, especially Dubai, is a place of opportunities for entrepreneurs from all over the world. I have utmost respect and regard for the visionary rulers of the country. The significant progress the country has made during a relatively short period has greatly benefited business houses, including Al Hathboor's. I am quite confident that the pace of development will continue unabated for years to come.
"When I reflect on my career, I feel extremely content and proud for being associated with the Group for such a long period and led it to the enviable position it has reached today. I am also thankful to Al Hathboor family for the trust, confidence, freedom and support given to me in managing the affairs of the Group for all these years," he concludes.

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