DUBAI, 15 January 2007 — Three key figures of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) have entered the list of the world’s 40 most influential people in the field of chemicals.
The honor was bestowed on them by one of the leading international publications dedicated to the chemicals sector, the London-based magazine ICIS Chemical Business, which has announced the list of 40 most influential people in a special global report.
The three prominent figures — founding members of the GPCA and recognized as significant players in the world of chemicals — include the chairman of the GPCA and vice chairman and CEO of SABIC, Mohamed Al-Mady, who is ranked number two personality in this field; Hamad Al-Terkait, vice chairman of GPCA and CEO EQUATE, who is ranked number 13 and Hamad Rashid Al-Mohannadi, a board member of GPCA and vice chairman and general manager of Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), who is ranked number 34 in the list.
The announcement by ICIS Chemical Business is a major boost to the GPCA, a non-profit organization that was formed in 2006 to develop and promote the petrochemicals and chemicals sector in the Gulf, and followed the successful conclusion of its first annual conference held in Dubai in December. The GPCA has its headquarters in Dubai.
Commenting on the ICIS Chemical Business announcement, Abdullah ibn Zaid Al-Hagbani, secretary general of the GPCA said: “This is a great development and achievement for the GPCA, and further reinforces our mandate to be the leading representative for the petrochemicals and chemicals industry in the Gulf Region. The fact that three prominent GPCA figures have been recognized as leaders in petrochemicals and chemicals validates the strategic importance of this region, as well as our resolve to become a catalyst in developing these sectors further.”
The top 40 power-players selected by the magazine is headed by Jim Ratcliffe, Group chairman, INEOS, and figures the most influential figures in and around the chemicals industry from industry executives to association leaders, politicians to environmentalists.
The exclusive line-up of 40 power-players also includes President George Bush, President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California, Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director, Reliance Industries; Guido Sacconi, member of the European Parliament (Socialist Group); Peter Huntsman, president and CEO, Huntsman Corp. and Andrew Liveris, chairman and CEO, Dow Chemical.