IBRAHIM SHAKER/MAYTAG

Maytag’s regional chief Lorenzo Milani visited Saudi Arabia to celebrate the 15th year of partnership with its exclusive distributor Ibrahim Shaker Company. “Ibrahim Shaker Company has represented Maytag successfully and has always achieved outstanding results,” Milani said. “Maytag is a globally recognized brand favored by users who believe in quality,” said Milani, who was accompanied by Regional Marketing Director Raji ElMawla and Area Sales Manager Maissam Hannawi. Known for their dependability, durability and quality performance, Maytag refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and cooking range are “number one in niche market and in their product category.” Sol Bou Nacklie, VP, Ibrahim Shaker Company, said that quality products and excellent after-sales support had contributed to Maytag’s growth in the Kingdom. Wael Hamadeh, national marketing manager, said that Maytag had a 22 percent share of the market.

LOGIC/APEX

Apex, a luxury chauffeur service company was recently launched under the management of Logic, a major marketing firm responsible for the success of various companies that are now making names in the Jeddah business community. With “Treat Yourself” as its slogan, the new company provides “unparalleled” chauffeur service to customers for their ground transportation needs using the finest vehicles equipped with refreshments and electronic gadgets such as DVD with LCD, laptop and mobile phone to assist travelers. With courteous, experienced and professionally attired chauffeurs, the new company aims to provide a high level of service. Its services are available in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. They include airport pick up and drop off, business transport service, city tours (dining and shopping), religious trips, Obhur beach trip, full day service and other needs.

AL-JAZIRAH VEHICLES AGENCIES

Al-Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co. (AJVA), Saudi Arabia’s Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer, recently received three major accolades, adding further to its long list of achievements and recognitions as one of the largest automotive dealerships. AJVA President Abdullah Al-Kraidees received Ford Motor Company’s (FMC) “Award of Excellence” recently from John Fitzpatrick, executive director of export operations, for its outstanding performance in 2006, where it became the largest volume selling Ford and Lincoln dealer in the world. The dealership had received the same title for 2003 and 2004. AJVA also is the world’s largest Ford Crown Victoria dealer for 10 consecutive years. “This is an outstanding achievement,” said Fitzpatrick. “For two decades AJVA has been working diligently to grow the Ford customer base in the Kingdom. The new achievement clearly emphasizes the increasing importance of the Saudi market to FMC.” The US Commerce Department also honored AJVA recently.

ERNST & YOUNG

Ernst & Young released the findings of its benchmark Global Information Security Survey 2006 at a seminar attended by over 35 senior corporate executives at the Jeddah Hilton this week. The global survey polled nearly 1,200 organizations, representing 48 countries. From Saudi Arabia, participants were local, regional and multinational companies spread across several industries — including aerospace and defense, banking and financial services, automotive, manufacturing and industrial products, pharmaceuticals, transportation, wholesale and distribution. Omar Bitar, managing partner, business advisory solutions, Ernst & Young Middle East, said: “The Global Information Security Survey is a key tool to help enhance and improve information security in global and regional companies as it outlines their common strengths and weaknesses.”

DEUTSCHE BANK

Deutsche Bank has appointed Dr. Henry T. Azzam as the group’s regional chief executive officer for Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Azzam will join on May 1, 2007 and will be based in Dubai, reporting to Juergen Fitschen, group executive committee member and global head of regional management. The current CEO of the region, Ken Borda is retiring. Azzam is currently chief executive officer of Amwal Invest, a company he founded in May 2005 and has guided it through its first two years. He is also currently the chairman of Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX). Azzam was the CEO of Jordinvest (2001-2004), managing director of Middle East Capital Group (1998-2001), AGM and chief economist of the National Commercial Bank, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (1990-1998) and vice president and chief economist of Gulf International Bank, Bahrain (1983-1990).