Air cargo handler SAL Saudi Logistics Services has appointed Eng. Hesham bin Abdulla Alhussayen (pictured) as acting chief executive officer.

He was previously chief operations officer and replaces Omar Hariri, who will move on to Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) as CEO effective July 1.

“Eng. Hesham Alhussayen has gained the trust of the board and has over 25 years of experience holding leadership positions at multiple prominent Saudi companies,” said SAL chairman Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Fawaz. “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 also expressed gratitude to Hariri. “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.”

Hariri commented: “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 calibre 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.”