EY, a London-based multinational professional services firm,declared Murad Al-Katib as the ‘EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017’. The Canadian is President and CEO, a board member and an executive committee member of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc.
EY honoured Murad with the title at a ceremony held in the Salle des Etoiles in Monaco. He beat 59 country winners from 49 different countries to win the title.
His journey goes back to 2003 when he started his company, AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. In a very short period of time, the company became the largest vertically integrated supply chain for lentils, chickpeas and peas across the globe.
After the business went public in 2007, revenue rose to $1.49bn and the company employed more than 2,000 persons across five continents. Thereafter, the company’s revenue went on taking an upward graph by an average of more than $100m each year for the past five years.
Receiving the award, Murad Al-Katib said, “I am deeply moved and honoured by the recognition of this award. AGT is committed to building a successful and sustainable business. By taking risks and rethinking the approach to my industry, we have grown the business responsibly and transformed Canada’s agricultural industry. I thank EY for the recognition on behalf of all of my colleagues who day in and day out are committed to our values and purpose.”
The Chair of the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year, Jim Nixon, who is the Chairman & CEO of Nixon Energy Investments, said: “The judging panel, with broad geographical and industry perspective, came to a unanimous decision after a vigorous, balanced and informed debate. Murad is an incredible entrepreneur who has demonstrated outstanding value creation, organisational reach and expansion. Through sustainable agricultural practices, he is making a positive impact on the global environment.”
Bryan Pearce, EY Global Leader – EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, said:“Murad started his entrepreneurial endeavour from scratch and now has revenues exceeding $1b. As with many successful entrepreneurs, Murad is able to grow his business by passionately communicating his vision to employees, suppliers and customers. Through supply chain innovation, he is leading the way in sustainable agriculture.”
Mark Weinberger, EY Global Chairman and CEO, said: “Through his vision and approach, Murad has transformed an industry and today leads a company which has seen exceptional growth in the last decade. He also demonstrates a clear purpose by embodying compassionate entrepreneurship, using his capabilities to make a positive impact by feeding millions and educating refugee families. Murad’s success and passion make him an exemplary EY World Entrepreneur of the Year winner.”