Malek Inja is a seasoned professional with a solid 30 years of experience in Management, Sales, Business Development and Marketing. In 2020, Malek moved to Saudi Arabia, after having spent 28 years in Dubai, taking on the position of Managing Director for one of the leading Foodservices companies, Specialized Food Services (SFS), a company of the Basamh Group. In his role, Malek transformed the company to become more agile in answering the changing needs of the market, building people’s capabilities, increased overall Service levels and grew sales YOY by more than 30%, doubling the business in 3 years. Malek is also a member of the Group’s “Inorganic Growth Committee” and is currently leading on a major potential JVs part of the Group Inorganic Growth strategy. Since 2018, Malek moved back to the Corporate World with Fonterra (after having spent the last 9 years running his own business), managing their Foodservice Business in CAMEA region. In 2012 Malek founded “Cherrypik”, an FMCG trading and distribution company dedicated to servicing the MEA region. The Company sets up full-fledged operating Foodservice distribution companies in partnership with key local players with the objective to fill the gap of the fragmented and inconsistent Foodservice markets. In 2016 it launched “HORECA Kenya Ltd” in Kenya and Saman Soor ME in Iran, launching International brands such as Perrier, Monin, Neuhauser, Lamb Weston, Anchor, among others. In 2013 Cherrypik LTD launched "a local UAE distribution company" in partnership with Bidvest ME. The newly established company was dedicated to servicing the UAE retail market with the aim of focusing on “New”, “Different” and “Innovative”. In July 2015, Cherrypik LTD sold its 40% stake in the JV to Bidvest.
Malek also founded and managed "Imagine", a company launched in 2009, with the aim to help companies develop their business and make recommendations on market entries and strategic Marketing tools. Some of Imagine’s clients included large Multinational FMCG’s such as Campbell’s Soup Company as well as large regional companies such as Dubai Holding, Shuaa Capital and Abu Dhabi Technology and Development Committee (TDC). Malek was also the Group Chief Marketing Officer of "Dubai Holding" the largest business conglomerate in the UAE responsible for the brand building and management of the multi-industry company that spans numerous industries including Hospitality, Finance, Real Estate, Entertainment and Leisure among others. Malek was later appointed Managing Director and SVP Sales & Marketing at Dubai Event Management Corporation (DEMC), which was part of the Dubai Government and tasked to position Dubai as a “Cultural” and “Sports” Hub through global Events. Malek co-founded and managed his own business “HORECA Trade” in Food Services, with the exclusive business development and distribution rights in the UAE for many global brands including “Unilever” and “Nestle Premium Waters”. In 2005, HORECA Trade was 80% acquired by "Bidvest", an International services, trading and distribution company, listed on the JSE in South Africa. Prior to that, Malek successfully managed a range of FMCG products. With Kraft Foods, Malek acted as the Head of Innovations, recommending and implementing Innovations strategies and programs as well as developing Business Propositions for Innovations utilizing relevant financial and business assumptions. As Area Manager with Danone, Malek was responsible for managing and developing the business, supporting 7 local distributors / partners in enhancing their structures and distribution strategies. Malek has an International Business degree from the USA, is happily married and a father of 3 daughters.