Saudi Arabian retailer Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair and Company has appointed Atul Singh, the former Asia Pacific region president for Coca Cola, as its new chief executive effective April 1.

The company move comes as Alhokair Fashion Retail continues to consolidate its position as the largest fashion retailer in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and the Caucasus region, said a statement from the company.

Singh will take over from outgoing CEO Simon Marshall, who has spent 10 years with Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair and Company.

During his tenure, Marshall oversaw the business’ growth as a global organisation through multiple expansions and acquisitions, as well as over 80 brand partnership with world-class retailers including Zara and Inditex, Aldo Group, Monsoon, Gap and Marks and Spencer's to name a few, stated the Saudi retailer.

Singh brings with him almost 20 years of experience from a global consumer product player, having joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1998 as vice-president (operations) at Coca-Cola, India division.

Prior to his current role, he was the group president for Asia Pacific region, responsible for operations of five business units: Greater China and Korea, India and Southwest Asia, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan and South Pacific, comprising 36 countries, said the company statement.

He has vast experience in managing key stakeholders, government relationship, mergers and acquisitions initiatives.

Singh led the franchise operations and key accounts group of the India division from 1998 to 2001. He then moved to China and served as the president of the East, Central and South China division. Under his leadership, mainland China operations were among the fastest growing Coca-Cola businesses, the statement added.

In September 2005, Singh took over as the president of Coca-Cola India and South West Asia Business Unit. Under his stewardship, Coca-Cola's business in India made strides in all facets of its operations, emerging amongst the top businesses in the Coca-Cola System Worldwide and delivering 32 consecutive quarters of growth.

With a truly global background, Singh’s previous experience includes key positions at The Colgate-Palmolive Company in Nigeria, Romania and US and Price Waterhouse in New York. As well as being current independent director on the board of Compass, Singh has lived and worked in the four continents of Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.

Lauding Marshall's contribution, group vice-president Dr Abdul Majeed Alhokair said: "With his support, the retail platform grew from its core market of Saudi Arabia to North America, Central Asia and Caucasus and North Africa."

“The talent of our people has always been at the heart of our success, in seeking out new international markets and to find new partners ready to entrust the growth of their brand with us.

"It's a responsibility Simon embraced with integrity and tenacity, and we wish him all the best in his new endeavours," he added.-TradeArabia News Service