Agthia Group Welcomes Jeroen Nijs as Chief Financial Officer: A Strategic Move for Future Growth
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June 4, 2025 – In a noteworthy development within the region’s food and beverage sector, Agthia Group PJSC (referred to as “Agthia” or “the Group”) has announced the appointment of Jeroen Nijs as its new Group Chief Financial Officer. This strategic move is indicative of the company’s commitment to enhancing its financial infrastructure while simultaneously ushering in a period of significant transformation.
Jeroen Nijs brings with him an impressive portfolio of over 25 years of international leadership experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. His previous roles at globally recognized entities such as Flora Food Group, Mondelēz International, Danone, and PepsiCo underscore his robust background in the financial domain. Most recently, Nijs served as the Global Deputy CFO at the Flora Food Group, a prominent consumer packaged goods company valued at .5 billion. His tenure at Flora not only involved managing high-level financial responsibilities but also positioned him at the forefront of innovation, where he integrated AI-driven strategies into revenue growth management and oversaw performance improvements during a complex post-carve-out transition.
The appointment of Nijs comes at a vital juncture for Agthia, as the Group seeks to streamline its operations while fostering resilience and creating long-term value. Salmeen Al Ameri, the Managing Director and CEO of Agthia Group, articulated the significance of this transition by stating, “Jeroen joins Agthia at a key moment in our transformation journey, as we sharpen our focus on operational excellence, financial discipline, and long-term resilience.” Al Ameri’s endorsement of Nijs highlights the company’s intention to harness his global expertise and innovative approach to finance to facilitate a more agile and data-driven organization.
Nijs’ prior experiences at Mondelēz International are particularly noteworthy, where he held pivotal roles including Finance Director for Mergers and Acquisitions and Category CFO for the Meals business. His extensive background in overseeing asset management and treasury operations further solidifies his competence in navigating complex financial landscapes. Beyond his technical acumen, Nijs is recognized for his dedication to nurturing talent, having successfully built numerous high-performing finance teams throughout his career.
In his new role, Jeroen expressed enthusiasm for leading Agthia through this transformative phase. He stated, “It is a privilege to join Agthia at such a pivotal time. The Group’s ambitious vision and clear sense of purpose resonate strongly with my own values as a finance leader, as well as my passion for combining purpose with performance.” His commitment to a customer-centric approach illustrates the Group’s objective to resonate more profoundly on the global FMCG platform while driving sustainable and profitable growth.
Another critical aspect of this leadership transition is the role played by Hala Hobeiche Katounas, who served as the Group’s Interim CFO since January 2025. Under her stewardship, Agthia navigated various challenges while preparing for this pivotal appointment. Hobeiche will now resume her responsibilities as the Head of Mergers and Acquisitions, a role that will continue to leverage her expertise in identifying and capitalizing on strategic opportunities.
Agthia’s decision to bring in a seasoned professional like Nijs reflects a broader trend within the FMCG industry, where companies are increasingly prioritizing digital transformation and operational agility as key drivers for growth. As consumer behavior evolves and markets become more competitive, the importance of solid financial governance cannot be overstated.
In conclusion, the strategic appointment of Jeroen Nijs as Chief Financial Officer marks a defining moment for Agthia Group as it embarks on an ambitious journey towards transformation, emphasizing operational excellence and long-term resilience. The leadership of both Al Ameri and Nijs is poised to shape Agthia’s future, ensuring that it not only remains a leader in the food and beverage space but also adapitates effectively in an ever-changing global market.
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This article highlights the foresight and strategic planning necessary within the ever-evolving business landscape, thereby providing insight for stakeholders interested in the dynamics of corporate transitions within the GCC region and beyond.