World Retail Congress Welcomes Mohammed Alshaya to Hall of Fame

13 Sep 2015

Membership celebrates Mohammed Alshaya’s contribution to the global retail industry

The World Retail Congress this week recognised the significant contribution that Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M. H. Alshaya Co. has made to the development of the global retail industry. At a special ceremony in Italy, Mr Alshaya was formally inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame and recognised for his role in developing a dynamic modern retail culture in the Middle East.

Mr Alshaya, and his four fellow 2015 inductees from the USA, Chile and South Africa, were welcomed as members of the Hall of Fame at a private ceremony in Rome during the World Retail Congress which took place from 8th to 10th September.

The World Retail Hall of Fame is an integral part of the World Retail Congress – an annual event that was founded in 2007 as a platform for senior leaders to come together to discuss the major issues and trends affecting the industry. It recognises the lifetime achievements of legends, pioneers and entrepreneurs who have changed the way the world perceives and interacts with retail. Each year, new names from around the world are inducted into the Hall of Fame which includes a roll call of more than 100 retailers who have helped create modern retailing around the globe.

M.H. Alshaya Co. is the retail business of the Alshaya Group, which was founded in Kuwait in 1890 and today represents one of the most dynamic companies in the Middle East. In addition to its retail operations, the Alshaya Group is active in a number of other sectors including real estate, automotive, hotels, trading and investments. From one store in Kuwait, the portfolio of leading international brands it operates has grown to include over 70 brands and 3,000 stores in markets across the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe.

In announcing the award, Ian McGarrigle, Chairman World Retail Congress, said:
“Mohammed Alshaya is highly respected by retailers around the world and is widely acknowledged for the strong brand partnerships he has established. His approach has helped to drive Alshaya’s growth, not only across the Middle East but also in North Africa, Turkey, Russia and Europe, and has seen Alshaya become one of the world’s leading retail franchise businesses.”

Commenting, Mohammed Alshaya said:
“Inclusion in the World Retail Hall of Fame is a great honour for me, for our family business and for the 44,000 people who work at Alshaya. Retail is the most exciting industry in the world, constantly evolving and delivering new opportunities for growth. I have been privileged to be part of that evolution, partnering with some of the world’s greatest retail brands to help develop a modern retailing culture in the Middle East and beyond which has delivered exciting new choices to customers and created many thousands of job opportunities.”