Mondelēz appoints Ziad Abla as MD for Saudi Arabia
Mondelēz International terms this appointment as a strategic leadership change as it will reinforce its long term commitment to the Kingdom and support growth across retail and foodservice channels.
SAUDI ARABIA – Mondelēz International, the global snacking powerhouse behind Oreo, Cadbury, and Milka, has appointed Ziad Abla as Managing Director of its operations in Saudi Arabia, effective immediately, to spearhead growth in one of its key Middle East markets.
A 25-year company veteran with deep expertise across the Middle East, Africa, Turkey, and emerging markets, Abla steps up from his prior role as Managing Director for Gulf & Developing Markets (GDM), where he drove double-digit growth, market share gains, and accelerated digital commerce.
In his new position, Abla will craft a clear vision for Mondelēz Arabia, expanding categories like biscuits, chocolates, and snacks while deepening retailer partnerships and elevating supply chain agility to meet surging consumer demand.
Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, he prioritizes developing local talent, enhancing governance, implementing sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy, and driving operational excellence to build a future-ready organization.
He will also oversee supply chain performance to ensure agility, reliability, and excellence across the value chain, supporting market demand, customer and consumer expectations, and the company’s long-term growth ambition.
His focus remains on unlocking new growth opportunities, enhancing commercial excellence, and shaping a more locally empowered and future-ready organization.
“Saudi Arabia is a market of immense opportunity, and I am honored to lead Mondelēz Arabia at such a pivotal time,” Abla stated, committing to investments in people and sustainable growth.
Mondelēz Arabia thrives amid the Kingdom’s US$10 billion confectionery and bakery sector boom, fueled by population growth, tourism, and premiumization trends favoring indulgent yet health-conscious snacks.
Abla’s track record in commercial performance and high-performing teams positions the unit for expanded market penetration, from impulse buys in hypermarkets to e-commerce innovations.
The appointment underscores Mondelēz’s long-term bet on Saudi Arabia as a growth engine, leveraging localized strategies amid regional F&B investments topping US$5 billion annually.
This leadership shift reinforces Mondelēz’s agility in a competitive landscape, blending global scale with local empowerment.
The move signals bolder category leadership, promising richer snacking experiences for Saudi consumers while advancing economic diversification goals.
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