Murad Al-Katib, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc., and a Member of the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), has been named Canadian EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016.
The Saskatoon-based entrepreneur, whose company is one of the largest suppliers of pulses, or legume seeds, in the world, began production with AGT Foods in 2003. He expanded his business to pulse-growing regions in the U.S., Turkey, Australia, China and South Africa before taking his company public in 2007. AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. now ships to more than 120 countries around the world with revenues exceeding C$1.4 billion in 2014.
“This prestigious award is richly deserved,” said David Emerson, Chair of APF Canada. “Murad’s strategic thinking and financial acumen have positively impacted Saskatchewan’s economy, and helped bring a vital protein to those who need it internationally, particularly in the Asia Pacific.”
Added APF Canada President and CEO Stewart Beck: “Murad has taken a regional agri-food company and turned it into a global powerhouse in a few short years. This award recognizes the passion and perseverance that made that happen. I know I speak for the entire Board when I say, ‘Congrats, Murad. And well done.’”
The award ceremony in Toronto Tuesday marked the culmination of five regional galas that drew more than 5,000 attendees nationwide. Murad will now compete for the EY world title in Monaco next June.
