Sami Al Safran

Sami Al Safran served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Middle East Paper Co. (MEPCO) from 2004 until his retirement effective June 13, 2024, having requested to step down after more than twenty years with the company. Following his resignation, the Board appointed him as an advisor to the Board. Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Al Safran led MEPCO to become the Middle East and Africa's leading vertically-integrated paper manufacturer.

Al Safran holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining MEPCO in 2004, he worked as Director-Technical at Arab Paper Manufacturing Co. Ltd. from 1997 to 2000, and held positions of Technical Manager, Consultant, and Project Manager in different paper mills throughout the region.

In 2017, Al Safran was recognized as one of the Arab World's top 100 CEOs at the Arab Best Awards, and in 2019 he was awarded the Personality of the Year Award by Waste and Recycling Middle East. Under his leadership, MEPCO achieved 700% sales growth over 15 years, increased market share to exceed 20% of the Saudi market, and expanded its export footprint to cover more than 50 countries. He served as Vice Chairman for the Higher Institute for Paper and Industrial Technologies (HIPIT), a training institute educating young Saudi professionals in paper technology.

Career History

• President & Chief Executive Officer, Middle East Paper Co. (MEPCO) — 2004–2024
• Director-Technical, Arab Paper Manufacturing Co. Ltd. — 1997–2000
• Technical Manager, Consultant, and Project Manager roles across regional paper mills

What Sami Al Safran could bring to a future executive role: Based on his documented track record, Al Safran brings deep expertise in large-scale operational scaling, having driven MEPCO's 700% sales growth and expanded its presence across 50+ countries. His demonstrated commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership, evidenced by multiple industry awards, positions him well to lead manufacturing organizations navigating the energy transition. His background in developing regional industry infrastructure through his work with the Arab Federation for Paper, Printing & Packaging Industries suggests capability in building strategic partnerships and elevating institutional standards within fragmented markets.