25 May 2016
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Yousef Abdullah Al- Benyan, the Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of SABIC, has been elected as the Chairman of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), it was announced today. He was previously the Vice- Chairman of the GPCA and will assume his role effective immediately, taking over from Rashed Saud Al Shamsi, former Petrochemicals Director at ADNOC. 

"With unique experience spanning the Middle East, the Americas and the Far East, Yousef Al- Benyan possesses inimitable skills that have served him well in his position as CEO of one of the world's largest petrochemical companies," said Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA. "His knowledge, cross- functional expertise and deep understanding of the industry will help the GPCA steer the industry into the next stage of its evolution."

With nearly 30 years' experience, Al-Benyan has been in his current role at SABIC since February of last year. He took over this post from Mohamed Al-Mady, who appointed as the Chairman of the General Organization for Military Industries in Saudi Arabia. Al-Mady also served as the Chairman of the GPCA from 2006-2015.

"With regional governments--like Saudi Arabia with its 2030 National Development Plan-- identifying petrochemicals as a key component of their diversification, steady hands like Al- Benyan's will be crucial in realizing the sector's potential," continued Dr. Al-Sadoun.

Abdulaziz Al Hajri, ADNOC's newly appointed Director of Refining & Petrochemicals assumes the role of Vice- Chairman of the GPCA, with Qatar Vinyl Company's (QVC) CEO Hamad Al Nuaimi assuming the role of Treasurer.

The GPCA, now in its 11th year of existence, represents the downstream industry in the Arabian Gulf region. Since its inception, membership has grown to include 250 companies from the chemical sector and its supporting industries. The association's full members accounts for over 95% of the petrochemical output in the GCC by volume. The association runs six world-class events each year, and advocates for the common interests of GCC's petrochemicals industry.

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About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) represents the downstream hydrocarbon industry in the Arabian Gulf. Established in 2006, the association voices the common interests of more than 250 member companies from the chemical and allied industries, accounting for over 95% of chemical output in the Gulf region. The industry makes up the second largest manufacturing sector in the region, producing up to US$108 billion worth of products a year.

The association supports the region's petrochemical and chemical industry through advocacy, networking and thought leadership initiatives that help member companies to connect, to share and advance knowledge, to contribute to international dialogue, and to become prime influencers in shaping the future of the global petrochemicals industry.

Committed to providing a regional platform for stakeholders from across the industry, the GPCA manages six working committees - Plastics, Supply Chain, Fertilizers, International Trade, Research and Innovation, and Responsible Care - and organizes six world-class events each year. The association also publishes an annual report, regular newsletters and reports.

For more information, please visit www.gpca.org.ae

Contact:
Sophia-Lara Abdulla                                                                                          Naafia Mattoo 
Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association                                        ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
P. O. Box 123055,                                                                                               info@asdaa.com
Dubai,                                                                                                                    T: +9714-4507600                             
United Arab Emirates                                                                                         E: Naafia.mattoo@bm.com
T: + 9714 451 0666  begin_of_the_skype_highlighting
E: communications@gpca.org.ae

© Press Release 2016