The Kanoo Group bids farewell to outgoing Chief Financial Officer P.S. Ganapathi

Dubai, UAE: A chapter of The Kanoo Group’s history was inscribed on Tuesday 8th May 2018, when members of The Kanoo Group bid farewell to veteran CFO PS Ganapathi who is retiring after over four decades of working for the company. For the group, he is considered part of the Family.

Mr. P.S. Ganapathi (left) receives a token
of appreciation from Mr. Mishal Kanoo

At the farewell tribute held at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel in Bur Dubai, Mr. Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of The Kanoo Group took deep breaths and appeared emotional as he delivered his wonderful speech for the outgoing CFO, in the presence of department heads, joint venture partners, and staff.

He said, “I’m tremendously grateful for all the hard work and the many sacrifices you’ve made for The Kanoo Group. Working with you has made my time with the company nothing short of a privilege. You are like a rock where I could always put my ship to anchor and not worry. Now that you are retiring, I feel sad and happy at the same time. Sad to see you go, but happy that you will finally be spending time with your direct family. After all, we are a family business. And family is the most important aspect of our lives.”

“You have been a great colleague, partner, peer, and a great mentor to your team. From the bottom of my heart and from all your family over here, I wish you a beautiful, happy, enjoyable retirement,” he added.

Mr. PS Ganapathi would be delegating his duties and responsibilities to Mr. Badri Ramaswamy, General Manager – Finance and Accounts, whom Mr. Mishal Kanoo described as ‘trained and groomed well by Mr. Ganapathi, with big shoes to fill in and would surely do a superb job.’

See also: The Kanoo Group honoured by MOHRE for supporting Emiratisation policy

Mr. Bob Curtis, CEO and Mr. Fahad Kanoo, Executive Director in the UAE & Oman also expressed their sincerest thanks to Mr. PS Ganapathi for being a part of The Kanoo Group family. Mr. Bob Curtis said that despite professional differences at times, it has been great working with Mr. Ganapathi. Mr. Fahad Kanoo said that during his relatively short tenure with the company, he has learnt a lot from him.

Left to right: Mr. Fahad Kanoo, Mr. P.S. Ganapathi, Mr. Mishal Kanoo, Mr. Bob Curtis

Mrs. Parvati Ganapathi (1st right) delivers message to her husband at the farewell party

Mr. Sean Bradley, the Managing Director of Freightworks recollected his long association with Mr. Ganapathi even before he joined Freightworks and acknowledged that Mr. Ganapathi has always helped and supported him whenever required. A number of employees as well gave their warm wishes and personal tribute messages to the retiring CFO.

In his parting speech, Mr. Ganapathi said, “The journey has been very exciting. It has been a great responsibility heading the finance and accounts division of a large company like The Kanoo Group with its many joint ventures. I believe I was able to deliver what was expected of me due to the cooperation of all concerned.”

Mr. Sean Bradley, Managing Director
Freightworks 

He recalled how he has been a part of the growth of this organization from strength to strength over the years. He added that it was a privilege to have worked closely with the ex-Chairmen and UAE’s founding father Mr. Hamed Kanoo and also the ex-Chairman Mr. Yusuf Kanoo. He added that he had no words to thank the present Chairman Mr. Mishal Kanoo, for the trust and confidence reposed in him and for his unstinted support. He also acknowledged the affection shown by Mrs. Lulwa Kanoo, Miss Maha Kanoo and Mr. Bassem Kanoo. Mr. Ganapathi also thanked Mr. Fahad Kanoo, Mr. Mohamed Kanoo and Mr. Bob Curtis for the excellent association he had with them.

See also: P.S. Ganapathi recognised by Forbes Middle East among Top Indian leaders: Top CFOs in the Arab World 2014

Mrs. Parvati Ganapathi was requested to say a few words about her husband. In her heart-warming speech, she said: “I believe that each and every one of us is blessed with great qualities, talents and abilities and it rests with us to discover, tap and develop them in order to achieve maximum success in life, mental peace and contentment.”

 “I partially agree that ‘behind every man’s success there is a woman’. I believe Ganapathi has been blessed with great qualities ... no doubt about it ... the deep understanding and patience, a positive attitude towards life and to fellow human beings in general. He has a big heart and is never judgmental. He is a thorough gentleman. On a personal note, Ganapathi is an awesome dad to our girls. ” she remarked.

Mr. Ganapathi thanked each and every one of his colleagues for their love and support and urged his colleagues to keep up the hard work for the continued growth of the organization. He wished them and their families a bright and happy future.

P.S. Ganapathi is a qualified Chartered Management Accountant from the U.K. and India and has been in charge of accounting and financial functions of The Kanoo Group in the UAE & Oman for the last several years. He has held various senior positions and has been a Member of the UAE & Oman Board and a Director of The Kanoo Group and some of the joint venture companies.

See also: The Kanoo Group honours Accounts Employees at farewell party 

Some of Mr. Ganapathi’s remarkable achievements were being placed in the second spot at the Forbes Middle East’s list of Top Indian CFOs in the Arab World in 2014, and also one of the Top 50 Indian Business Executives in the Arab World  in 2017.

Visit The Kanoo Group website to see more photos of the event.

New training facility targets business needs

Dubai, UAE: Power Systems Gulf LLC (PSG), a member of The Kanoo Group, a strategic business unit and the appointed distributor for Perkins in the Gulf Region opened the doors to their new Training facility for Perkins products in The Kanoo Group Jebel Ali facility on 5^th November 2014, ushering in a generation of advanced product innovation and accelerated learning, to benefit Perkins customers, dealers and end-users in the region.

Gracing the event, Mr. Bob Curtis, CEO, The Kanoo Group – UAE & Oman said, "Investing in knowledge-based capabilities will help us expand our commitment to provide the most innovative systems and approach to better serve our consumers and to continuously aim for global standards.

Bob Curtis, CEO, The Kanoo Group - UAE & Oman (left) and
David Brady, Global Training Coordinator - Perkins UK

The training facility includes a dedicated classroom and conference area to hold up to 20 participants each at a time, as well as indoor office and practical area equipped with modern devices, tools and systems to expedite leading-edge engineering, product and process learning development. Trainees get hands-on training on disassembly / assembly of engines and study the performance characteristics, diagnostics and fault-finding of a running engine. For those who successfully complete the courses, completion Certificates from Perkins will be issued online. 

PSG Technical & Training Manager Shaik Rahim has demonstrated that he delivers training to the highest standards that are expected by Perkins. He is currently coaching and mentoring Service Engineer Shiju Thomas to become a trainer.

The full-fledged PSG Regional Training facility will be home to OEMs, OEM Dealers, their customers and other end-users of Perkins engines to address the market needs in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Yemen for highest quality service and product support through knowledge gained methodically and working with latest technical information on products.

Mr. Shaik Rahim said, “The plan to eventually create an exclusive Training facility for Perkins products was realized after studying the growing demands for product support requirements based on the number of Perkins engines entering the market every year. This project was implemented as part of Perkins strategy to grow and sustain 'Best in class' Distribution network.”

Perkins engine

Following the event, Mr. David Brady, Perkins Global Training Coordinator assessed the entire facility as well as the trainers. He spent 3 days at the company’s product training and observed the training courses being run that demonstrated all sorts of application scenarios which tested the skills and knowledge of trainers and evaluated their training performances, with a view to eventually certify the training facility as meeting global standards documented by the Perkins Training Guild.

During the final meeting, the Perkins Global Training Coordinator has reaffirmed Mr. Rahim’s status as a District Trainer. He likewise confirmed Mr. Thomas as a certified Perkins District Trainer and commented on his considerable progress from his last assessment and gave remarks on his potential to grow further. He lastly noted of certain key actions to be completed to reach the global standards for the facility for certain models of engines, which PSG should be able to complete by the end of this year.

Mr. Krishna Warrier, Sales and Marketing Manager; Mr. Karthik Harsha, Parts Analyst; Mr. Reuben Dias, Engine Sales & Applications Engineer and Mr. Mohammed Suhail, Regional Parts Sales Coordinator, also members of the PSG Team, took part in the success of the event.

Concisely, Power Systems Gulf will continue to provide excellence and to look after regional training and distribution strategy, the commercial operation and management of the Perkins engines distribution sales development and product support capability across the Gulf region.

Left to right: Reuben Dias (Engine Sales & Applications Engineer), Shiju Thomas (Service Engineer), Mohammed Suhail (Regional Parts Sales Coordinator), Shaikh Rahim (Technical Support & Training Manager), David Brady (Global Training Coordinator from Perkins UK), Krishna Warrier (Sales & Marketing Manager) & Karthik Harsha (Parts Analyst)

Acknowledgements:

This project has been completed on time and to the expected standards because of the efforts and support of the following team members.

Girisha Siddappa – Property Department – for his excellent coordination, support and the choice of the Contractor, WMI Constructions, who is very professional and accommodating at the same time

Anil Kumar – IT Department – for providing input from inception, giving us a ‘near future-proof’ technology setup

Ali Islim - Marketing Department – and his team member Ramesh Varakkoth, for coordinating and implementing the branding and signage

Issam Al Zammer – Communications Department – for coordinating and ensuring smooth transfer of phone lines into the new office

Hameed Hussain – Legal Department – for promptly supporting the team with all the required documentation

Thank you for your support. We are indeed proud to be associated with such knowledgeable, proactive and professional team members.

The Kanoo Group on Golf Tournament: It’s for charity

The annual McDermott Charity Golf Classic tournament raises fund to support local charities

Dubai, UAE – March 25, 2013: The Kanoo Group supported a major charitable initiative as a Platinum Sponsor in the 21^st McDermott Charity Golf Classic held on March 14, 2013 at The Els Club, Dubai Sports City. The organizers recognized the need for sports more than ever, combined with philanthropic focus which drew corporate clients for a challenging tournament.

Since its inception in 1992, this annual golf tournament has grown significantly and has received great sponsorship support from various local and international clients. Its goal is to raise funds for local charity institutions mainly the Dubai Center for Special Needs (DCSN).

The Dubai Center for Special Needs is a non-profit organization that provides the highest standards of service in specialized education and therapy for children with various disabilities. It is a caring environment, largely dependent on the generosity of the local communities and corporations.  Its aim is to provide each and every one of its students the key to a positive life, thereby "Lighting the path to a brighter future".

In the early eighties, the idea of establishing a Center to serve the needs of individuals with special needs took form. With an aim to raise funds, DCSN faces each day with a hope that more members of the community will step forward to offer their support.

McDermott Charity Golf Classic hosted a ‘Shrimp Boil’ in Dubai Offshore Sailing Club as an opening for the Charity Auction. It was followed by the golf tournament back at The Els Club. Teams were selected from various entries with the aim to balance the handicaps of all teams during the process.

The event ended with Awards Dinner wherein three team winners were presented with engraved trophies for First, Second, Third Place respectively; while prizes were also given for the ‘Golf Competition Hole Prizes’ for excellent performers in the 18 holes.

Mr. Bob Curtis, CEO - UAE & Oman graced the event on behalf of The Kanoo Group as a major sponsor.

About The Kanoo Group

‘The Kanoo Group’ is one of the largest, independent, family-owned groups of companies in the Gulf region established in 1890. It has diversified business industries in shipping, travel, machinery, engineering, logistics, property, oil & gas, power, industrial chemicals, training, joint ventures, retail and commercial activities, among others, and operates extensively throughout Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen and Qatar.

Our Vision

The Leading Family Business in the Region and Beyond

Our Mission 

Delivering Sustainable Excellence

Our Values 

Customer Focused, Ethical, Innovative, Agile, Competent & Intelligent, Collaborative, Accountable

P.O. Box 290, Dubai, UAE. Toll Free: 800 KANOO, Fax: 04-3933636, Websites: www.kanoo.com /www.kanoogroup.com 

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Michelle Laylo Verzola

PR Executive

The Kanoo Group