The Kanoo Group’s Maryam Al Haddad gets retirement after 21 years of service

Dubai, UAE: For some people, the key to successful retirement means living out their golden years by accepting changes and finding meaningful activities to start fresh with a new beginning. That holds true for Ms. Maryam Al Haddad, after bidding goodbye to The Kanoo Group, her second home for the last 21 years.

Maryam Al Haddad honoured during a retirement tribute held The Kanoo Group Headquarters in Dubai 

In the Farewell event organised by Ms. Maryam Al Busaidy, HR Manager (Employee Services & Emiratisation ─ UAE & Oman), Ms. Maha Kanoo, General Manager – UAE & Oman (HR & Marketing) graced the occasion including Maryam al Haddad’s colleagues & friends who gathered to express their retirement wishes held on 7th November 2019 at The Kanoo Group Headquarters in Dubai.

Ms. Maha Kanoo said, “Maryam has been with us for decades and has successfully pioneered to be the first female UAE national retiree at The Kanoo Group. I am grateful for her commitment to having served the best long-term interests of the company. With such an employee, The Kanoo Group continues to stand firm through the test of time.”

“She always comes by to say, ‘Hi’ and asks, ‘how are you doing?’ She is the type of person who doesn’t whine and come to you with the problem. She is that person who works ‘through’ her problem - which demonstrates her strength and positivity,” she recalled.

“I am so proud to be a part of a reputable and legendary company which has been established since 1890 – one of the largest and longest-running family business across the Middle East and beyond,” Maryam Al Haddad expressed.

She laments that it’s difficult to bear the thought of leaving friends and the entire community behind, most especially the Kanoo family she considers not just as employers but as a real family. Nevertheless, she also contemplated that retirement is also an adventure and can be a perfect time to redirect herself on doing things she once loved (but lacked the time to do so) ─hobbies like fishing and travelling, and focusing on health and wellness, and spending more time with her loved ones.

“It saddens us to see you go. But you have a great and vibrant life ahead of you. We congratulate you on your retirement and wish you the best of luck in the future,” Ms. Maryam Al Busaidy, HR Manager - Employee Services & Emiratisation (UAE & Oman) said.

See also: Kanoo Travel named best corporate travel company in the Middle East

Mr. Mohammad Tariq, HR Manager – UAE & Oman added, “Maryam is always lively and full of energy. She inspires a lot of people around, that’s why it’s hard to find someone to ‘fit into the big shoes’ of her.”

Ms Al Haddad summarised, “For some reason, our society is very obsessed in pointing out the negative aspects of ageing. Yes, it is not always easy, but our attitude toward life matters a lot. With a positive perspective, we grow old with astounding grace, then confidently retire with a peace of mind all after.”

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

“Always remember that we are a group of select survivors – we have overcome the struggles and storms of life and workplace trials. We age with wisdom, resilience and mature understanding. These values are our priceless reward and accomplishment.”

Maryam Al Haddad has been a staff of Kanoo Shipping for over 2 decades and has served her duties well especially the local clientele. She has been a great role model and inspiration for the younger generation for her positive outlook, work ethic and commitment. The Kanoo Group wishes her all the best.

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

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.