Middle East Paper Company (MEPCO) has appointed Talal Faraj Arkook as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, effective immediately in Saudi Arabia.
Arkook brings more than 24 years of leadership experience in human capital development, organisational transformation and talent management. His appointment comes as MEPCO continues to focus on strengthening its people strategy and performance culture.
The company welcomed Arkook to the Group and said his experience would support its broader strategic objectives.
“We are pleased to welcome Talal Arkook to MEPCO Group as Chief Human Resources Officer,” the company said in a statement.
Talal Arkook to strengthen MEPCO’s people strategy
In his new role, Arkook will lead efforts to strengthen MEPCO’s people strategy. He will also focus on enhancing the Group’s performance culture and supporting its wider business objectives.
“Talal brings more than 24 years of leadership experience in human capital development, organisational transformation, and talent management across diverse sectors,” MEPCO said.
The company added that it looked forward to his contribution towards empowering employees and strengthening its organisational culture.
“We wish him every success and look forward to his contributions in empowering our people, strengthening our performance culture, and supporting the Group’s strategic objectives,” MEPCO said.
Arkook joins MEPCO after senior HR roles across Saudi Arabia
Before joining MEPCO, Arkook served as Human Resource Vice President and CHRO at NADEC Foods.
Prior to that, he spent five years as Group CHRO at Basamh Trading & Industries Group. During this period, he gained further experience in leading human resources and organisational initiatives.
Earlier, Arkook held several senior positions at Nahdi Medical Company. These included Senior Director of Human Resources and HR Director for organisational development, talent planning and sourcing.
His responsibilities at Nahdi covered workforce planning, organisation design, compensation and benefits, employer branding and talent sourcing.
Moreover, his work included initiatives aimed at reducing employee turnover and strengthening Saudisation. He also supported efforts to increase the recruitment of Saudi women and pharmacists.
Previous experience includes Panda Retail Company
Earlier in his career, Arkook held HR leadership roles at Panda Retail Company, which is part of Savola Group.
His responsibilities covered employee relations, administration, medical services, staffing and performance management. In addition, he worked in HR business partnering roles.
This experience has given Arkook a broad understanding of workforce management across several industries in Saudi Arabia.
Arkook succeeds former MEPCO Group CHRO Maan Fatani
Arkook succeeds Maan Fatani, who previously served as Group CHRO and Vice President of HR & Shared Services at MEPCO. Fatani stepped down from the role last year.
The appointment marks a new leadership transition for MEPCO’s human resources function.
More broadly, the move comes as organisations across Saudi Arabia continue to invest in workforce transformation, talent development and stronger organisational cultures. Companies are also placing greater focus on building leadership teams that can support long-term business and people strategies.
