AFG International has appointed Sameer Jain as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2026. The Saudi retail company announced the appointment as it continues to implement its long term transformation strategy following Al Futtaim’s acquisition of a 49.95% stake in 2025.
Sameer Jain joins AFG International at a time when the company is focused on strengthening performance, improving customer experience, and driving growth across its retail portfolio. According to the company, the appointment supports the next phase of its transformation agenda and long term value creation plans.
Sameer Jain brings more than two decades of leadership experience
Sameer Jain has more than 20 years of experience across retail, consumer businesses, strategy, and transformation. Throughout his career, he has worked with organisations on growth, profitability, operational improvement, and business transformation.
Before joining AFG International, Jain served as Chief Executive Officer of New Business and Home Centre Middle East at Landmark Group. In that role, he led the strategic repositioning and transformation of the business. He also oversaw the development and scaling of new business ventures.
Earlier in his career, Jain held leadership and advisory positions at McKinsey & Company, A.T. Kearney, and Ernst & Young. During that time, he advised organisations on corporate strategy, operating model redesign, business transformation, and performance improvement.
Leadership transition supports transformation agenda
Hussein Shobokshi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at AFG International, said Jain brings extensive strategic and operational experience. Shobokshi said Jain’s background in business transformation and performance improvement will support the company’s ongoing transformation programme and growth objectives.
The company said it remains focused on operational excellence, customer focused innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable value creation. AFG International stated that Jain’s appointment aligns with these priorities as the business advances its long term plans.
Commenting on his appointment, Sameer Jain said: “It is a privilege to join AFG International at such an important moment in its journey. The company has a strong foundation, an exceptional portfolio of global brands, and a talented team. I look forward to working closely with our people, brand partners, customers, and shareholders as we continue strengthening performance, enhancing customer experiences, and unlocking new opportunities for growth across the Kingdom and beyond.”
AFG International’s retail footprint
AFG International describes itself as Saudi Arabia’s leading franchise retailer and the only listed business of its kind in the Middle East. The company opened its first store in 1991.
Today, AFG International operates 808 stores across 165 shopping malls in eight countries. Its retail platform covers approximately 332,000 square metres of gross leasable area. The company employs more than 7,000 people.
AFG International represents 47 brands across womenswear, children’s products, department stores, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, restaurants, and coffee shops.
The company also announced that Salim Fakhouri has resigned as Chief Executive Officer. AFG International thanked Fakhouri for his contributions and wished him success in his future endeavours.
