Kuala Lumpur, 18 July 2024 – IRGA Sdn Bhd, a leading player in the agri-food sector, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Adeeb Ahmad as Advisor on Food Security, Fundraising and Investments. In this pivotal role, Mr. Ahmad will serve as an advisor to the Board, leveraging his extensive expertise to strengthen IRGA’s strategic initiatives in food security and investment.

Mr. Adeeb Ahmad brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in the agri-food sector. Notably, he was instrumental in setting up a US$350 million food security fund in collaboration with Rabobank, aimed at addressing critical food security challenges globally. His deep understanding of the intricacies of food security and his prowess in fundraising and investment strategies will be invaluable assets to IRGA as the company continues to expand its impact and reach.

About Adeeb Ahmad:

Mr. Ahmad’s illustrious career spans over 30 years, with the last 20 years in C-suite positions focusing on private equity, portfolio management, restructuring and turnaround, and M&A. His expertise covers sectors such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, basic industries, healthcare, food & agribusiness, financial, and real estate, primarily in MENA, Turkey, CIS, South, and Southeast Asia. His earlier career involved investment banking, project finance, and Islamic finance.

Professional Experience:

• Worked at multilateral, private equity boutiques, and reputed international financial institutions.
• Held board positions at public and private companies in power, transportation, healthcare, food & agribusiness, banking, and asset management sectors across several countries.
• Developed and managed several investment funds, formulated investment programs, policies, and processes, and led investment teams.
• Raised substantial investment commitments from regional SWFs, financial institutions, family offices, and international investors.
• Established and led investor relations and reporting functions.
• Originated and completed numerous investments – both greenfield and brownfield. Identified attractive opportunities through top-down research of trends and gaps, followed by rigorous evaluation and creative structuring.
• Proactively managed large and diversified portfolios of investee companies. Provided strategic oversight, created growth and M&A opportunities, led restructuring and turnaround, and enhanced value.
• Organized several attractive exits via private placements, IPOs, and secondary markets.
• Led successful M&A, IPO, project finance, privatization, fundraising, and other investment banking transactions in various sectors.
• Developed a deep understanding of regional trends, opportunities, risks, and competitive landscapes, with extensive knowledge of the private equity value chain.
• Built a network of relationships with leading public and private sector investors, international and regional operators, investment institutions and funds, banks, advisors, and consultants in the region.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chairman of IRGA Sdn Bhd stated:

“We are thrilled to welcome Adeeb Ahmad to our team. His unparalleled experience and proven leadership in food security and investments will be instrumental as we continue to pursue our mission of providing quality and sustainable innovation to the industry, government, and society. Adeeb’s insights and strategic guidance will undoubtedly enhance our efforts and drive our initiatives forward.” M R Chandran Adeeb Ahmad expressed his enthusiasm for joining IRGA, saying: “I am honored to join IRGA Sdn Bhd and look forward to contributing to the company’s vision and mission. IRGA is at the forefront of innovation in the agri-food sector, and I am excited to work with the Board and the entire team to further our goals in food security, fundraising, and investments.”

With Mr. Ahmad’s appointment, IRGA is poised to strengthen its leadership team and enhance its strategic capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to driving sustainable growth and innovation in the agri-food sector.