(Toronto, 23 November 2016) Murad Al-Katib, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. (AGT Foods) (TSE: AGT) – one of the world’s largest suppliers of pulses, or legume seeds, in the world – is this year’s Canadian EY Entrepreneur Of The Year.
“Murad’s entrepreneurial spirit has had an impact that stretches way beyond his company and his employees,” says François Tellier, EY partner and National Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director. “His work has created a far-reaching ripple effect that has revived the pulse industry and made a big impact on Saskatchewan’s economy at the same time. What Murad has been able to achieve in a relatively short time is nothing short of inspiring.”
The independent panel of judges was impressed with Murad’s perseverance and passion for his business. AGT Foods started production in 2003, when Murad learned of how many pulses were grown in the province of Saskatchewan. Slowly, he expanded his business to the best pulse growing regions in the US, Turkey, Australia, China and South Africa. The company went public in 2007 and, because of the increased demand for the products, AGT Foods now ships to more than 120 countries around the world.
Since the company’s inception, the idea of giving back to the communities where AGT Foods operates has been embedded in the company’s DNA. AGT Foods continuously works to bring food to those who need it internationally and in Canada.
“We’re honoured to award Murad the title of Canadian EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016,” says Tellier. “And we’re excited to have him represent Canada in Monaco next June, alongside impressive entrepreneurs from around the world.”
Murad accepted the award at a black-tie ceremony in Toronto last night. The event marked the culmination of five regional galas that drew more than 5,000 attendees nationwide. Regional winners Murad competed against are:
Atlantic: David Ford and Andrew Steeves of BioScript Pharmacy Ltd.
Quebec: Gilbert Rozon of Just for Laughs
Ontario: Steven K. Hudson of Element Financial Corporation (TSX: EFN) (TSX:ECN)
Pacific: Dr. Allen Eaves of STEMCELL Technologies Inc.
Across Canada, there were 201 finalists, 66 award winners, 3 Family Business of Excellence recipients, and 3 Social Entrepreneur Special Citation recipients. The 201 finalists employ more than 41,000 people in Canada and have combined revenues of over $16 billion.
Next up, Murad will compete with more than 50 other country winners for EY’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year award in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on 8-12 June, 2017.
[Ernst & Young, November 23, 2016]
