“Every day, I try to meet as many people as possible.”

These words perfectly capture the essence of Junaid Sadiq, General Manager for FrieslandCampina’s MENA region. With over two decades of experience spanning multiple countries, Junaid’s leadership journey is a testament to purpose-driven ambition and an unwavering commitment to people. His dynamic approach combines professional success with empowering others, grounded in resilience and collaboration, making him an inspiring force within the organization. Junaid’s journey with FrieslandCampina began in 2012 as Head of Shopper Marketing. Through dedication and excellence, he rapidly climbed the ranks, taking on leadership roles across Malaysia and the Netherlands. These international experiences played a transformative role in shaping his leadership philosophy. "The exposure to different cultures and business environments has played a huge role in shaping my leadership style," Junaid shares

Opportunity for Growth

One of the defining moments in his career came during the financial crisis of 2022. Leading a cost recovery strategy, Junaid turned a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth and innovation. This success story epitomizes his ability to lead through adversity, creating a culture that embraces resilience and thrives under pressure. “What started as a crisis became an opportunity for growth and innovation,” he recalls, reflecting on the foresight and determination that drive his decision-making. From delivering premium nutrition to affordable solutions, his vision aligns seamlessly with the company’s goal of nourishing communities across the MENA region. "It’s a compass that influences every decision we make," he explains.

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Resilient by Nature

Junaid draws inspiration from resilience, entrepreneurship, and collaboration—qualities that he not only embodies but instills in his teams. "Resilience is about thriving through challenges, entrepreneurship is about identifying opportunities in adversity, and collaboration ensures we succeed together," he emphasizes.

Nourishing Future Leaders

Junaid’s leadership philosophy goes beyond achieving business results; it’s about developing future leaders. "It’s not just about business results; it’s about shaping future leaders," he reflects. Through meaningful experiences and targeted training, Junaid cultivates future-ready teams capable of tackling challenges and seizing opportunities.

With a leadership style rooted in resilience, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, Junaid is not only transforming FrieslandCampina’s MENA operations but also inspiring the next generation of leaders to follow in his footsteps.