Advisory Board

Saber Al Ammari

Vice President of Lubricants, Base Oil & Specialties

ADNOC Distribution⁠

Bio
Saber Al Ammari is Vice President of Lubricants, Base Oil & Specialties at ADNOC Distribution⁠, where he leads one of the Middle East’s largest lubricants businesses. With more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector, he has held leadership roles across manufacturing, operations, HSE, sales, and international business development, providing a unique end-to-end perspective on the lubricants value chain.     Under his leadership, ADNOC Distribution has accelerated the growth of the ADNOC Voyager brand across regional and international markets, strengthened strategic partnerships, expanded product innovation initiatives, and advanced sustainability-focused solutions. His expertise spans business transformation, market expansion, operational excellence, and customer-centric growth.     Saber holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from United Arab Emirates University and an Executive MBA from Zayed University. He is a strong advocate for innovation, leadership development, and the future evolution of the global lubricants industry.   

Mr Ahmed Shigidi

Business Head – Lubricants & Additives Division

TAMMECH & Oryx Industries

Bio
I am the Business Head for lubricant additives and specialty lubricants at Tajchem Group, overseeing TAMMECH, ORYX Industries, and TAMINNOV8. I bring over 20 years of experience across technical services, technical sales, business development, and brand building throughout the Middle East and Africa.  I began my professional journey as a service engineer, gaining a strong technical foundation and practical industry exposure. My career in lubricants started with PETRONAS Sudan, where I developed hands-on expertise in lubricant applications, technical support, and market penetration.  I currently serve as a Technical Committee Contributor with the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) and as a Lead Instructor with teGmea Engineering, delivering professional lubrication certification training. I hold a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Sudan (2005) and an **MBA from Lancaster University, United Kingdom (2024), supported by professional certifications including CLS, MLA III & II, MLT I, CMA®️, PMP®️, PMI-RMP®️, and CSCA®️. My focus is on driving market penetration and sustainable brand development through technically led, value-based solutions, while contributing meaningful technical insight and practical knowledge to customers and the wider lubrication community. 

Naeem Shaikh

Country Manager – KSA, Middle East & North Africa

Lubrizol International Inc.

Bio
Naeem Shaikh has nearly 30 years of expertise in the petroleum industry, specializing in lubricants and additives. His extensive experience spans Sales and Business Management, Technology, Technical Sales Support, Formulation Development, Manufacturing & Quality, and Product Integrity. Currently serving as Country Manager – Middle East and North Africa at Lubrizol, Naeem drives growth in sales and profitability through value-based selling while providing commercial and technical support to customers across the region. Throughout his career, Naeem has worked with leading oil and additive companies such as Tide Water Oil, BP/Castrol, Afton Chemical, and Lubrizol. Based in Dubai, UAE, he combines deep technical knowledge with strategic business acumen. Naeem holds a Postgraduate degree in Chemistry and an MBA in Marketing from Mumbai University, with specialized expertise in engine oil and grease formulation development. He has presented papers at NLGI conferences in India, focusing on wear-related issues. Passionate about the evolving technologies in lubricants and additives, Naeem is keenly interested in base oils, engine hardware development, and advancing industry innovations.

Dr. Jawad Haroon

Managing Director

Atlantic Group of Companies

Bio
Dr. Jawad Haroon, Managing Director of the Atlantic Group of Companies, is the keystone of the organization’s structure, the element that locks and holds diverse entities together. With more than two decades of vast industry experience, he has architected the Group’s exponential growth and strategic diversification, beginning with Atlantic Grease & Lubricants. He has served as both the compass and the engine for the Group’s expansion. Under his guidance, Atlantic successfully diversified into high-impact fields, establishing Chempol Additives and Chemical Speciality, the sustainability-focused Coastal Energy, and Atlantic Health Line. This ensures every venture sets new benchmarks for innovation, compliance, and sustained competitive advantage. Dr. Haroon’s leadership is centered on global business expansion and identifying untapped market potential. As the Group’s trusted strategic advisor, he represents the organization at prestigious international forums, cementing Atlantic’s reputation as a trailblazing and reliable partner across all its dynamic markets.

Tamara Abdulhadi

B2C Indirect Marketing Manager

Shell Middle East

Bio
Tamara Abdulhadi is a dynamic marketing professional with extensive experience in driving impactful B2C strategies across diverse markets. As B2C Indirect Marketing Manager, she specializes in creating innovative campaigns that enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. With a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and creative storytelling, Tamara has successfully led initiatives that deliver measurable results and strengthen market positioning. Her collaborative approach and passion for excellence make her a trusted partner for stakeholders and teams alike. 

Nabih Alkarmi

General Manager – Middle East

Richful Lube Additive Trading Middle East FZE

Bio
Nabih Alkarmi is a Mechanical Engineer from Jordan, with a robust career in the lubricants industry that began in 2008. Throughout his professional journey, he has demonstrated expertise in both technical and sales roles with leading global lubricant and additive manufacturers. Nabih has successfully navigated the complexities of the Middle Eastern, Pakistani, and African markets, building valuable relationships and driving growth in the industry. Currently, he holds the position of General Manager for Richful Lube Additive, overseeing operations in the Middle East and Africa, where he continues to leverage his extensive knowledge and experience to lead the company forward. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nabih is an avid enthusiast of desert driving and overland adventures, reflecting his passion for exploration and challenges in both his personal and professional life. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, he remains a key player in shaping the future of the lubricants industry.

Nikhil Agarwal

Managing Director

Globestar Energy Fze

Bio
Mr. Nikhil Agarwal is a dynamic and results-oriented leader with over 25 years of extensive experience within Fortune 500 organizations. An accomplished engineer, Mr. Agarwal holds dual MBA degrees in Marketing & Sales from the University of Houston, Texas, and in Energy Management from the Indian Institute of Management. Leveraging his profound industry knowledge, robust educational foundation, and sharp commercial acumen, Mr. Agarwal founded Globestar Energy FZE. Under his stewardship, Globestar has emerged as a highly regarded entity in the base oil trade, successfully operating across multiple regions including MENA, Far East Asia, India, and Africa. The company is distinguished for its expertise in trading all grades of base oils and petrochemicals. Prior to establishing Globestar, Mr. Agarwal held senior sales and marketing positions at leading companies such as Elf Lubricants, TotalEnergies, Reliance Industries Ltd.

Muhammed Ilyas Fazal

Chief Executive Officer

Saudi Arabian Lube Additives Company Ltd

Bio
Muhammed Ilyas Fazal is a graduate Mechanical Engineer from UET Lahore, Pakistan. Just after 3 years of graduation, he joined the lubricant industry and in total, now has 31 years experience in this industry. Muhammed has worked in all segments of the business including industrial, automotive, retail, service centres, technical support, blending plants of lubricants, and additives. He has grown his career from grass root level to his current position of CEO in SALACO.

Tabish Javed

Chief Executive Officer

Master Oil

Bio
Tabish Javed is the Chief Executive Officer of Master Oil, one of Pakistan’s leading lubricant manufacturers with a seventy-year strong legacy of innovation, ISO certifications, and OEM-approved products. With over two decades of experience in blending innovation, performance marketing, and brand development, he has positioned Master Oil as one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing lubricant brands. Known for his forward-thinking approach and bold leadership, Tabish brings deep insight into emerging markets, sustainability, and family business transformation. Passionate about entrepreneurship and thought leadership, Tabish is committed to creating impact by bridging global standards with local strengths. He actively engages with industry bodies and business forums to champion industrial efficiency, sustainability, and Pakistan’s potential as a lubricant-exporting nation.

Wajahat Haider

Executive Director

General Petroleum FZE

Bio
Wajahat Haider is the Executive Director at General Petroleum FZE, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global business strategy. With a strong background in strategic planning, business development, and international market expansion, he oversees growth initiatives that strengthen the company’s footprint across diverse regions. Mr. Haider brings deep expertise in analyzing raw material trends and market dynamics, enabling him to craft forward-looking strategies that respond to global shifts. He is also actively involved in developing innovative marketing strategies, broadening GP’s product portfolio, and aligning offerings with the rapidly evolving technologies of the automobile industry. Earlier in his career, he successfully grew GP’s lubricant business in Pakistan, establishing it as a trusted market leader, with products blended at Shell’s state-of-the-art facilities to ensure compliance with international standards. His career journey also includes ventures in the steel sector in South Africa and advanced studies in Service Management and Design at the University of Warwick, UK. Today, Mr. Haider continues to drive GP’s global expansion, including spearheading the company’s entry into the North American market, with a focus on long-term growth, innovation, and building strong distributor relationships.

Ben Nathan

Director of Global Business Development

Kemipex

Bio
Ben Nathan is a seasoned leader in the specialty chemicals industry, with over 15 years of experience spanning lubricant additives, base fluids, and specialty solutions. As Director of Global Business Development at Kemipex, he has played a pivotal role in expanding markets across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, driving innovative growth strategies and forging enduring partnerships with key players in the lubricant sector. A Chemical Engineering graduate with honors from the University of Melbourne, Ben began his career with PETRONAS as a Technical Service Engineer before moving into global business leadership. His expertise lies in formulating market entry strategies, developing long-term customer relationships, and guiding products from concept to full commercialization. With his strong technical background, global network, and proven track record of unlocking opportunities, Ben brings valuable insights to the Lubricant Expo Middle East Advisory Board, helping shape the future of lubricants and additives worldwide.

Kritika Jaiswal

Kline & Company

Director – Energy Practice

Bio
Kritika Jaiswal has more than 15 years consulting and research experience in the Energy sector. For the last five years, she has held the role of Project Manager at Kline & Company, for the Energy practice. During this time, Kritika has managed numerous advisory projects including global assignments with a specific focus on South Africa, Asia, Europe and Middle East regions. She has led studies related to market segmentation, competitive intelligence, company strategy, and market entry strategy. Her analytical approach and expertise in managing complex market studies, along with her deep understanding and insights across a range of key products and market drivers in the ASEAN and South Africa markets, offer invaluable energy sector intelligence in an evolving and transitioning landscape. Prior to joining Kline, Kritika led the competitive intelligence team at Evalueserve, managing the London and India teams for 10 years. She holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the Birla Institute of Management, India, and a BSc in Chemistry (Textiles) from UP Technical University, India. Kritika is based in Kline’s Abu Dhabi office and regularly represents Kline as a speaker at industry conferences and summits.

Mohammed Ashraf

Group CEO

Aerosol International

Bio
Mohammed Ashraf is the Group CEO of Aerosol International based in Dubai , a leading multi-branded reseller of lubricants across the aviation, marine, and industrial sectors in the Middle East , CAS & Africa Region . With over 30+ years of International experience at Shell and ExxonMobil, he has held senior leadership roles in global sales, strategic accounts, and technology licensing. Under his leadership, Aerosol has expanded its portfolio and strengthened its footprint in key markets like India , Saudi Arabia and Canada . He is also the founder of a new venture specializing in aviation Rotables and Consumables , reflecting his vision for innovation and customer-centric growth. Ashraf is passionate about building strategic partnerships and driving sustainable success across industries and markets . Through his Vision, Ashraf is on his way to create new ways of working where multiple brands and sectors can co- exist under a single roof providing impeccable customer service experience .

Sanjiv Walawalkar

Director

Blendexcel

Bio
Sanjiv Walawalkar is a highly experienced oil & gas downstream professional with more than 25 years of experience in the field of lubricants. His expertise spreads over the perimeter of order to cash cycle of the business verticals. He is very well known globally & particularly in middle east & Africa for his niche in procurement, manufacturing, logistics, packaging & cost agility initiatives. He has worked in Castrol India as a plant manager & then moved to middle east to head the JV of BP, Exxon Mobil & Emarat (MELUBCO). He then managed the supply chain function as Vice President for TOTAL was instrumental in preparing & commissioning the footprints of TOTAL’s local supply model to service more than 30 countries in a very cost-effective manner. He then managed the Gulf Oil Middle East as a Vice President. He now runs his own consultancy & is now associated with Rosefield DAA for reinforcing their footprints in Africa & middle east.

Ammar Zaatari MBA

Aramco Director of Base Oils & Finished Lubricants

Aramco

Bio
Ammar Zaatari is Aramco Base Oils Alliance Manager, a position he has held since March 2020. In his role, Ammar is responsible of guiding the Aramco Base Oils Alliance strategy, working with Alliance members and partners to enhance value creation and capture through synergies in an optimized global base oils business while providing technologically differentiated products. Ammar began his career with Saudi Aramco in 2001. Ammar would go on to acquire experience at Ras Tanura Refinery where he took on several leadership roles in engineering, operations, safety, and planning before joining Motiva’s Accelerated Problem-Solving Organization (APSO) in 2014. Starting 2016, Ammar occupied several posts in Downstream and Corporate Finance before joining Fuels, Administration under the downstream business line early 2019. Ammar received his bachelor degree of Science in Chemical Engineering and Mathematics from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, Class of 2001. Masters of Business Administration from Baker College, Flint, MI in 2008.

Hassan Abdel-nabby

Mechanical Maintenance Section Head

Saudi Paper Group

Bio
Hassan has developed passion for machines and equipment since childhood, matured by joining the mechanical power department at the Menoufia University, where he indulged himself in the amazing knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic, heat transfer and rotating equipment such as pumps, fans, compressors, and turbines. He passionately studied rotating equipment theory of operation alongside vibration analysis, He sought to understand nature and behavior of the vibration data and how to interpret it. He served his country as an army officer during which he was involved in initiation of vibration analysis program using Azima DLI DCA 60 analyzer, not to forget the wide variety of heavy scale machinery and vehicles, that surely widened his scope beyond daily activities, by the way, he is a maintenance management expert and by default a natural leader. This was rewarded in his next position managing maintenance activities in Owainat for a multinational company where he supervised 70+ personnel and ran 140 diesel engines. In another big step forward, he Joined Arcosteel company and was responsible for implementation and commissioning and operator training of a new project with Danieli and Edwards, he was entrusted to a 1.8-million-euro project. And now to the great leap, he was chosen for candidacy of Mobius Institute to receive a scholarship in Vibration analysis, this life changing step made it easier for him to pursue new endeavors. He was deemed much fortunate to represent his company and advance his career by receiving a training in France and Belgium by TOTAL energies. Really Vibration analysis was a good addition for his skills , pushing him to advance in his career to receive the best employee reward in 2018 and the Best practice award in 2019. As a certified vibration analysis category II, he Joined Al Zeina tissue mill as a mechanical maintenance manager, one of the youngest ever to acquire this position, he was responsible of creating the condition monitoring program using SPM Leonova diamond analyzer And He managed to decrease the downtime by 30 % in two years. He is certified maintenance and reliability professional, certified vibration analyst category III, Machinery lubrication analyst level I and a certified six sigma green belt. Now, Hassan is a mechanical maintenance section Manager for Saudi paper Group one of the biggest Tissue manufacturer in the middle east, and he is responsible for all mechanical maintenance activities for 4 paper mills and one under commissioning . Hassan is Mobius institute partner instructor and Mobius Connect proud brand ambassador and Egypt community leader.

Zhao Yu

General Manager

HuiHua Technology Co., LTD

Bio
With 27 years of experience in the research, development, and production of lubricant additives. In 1998, participated in the founding of Huihua Technology Co., Ltd (Zibo Huihua Chemical Co., Ltd). The company is a supplier of lubricant additives for Sinopec and PetroChina in China. Main products include EP/AW additives , Gear oil additive package, Anti-wear hydraulic oil additive package, Automatic transmission fluid (ATF/CVT) additive package, and more.

Sudip Shyam

Global Head Base Oils & Lubricants / Director

Mocoh Group

Bio
Mr. Sudip Shyam, Global Head Base Oils in Mocoh Group since late 2020, has been instrumental in setting up and profitably leading a global team and base oils trading slate. With a career span of over 30-years in the downstream oil industry, Sudip has extensive experience in Setting up Business Units, Recruitment, General Management, International Trading, Marketing & Business Development in the petroleum industry (Base Oils Trading, Automotive / Industrial / Specialty Lubricants). w Sudip had been instrumental in creating & running a global base oils trading slate during his GP Global Group years while also leading its finished Lubricants Business. His past work experiences include Heading Base Oils Trading Desk at Optima Energy SA, Geneva, Switzerland; earlier, he also headed Lubricants Business for CONOIL Plc, Nigeria, and prior also worked with Valvoline, TOTAL, CASTROL and GULF OIL in India. In addition to his proven track record across his career span, he is an effective communicator who has spoken in various events and conferences by ICIS, ARGUS Media, Global Lubricants Week et al, to name a few.

Sanya Mathura

Founder, CEO

Strategic Reliability Solutions Ltd

Bio
Sanya Mathura is the Founder of Strategic Reliability Solutions Ltd and external steward of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Mainstreaming Committee (EDIMC) of UWI’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. She works with global affiliates in the areas of Reliability and Asset Management to bring these specialty niches to her clients. She has a strong engineering background and continues to push barriers by being the first female to achieve numerous certifications in the lubrication industry globally. She recently won Engineer of the year award 2024 from the Empowering Industry brand. Sanya sits on several international boards and has published 7 books to date. When not writing or managing the business, you can find her supporting projects to advocate for women in STEM.

Nicolas Vairyo

EMEA Business Manager

ABB

Monish Advani

Sr. Regional Manager

Afton

Bio
Monish Advani is an MBA graduate from one of UAE’s top institutes. He has been in the Middle East lubricants and additives industry for three decades. Monish started his career at BP / Castrol and progressed in management positions within Supply Chain, Special Projects, Regional Sales including B2B Sales Head for Middle East and B2B Country head role for Saudi Arabia. In the additives industry, he has been with Afton Chemical since 2012, managing a team covering Middle East sales and more recently CIS as well. Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies and has been working in the fuel and lubricant additives marketplace for over 100 years. Afton’s solutions include additives for Driveline, Engine Oils, Performance and Refinery Fuels, and Industrial applications.

Mohammed S. Babatin

Technical Specialist Lubrication & Business Development Manager

Skyper Chemics™

Bio
Mohammed Babatin leverages comprehensive technical expertise in lubricants, grounded in experience across refining, petrochemicals, and lubricant manufacturing. His understanding covers critical applications, including rotating equipment and turbines, enhanced by specialized training and a commitment to improving plant reliability through technical support. This technical focus is complemented by skills in business development and supply chain management within the lubricants sector. Driven by a long-held passion and a forward-looking perspective, he actively tracks developments in base oil technology and sustainability, demonstrating a holistic view of the industry from production to performance.

Loutfi El Sayed

Managing Director

Oscar Lubricants FZE

Bio
Loutfi El Sayed is the Managing Director of Oscar Lubricants, with 12 years of experience in the lubricants industry, Loutfi specializes in the formulation and development of all types of lubricants. Loutfi graduated from the ‘’Institut National des Sciences Appliques’’ in France with a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, having a masters thesis conducted at the Tribology Group at Imperial College London, one of the largest and most renowned tribology research groups in the world today.

Kamal ElDin Hussein

General Manager

APSCO International Arabian Petroleum Supply Co.

Bio
Eng. Kamal ElDin Hussein, a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, brings over 35 years of experience in the lubricants industry. Throughout his distinguished career, he has consistently demonstrated strong strategic acumen, operational excellence, and a commitment to leadership that inspires high-performing teams. His expertise spans market development, long-term business growth, and the implementation of sustainable strategies aligned with industry best practices. Known for cultivating organizational cultures rooted in discipline, accountability, and excellence, Eng. Hussein has earned a reputation as a transformative leader. In his current role as General Manager of APSCO International, he continues to play a pivotal role in driving the company’s regional expansion, forging strategic partnerships, and aligning operations with global performance standards.

Dr. Hassan Jaradat

Managing Partner

Addisol

Bio
Hassan Jaradat is a chemical engineer with an MBA and a PhD in management, bringing both technical depth and strategic vision to the lubricants industry. As Managing Partner at Addisol, he has led initiatives in product development, innovation, and performance improvement across automotive and industrial applications. Hassan combines global expertise with regional insight to drive growth and raise industry standards. As a member of the Lubricant Expo Middle East Advisory Board, he is committed to fostering collaboration, advancing technology, and shaping the future of the sector.

Clint Nickall

CEO

Technolube/Petromin

Bio
Clint Nickall qualified as a Mechanical Engineer from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa. Clint is responsible for the Sales & Marketing Strategy and development of the business in all Export markets for Techno Lube LLC, based in Dubai. Clint brings more than 35 years’ experience across a variety of Engineering, Fuels, Lubricants & Grease Manufacturing, Global Supply Chain Management and Sales Management roles from multinational petrochemical companies, including Petromin, Puma Energy, ExxonMobil, Chevron & Engen Petroleum. Clint was also Chairman of the Rose Foundation in South Africa, who is responsible for the collection and recycling of used lubricating oils and associated waste, ensuring a sustainable solution for used oils.

Bhupinder Singh

Director Global Lubricant and Base Oil Business Development

Bluechem Group

Bio
Mr. Bhupinder Singh, a highly accomplished and widely respected figure in the global lubricants and base oil industry. Mr. Singh brings over 30 years of international experience in lubricants, and base oils across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He has held senior leadership roles with globally recognized organizations including Castrol, Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), Universal Lubricants, Duckhams Oils and most recently, Bluechemgroup, where he serves as Global Director, driving strategic expansion and commercial excellence across the globe. In addition to his corporate achievements, Mr. Singh is the Founder and Owner of the largest online group of lubricants and base oil professionals, LUBRICANT SPECIALISTS LinkedIn group with over 35,000 members worldwide. This platform serves as a key hub for industry professionals to share insights, network, and stay ahead of market trends. Renowned for his thought leadership, Mr. Singh is a regular chairman and keynote speaker at prestigious international forums such as ICIS, UEIL, Petrosil AMEA and BOLAT. His expertise spans international business development and strategic partnerships, making him a sought-after voice in the lubricants ecosystem.

Antwan Osta

CEO

Yunitco

Bio
Antwan brings over 25 years of diverse leadership experience in manufacturing, spanning the converting, food, and oil & gas sectors. For the past seven years, he has led Yanbu United Company for Trading and Industry (YUNIGREEN) as Chief Executive Officer, steering the company to become the Middle East’s foremost producer of re-refined base oil. Antwan’s expertise lies in advanced re-refining technologies, sustainable industrial practices, and the development of circular solutions within the lubricants industry.

Alp Yildir

CEO/CTO

Petro Viscol

Bio
Alp Yıldır is the CEO/CTO of PetroViscol, a Türkiye-based manufacturer of high-performance industrial and automotive lubricants and greases. With a background in chemical engineering and more than 15 years of experience in the lubrication industry, he oversees the company’s strategic and technical operations. Alp has deep expertise in lubricant formulations, raw material sourcing, as well as sales and international business development, enabling PetroViscol to deliver competitive, high-quality solutions to a global client base. He also serves as a Technical Editor for TLT Magazine at the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), contributing to the advancement of tribology and lubrication science worldwide.

Kiko Franchini

Executive Customer Centricity Manager

Infineum International Ltd

Bio

In his role as Executive Customer Centricity Manager, Kiko is accountable for the Customer Centricity Transition to put the customer at the heart of everything Infineum does. This is a key component of the broader Infineum strategic transformation initiatives to achieve our mission: create a sustainable future through innovative chemistry.

Kiko started his career with Fiat Lubrificanti, now Petronas Lubricants International, responsible for the technical services and OEM relationships. In his 23 years with Infineum, Kiko has covered many commercial leadership roles spanning from global business management to regional/segment marketing responsibilities. He has also had extensive experience in corporate positions such as enterprise and operational risk management, customer performance and corporate communications. He has been able to expand his professional experience through expatriate assignments in UK and Asia Pacific, returning from Singapore mid-2021.

Throughout his career, he has supported the Additives industry with roles on various industry bodies and associations as an advisor and senior member. He is passionate about golf, tennis and skiing and currently chairs a well know charity association in his home town of Genoa.