Saad Abdul-Latif
International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Experience
Saad Abdul-Latif is President of the Asia, Middle East and Africa, AMEA, Division, of PepsiCo International, (PI) PepsiCo, Inc., one of the leading global convenient food and beverage companies. PepsiCo's portfolio of products includes an ever-evolving and expanding array of much-loved brands - responsive to the needs of its consumers. PepsiCo's core business includes Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages; Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods. PepsiCo realized revenues in excess of $35 billion during 2006.
A 25 plus year veteran of PI, Mr. Abdul-Latif joined the company as a field rep in 1982. Throughout his career with PepsiCo, he has held a wide range of roles throughout the Middle East. His passion, commitment to the business, and ability to drive growth spurred his career development in PI. Recognition of the strength of his leadership resulted in the continuing evolution and expansion of the territory under his management.
In 1998, Mr. Abdul-Latif was appointed General Manager for PepsiCo's beverage business in the MENAPAK Business Unit. In 2001, his region was expanded to include Africa and Central Asia. In 2004, the snacks business in the region was included under his leadership, forming the consolidated MEA Region. Finally, in the most recent expansion of his mandate, Mr. Abdul-Latif's responsibilities were extended to Asia, forming the new AMEA Division of PI.
In his current role as President of the AMEA Division, Mr. Abdul-Latif sits at the helm of a $6 billion dollar business. His Division spans across 100+ countries and is home to more than half of the world's population. AMEA Division has more than 43,000++ employees.
On the personal front, Mr. Abdul-Latif is a dedicated advocate and supporter of education in general, and education for children in particular. He currently sits on the board of Plant Finance and is the former Chairperson of World Links - Arab Region.
Mr. Abdul-Latif holds an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management in Arizona and a BA in Public Administration from the American University of Beirut. Saad and his wife, Alia, live in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. They have four children: Steve, Shaden, Kareem and Ramzi.
