Global science and technology company 3M yesterday announced the appointment of Ismail Mapara to Area Business Leader, Safety and Graphics Business Group for Central East Europe Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA), effective from 1 February.
Mapara held the position of MD of 3M South Africa and the SADC region from 2014 and has been with 3M for over 20 years.
According to the company, Mapara's appointment came as a result of his successes promoting strategic business development and best practice portfolio management for 3M South Africa. "During his career at 3M, Mapara has held a variety of leadership positions from managing director: Pakistan, general manager for Saudi, area business manager. He has undertaken other international assignments including Six Sigma Training," says the company.
Speaking about his role as MD, Mapara says his main objective in South Africa was to develop employees' diverse talents, initiative and leadership.
Meanwhile, last week, the company released its Q4 results indicating that global sales had risen 0.4% year-on-year while the GAAP EPS grew +13.3% year-on-year. However, the organic local currency sales growth for CEEMEA region dropped by -2.4% impacted by ongoing challenges in Saudi Arabia and Turkey which the company states are expected to continue in the near term. The company's industrial sector saw the largest growth, rising +4.2%, boosting the global net sales to $7.3billion.
"We welcome Ismail to his new position, and congratulate him on being appointed," said Frank Little, executive vice president at 3M US.
Mapara will continue in his position as MD in South Africa until his replacement is named later this month.