IAOM MEA 2025 Conference Chairman
CEO, First Mills (Saudi Arabia)
Ali Habaj holds an M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Bristol, UK and a General Management Program for top executives from Harvard University, USA to add to his credentials. Having worked in Oman for over 23 years in management roles, he possesses rich experience of which he led Oman Flour Mills Co. SAOG (OFM) and Atyab Investments from 2000 to 2017. During Habaj’s tenure at OFM, the company’s workforce grew from 220 to 1,500 employees. It was under his leadership that Atyab Investments was created, an investment arm focused on value addition through downstream industries. This is evidenced by a notable achievement in revenue growth from 60 Mn USD in 2010 to 220 Mn USD in 2016. Atyab Investments built Oman’s largest industrial bakery and successfully turned around the country’s major poultry farms- broiler and layer facilities. In addition to this, Atyab Investments is setting up new milling and Grain silo facilities in the Industrial Port of Sohar. During the first half of this financial year, the group’s profits grew by 47% compared to the previous year and this robust growth will be seen in the second half as well. The company will continue with its 5-year vision of investing US $1 Billion in the food sector. He continues to be involved in the industry through different board positions and consultancy assignments for the flour milling industry. He is an active member of the Young President Organization (YPO), held the position of chairman for YPO Oman from 2015-2016 and is the elected Chairman for YPO MENA Gold Regional Chair 2022-2024
IAOM MEA Regional Director
(Sultanate of Oman)
Dr. Ian Roberts, a British national, holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wales and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers. As CTO of Bühler Group since 2011, he has led the company’s digital transformation, advanced sustainability-driven innovation, and expanded into bioprocessing. A strong advocate for entrepreneurship and sustainability, he co-founded and serves as President of MassChallenge Switzerland, chairs RESTOR, and is a non-executive Director at AAK. He previously held innovation and business development roles at Nestlé.
Chief Technology Officer,
Bühler Group (Switzerland)
Roland Guiragossian Algeria & Middle East Manager Intercereales (Egypt) Roland Guiragossian: Middle East & Algeria Manager for Intercereales (ex-France Export Cereales) since 2009. Previously worked in various Multinational Companies (Agfa, Coca-Cola, Danone) in Sales, Operations and Supply Chain Management positions. Holds a Post Graduate Degree in Business Administration, Management Institute (IAE) of Grenoble (France) & Post Graduate Degree in International Business (CECE-French Center for Foreign Trade)- Marseille (France). Based in Cairo (Egypt)
Algeria & Middle East Manager,
Intercereales (Egypt)
Indrek Aigro has been involved with the international grain business since 2003. For the last 15 years he has been working for Copenhagen Merchants which has become one of the largest grain & oilseed brokers in the world. Indrek is currently responsible for the brokerage in Copenhagen Merchants and business development – which includes continuous expansion of the geographical scope of the business and digitalization of the old fashioned grain business – initiatives like CM Navigator.
Head of Grains, Copenhagen Merchants (Denmark)
Ian Flagg is the Regional Vice President of USW Associates Rotterdam for Europe, Middle East, and North Africa based at the regional headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Before accepting his current position, Flagg was the Assistant Regional Director in Cairo, Egypt, the market analyst at the headquarters of Arlington, VA, and was deputy director of the West Coast, Portland, OR, where he was responsible for the liaison work between the grain trade and state wheat commissions. He chaired the foreign visits of trade delegations and met the needs of 16 overseas offices. Flagg joined US Wheat Associates in 2005. Prior to joining USW, Flagg has worked as a Research Assistant at North Dakota State University. Flagg holds and MS degree in agribusiness and applied economics from the same university.
Regional Vice President,
U.S. Wheat Associates (Netherlands)
Head of Technology,
Bühler Group (Morocco)
Lutz Popper read food technology at the Berlin University of Technology, followed by research and instruction activities at the Institute of Food Technology.
In his Ph.D. thesis he treated the extraction and application of anti-microbial enzymes. Since December 1993, Popper has been with Muehlenchemie and SternEnzym, now as scientific director.
He is an external lecturer for food technology at the Kiel University of Technology since 1997, at the University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, since 2013 and at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT), since 2015 and has contributed 200 articles, posters, lectures, patents and three books to the field of food science.
Scientific Director,
Mühlenchemie GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)
Starting 1982, Markus Löns has worked several years as baker in some German bakeries before he extended his knowledge at a High School for Food Economy. Following this experience, he graduated as Engineer for Food Technology, specializing in grain, flour and baking technology, and has worked some years at the Leibniz University Hannover, Germany, as the head of the research and training laboratory baking & sweets.
Markus started at Brabender in 2002 and became a sales specialist for laboratory equipment, especially rheology, moisture, grinding and viscosity. In addition, he developed applications for the e.g. milling and bakery industry and regularly gives presentations at conferences held worldwide. Since 2024, he has been responsible for the food product portfolio as Product Manager at Anton Paar TorqueTec Gmbh, formerly Brabender.
Markus is a member of the technical committee of the ICC and active in an advisory capacity in the ISO/CEN.
Product Manager,
Anton Paar TorqueTec GmbH (Germany)
Expert in flour quality and milling science, with over 27 years of specialized experience in advanced milling techniques, enzymatic treatments and bakery product innovation. Recognized for optimizing flour performance and resolving complex production challenges through in-depth rheological and baking diagnostics, ensuring consistency,efficiency, and superior product quality across diverse applications. Also active as a university instructor, contributing to the academic development of future professionals in milling science and flour technology, while maintaining a strong connection between research and industrial application.
General Manager,
Crownzym (Lebanon)
Mr. Nicolas SULBLE is a member of the Ingredients Expert team based in Paris, France. For the past five years, Nicolas has been working closely with the Ingredients R&D Division, focusing on the Middle East and Africa markets.
As a food engineer with qualifications in the agrifood industry, he has gained valuable experience in rheology and baking laboratories. Additionally, he has traveled to these markets for ingredient development in flour milling and to provide training to millers.
Nicolas is also the technical manager of our “Wheat Quality Survey,” where he analyzes wheat samples daily. His strong capabilities and multifaceted approach allow him to contribute to industrial baking projects and pasta manufacturing as well.
Export R&D formulator,
AIT INGREDIENTS (France)
Fabien Varagnac is an independent consultant specializing in wheat sourcing strategy, investment and operational advisory, and R&D-driven innovation for the flour milling sector.
With over 20 years of experience spanning the wheat, flour, and bread industries, he supports stakeholders—from traders to millers to bakers—in optimizing procurement,unlocking value through data-driven decisions, and building resilience in a volatile global market.
Fabien began his career at Mühlenchemie, a global leader in milling solutions, where he advanced from R&D Baker to Area Sales Manager, and ultimately to Head of Strategic Development. In this global role, he led initiatives delivering wheat market insights, new market development, and digital transformation for clients worldwide. Rooted in a farming family in France and formally trained as both a miller and artisanal baker, Fabien brings a rare combination of technical depth and strategic perspective to the grain industry.
Founder,
Grains & Flours Insights (France)
Worked all over the world. Started in 2005 as an apprentice in Germany in flour milling. Went to DMSB for the state certified milling technologist in mill wright and milling technology/ feed technology. Went to Singapore to work for the Interflour Group, went to Buhler to work as the manager of the milling academy, became the COO of First Mills in Saudi Arabia.
COO,
First Mills (Saudi Arabia)
I completed my Master degree in supply engineering at a university in Germany, specialising in heating and cooling technology. My final theses focussed on heat treatment in grain mills and efficient refrigeration technology as used for grain cooling. After graduating, I initially worked for an international refrigeration technology company for many years.
There I was able to gain extensive practical experience in the planning, implementation and support of refrigeration and heating systems. Since then, I have been working at FrigorTec, my father’s family business, which specialises in innovative solutions for grain cooling and heat treatment in grain mills. In my position as projecting and sales manager, I mainly take care of customers and projects in the GCC countries.
My expertise in heat treatments in grain mills and refrigeration technology for grain cooling enables me to support mill operators and silo facilities in optimising their processes in the areas of pest control, storage and product quality. The focus here is on imparting practical expertise and making more efficient technologies accessible to the regional market.
Projecting & Sales Manager,
FrigorTec GmbH (Germany)
After my basic technical training as an electronics technician, I completed my further training as a technician TS, which is an engineer ETU, and started working for Agromatic as a service technician in 1992. In my work as a service technician I was able to acquire a great deal of knowledge. After about 5 years I changed internally to electronic development, where I developed some products that are still available today in a further developed version.
In 1998 I switched to sales and took over the management of Agromatic in 2005. Since then I have been managing director and have traveled all over the world in my job. This year I have been working for Agromatic for 33 years and have been able to acquire a wealth of experience during this time.
CEO,
Agromatic AG (Switzerland)
David Balaguer, the current President of Balaguer Rolls Company, has been an integral part of the organization for the past 26 years. Armed with a college degree in Business Administration, Finance, and International Commerce, he brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company.
David’s journey at Balaguer began in 1998 and since then, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success. His early professional experience in the banking sector laid the foundation for a robust understanding of financial intricacies and strategic management. By taking charge of Balaguer Group sales, David has demonstrated exceptional leadership, steering the company towards global recognition as a premier rolls manufacturer for flour, oils, and feeds.
Under his guidance, Balaguer Rolls Company has achieved and maintained its status as a worldwide leader in the industry. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, David is deeply committed to the development and growth of Balaguer’s Chinese subsidiary, Balaguer Rolls Changzhou. He has been actively involved in expanding the company’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market, showcasing his dedication to global business expansion.
On a personal note, David Balaguer is a family man, married with two daughters. His personal and professional life are seamlessly intertwined, as he balances his commitment to family with his passion for driving the success of Balaguer Rolls Company.
Sales Director
Fundiciones Balaguer S.A. (Spain)
Önder Şeker was born in 1984 in Istanbul, Turkey. He studied ‘Food Engineering’ at Istanbul Technical University, and; then he started his career in the sales of industrial bakery machines and systems.
He has been working in the grain milling technologies industry for more than 10 years, currently serving as the ‘Marketing Manager’ at Imas. Onder also holds a master’s degree in marketing management.
As well as marketing, food processing technologies are among his professional interests.
Marketing Manager,
IMAS (Türkiye)
Personal data sheet: born 03.06.1964 1982 – 1985: apprenticeship to miller 1988 – 1991: German milling school 1990: graduation: “certified milling engineer“ 1990: graduation: “certified craftsman for milling“ 1991: graduation: “certified milling construction engineer“ 1991 – 1995: work experience as milling engineer 1995 – 1997: General manager “Sangati Deutschland GmbH” 1997: founding “Bruckmann Mühlenbautechnik“ 1997 – till now: CEO Mühlenbautechnik Bruckmann 1997 – 2005: Exclusive agent “Sangati-Berga” / “GBS Golfetto-Berga-Sangati” for Germany speaking countries 2007 – 2020 Exclusive agent “Alapala” for German speaking countries 2019: Application and acquisition of the naming rights of the legendary MIAG brand 2020: Founding “MIAG GmbH” and reintroduction of the exceptional brand in the milling industry 2025: handover of a new 400 t/24h MIAG milling project in germany 2025: finishing 200 t/24 MIAG milling project in germany 43 years experience in milling and milling engineering
CEO,
MIAG GmbH (Germany)
Didier has a degree in Communications from AP Hogeschool in Antwerp Belgium.
He has 20+ years of experience in marketing leadership roles working for multinationals and larger family-owned businesses. Didier joined Premier Tech Systems and Automation in September 2024.
Regional Marketing Leader EMEA
Premier Tech Systems and Automation (Canada)
Msc Agribusiness Kansas State University, KS, USA Actual President of Cereales Experts SASU, FR Actual Sales Director at Tout Pour Le Grain TPLG, FR former MD Perten Instruments France, PerkinElmer, FR former Export director Chopin Technologies, KPM, FR
Sales Director,
TPLG – TOUT POUR LE GRAIN (France)
Alexis Noël is a digital program manager at Bühler Group in Uzwil, leading the digital transformation of the Milling Solutions Business Unit. He oversees the digital service portfolio, focusing on AI services and data-driven consulting. Known for his cross-functional leadership and digital strategy expertise, Alexis drives innovation and market success in digitalization initiatives.
Digital Program Manager,
Bühler Group (Switzerland)
Mehrtash Ahsan Ghaziani was introduced at a very young age to the world of milling by his father, who owned a consulting and engineering company providing services to numerous flour mills in Iran and neighboring countries. An electronic engineer with an MBA, he has always had milling in his DNA. He began working directly in the flour milling industry in 2000, and since 2017 he has been collaborating with Omas as Regional Sales Manager and Milling Advisor, representing the new generation of milling machinery — proudly Made in Italy.
Regional Manager, OMAS
Industries (Italy)
Alexis Noël is a digital program manager at Bühler Group in Uzwil, leading the digital transformation of the Milling Solutions Business Unit. He oversees the digital service portfolio, focusing on AI services and data-driven consulting. Known for his cross-functional leadership and digital strategy expertise, Alexis drives innovation and market success in digitalization initiatives.
Digital Program Manager,
Bühler Group (Switzerland)
Ali Magboul is a distinguished automation engineer, entrepreneur, and triathlete based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He earned his degree in automation engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran.
Leveraging his expertise, he founded ASM Process Automation, where he currently serves as CEO, focusing on industrial digitalization and automation solutions. Beyond his professional endeavors, Ali is deeply passionate about triathlons. He actively participates in events and is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle within his community. His dedication extends to inspiring others to embrace positive lifestyle changes through active participation in sports.
Ali’s multifaceted career reflects a harmonious blend of technical proficiency and athletic zeal, underscoring his commitment to both professional excellence and personal well-being.
CEO,
ASM Process Automation (UAE)
Martin Ellegast, a co-founder of WingmenGroup and Advactory AG, is a visionary in the realm of food industry transformation. With over 23 years of experience in the food sector, Martin held pivotal management positions at Buhler AG in Switzerland before venturing to establish his own groundbreaking ventures. His tenure at Buhler AG, a renowned entity within the industry, allowed Martin to hone his skills and acquire an in-depth understanding of the intricate workings of the food and flour milling sectors. Armed with this extensive experience and propelled by a passion for innovation, he co-founded WingmenGroup and Advactory AG. Driven by a dual commitment to engineering excellence and a profound appreciation for the food and flour milling industry, Martin endeavoured to redefine conventional paradigms. His brainchild, ADVACTORY, an innovative solution blending cutting-edge technology with industry expertise, has gained global recognition. It stands as a testament to Martin’s unwavering dedication to transforming operational processes in the food industry. Martin’s educational background encompasses process and environmental engineering, complemented by an EMBA qualification. Beyond his professional pursuits, he exhibits an ardent passion for sailing, achieving the esteemed distinction of being a two-time world champion in the sport.
CEO,
Wingmen Group GMBH (Switzerland)