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)
Eleanor ‘Nell’ Watson is a trusted thought leader in A.I. ethics, machine vision, and responsible innovation, dedicated to weaving safety, transparency, and prosocial values into the fabric of emerging technologies. She serves as IEEE Ethics Maestro, Chair of the ECPAIS Transparency Group, and Vice Chair of the P7001 Standard for Autonomous Systems, helping to engineer greater trust in A.I. Nell has guided philosophical strategy for Apple as an Executive Consultant and leads as President of EURAIO, the European Responsible Artificial Intelligence Office. Her contributions span roles as Senior Scientific Advisor to The Future Society, Senior Fellow at The Atlantic Council, and Fellow of both the British Computing Society and the Royal Statistical Society. The Royal Academy of Engineering has also honored her as an Icon for her pioneering impact. A dynamic speaker at institutions including The World Bank, the U.N. General Assembly, and The Royal Society, Nell brings her vision for ethical technology to global audiences. She shares her insights in her acclaimed book Taming the Machine: Ethically Harness the Power of AI and in leading publications such as Fast Company and Big Think.
Pioneering Ethics & Machine Intelligence Researcher
(United Kingdom)
Daniel Basse is the President of AgResource Company. AgResource Co. is a domestic and international agricultural research firm located in Chicago, which forecasts domestic and world agricultural price trends. AgResource Co. provides information/research to; farmers, elevators, soy and corn processors, wheat millers, food companies, trading companies, importers, exporters and meat packers. AgResource’s research is sold around the globe in 81 nations. Mr Basse is an economist that has been in the commodity business since 1979. Raised on a dairy/grain farm in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Mr Basse has a keen sense of production agriculture. Mr. Basse graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1979 and has worked with Professional Farmers of America, Brock Associates and the ag research division of GNP Commodities in Chicago. In 1987, Mr Basse founded AgResource Company to serve the needs of the US and world agricultural community. Mr. Basse is a member of the Farm Foundation and the Commodity Market Council.
President & Founder,
AgResource Co (USA)
IAOM MEA 2025 Conference Chairman
CEO, First Mills (Saudi Arabia)
Mauro Barbieri is the Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Commercial Officer of SABIL, Saudi Arabia’s national grain supply company under SALIC (PIF). With nearly 30 years of international leadership experience across the grain, food, feed, and industrial sectors, Mauro oversees the operational and commercial performance of SABIL’s 14 strategic silo branches—supporting the Kingdom’s long-term food-security agenda and the modernization of its grain logistics infrastructure.
Before joining SABIL, Mauro held senior global roles in major industry leaders including IFFCO, Noble Agri, Bunge, and Cargill, leading multi-country operations, greenfield developments, CAPEX programs, and transformation initiatives across Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. His track record includes driving operational excellence, implementing large-scale productivity programs, and delivering sustainable improvements in supply chain performance, maintenance & reliability, and plant efficiency.
Mauro holds an MBA from FAAP (Brazil) and a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Paraná. Known for integrating performance, people development, and long-term value creation, he is recognized as a trusted advisor for operational transformation and strategic investment governance across the global agribusiness industry.
COO & Interim CCO
SABIL Company (Saudi Arabia)
Pieter Defoor is the founder and CEO of Commo18, a boutique agricultural-commodities brokerage headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium — one of Europe’s historic trading hubs. At Commo18, [he/you] has built a reputation for transforming complex global grain and oilseed flows into strategic opportunities for clients across the Middle East and Africa.
With a track record grounded in more than 15 years of experience in agricultural commodities trading and marketing, Pieter launched Commo18 to return to what constitutes “true brokerage”: relationships, integrity, and performance.
Founder & CEO
Commo18 (Belgium)
A seasoned strategic management executive, mechanical engineer with 20+ years of exponential experience in driving the culture of innovation, initiative and exceeding productivity by optimizing supply chain & operations in different industries..Petrochemical, Cement, construction, Home appliances, Ceramics & Food / Commodities ..started as a maintenance engineer, project management, supply chain till the general management. Certified international supply chain manager from IPSCMI, Grain Procurement diploma from North Dakota University/USA, executive management diploma from INSEAD University & Member of the Advisory Board of Food Science & Technology Program Ain Shams agriculture university, Cairo, Egypt.
Currently the General manager of the Egyptian Swiss group which is one of the biggest producers & exporters of wheat flour, pasta & tomato paste from Egypt. Before held several positions such as supply chain executive director Savola food, Procurement & logistics Head Royal ceramics, purchasing manager Electrolux Egypt, Procurement head in Asec cement
General Manager
Egyptian Swiss Group (Egypt)
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)
Eric Emmert has served as Senior Area Sales Manager for Food Processing at Hosokawa Alpine Aktiengesellschaft in Augsburg since 2010, bringing extensive expertise in sales, business development, and process optimization. Prior to this role, he was a Marketing and Business Development Specialist at S&B from 2006 to 2009, where he focused on developing markets for specialty minerals.
From 2004 to 2006, he worked as a Sales Manager with the Voith Group, overseeing sales of specialty paper machines, and earlier, from 2001 to 2004, he served as a Project Manager at Heraeus Tenevo AG, optimizing synthetic quartz glass processing. Eric holds an e-MBA in Marketing from the University of Münster (2007–2009) and a Diploma in Mechanical/Process Engineering from the Technical University of Kaiserslautern (1994–2000).
Senior Sales Manager,
Hosokawa Alpine (Germany)
André joined Bühler in 2009 as a Commissioning Engineer. In 2011 he took over the role as Head of Technology South East Asian region out of Singapore. In 2015 he returned to Switzerland to lead the milling technologist team as a Team Manager and in January 2022 he moved to Casablanca as Head of Technology for Maghreb and technology support for the whole MEA region.
Since October 2025 he joined the Bühler Dubai Office where is now supporting customers as Area Sales Manager Milling Solutions in the Middle East Region.
Area Sales Manager Milling Solutions Middle East,
Bühler Group (UAE)
Marius Hermes is a Head Miller and Mill Construction Engineer with over 20 years of experience in various milling facilities and mill construction companies.
After graduating from the German Milling School in Braunschweig and completing his studies in industrial engineering at the Nordakademie, he held various positions in technical and commercial roles. Today, he is the Managing Director of SCHULE Mühlenbau GmbH in Germany, a company that builds machines and turnkey plants, particularly for the specialty milling industry ( like oats, rice, legumes, corn, etc.).
Managing Director
SCHULE Mühlenbau GmbH (Germany)
General Manager,
AgroLab (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)
Mrs. Erij TEMIMI is a member of the ingredients formulation Expert team based in Paris, France. Erij 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, she has gained valuable experience in rheology and baking laboratories. Additionally, she has traveled to these markets for ingredient development in flour milling and to provide training to millers.
Her strong capabilities and multifaceted approach allow her to contribute to industrial baking projects and pasta manufacturing as well.
R&D Project Manager – Formulation & Ingredients,
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)
Daniel Basse is the President of AgResource Company. AgResource Co. is a domestic and international agricultural research firm located in Chicago, which forecasts domestic and world agricultural price trends. AgResource Co. provides information/research to; farmers, elevators, soy and corn processors, wheat millers, food companies, trading companies, importers, exporters and meat packers. AgResource’s research is sold around the globe in 81 nations. Mr Basse is an economist that has been in the commodity business since 1979. Raised on a dairy/grain farm in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Mr Basse has a keen sense of production agriculture. Mr. Basse graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1979 and has worked with Professional Farmers of America, Brock Associates and the ag research division of GNP Commodities in Chicago. In 1987, Mr Basse founded AgResource Company to serve the needs of the US and world agricultural community. Mr. Basse is a member of the Farm Foundation and the Commodity Market Council.
President & Founder,
AgResource Co (USA)
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)
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)
William has over 20 years of experience in grain trading in Australia, predominantly in wheat. Currently, Will manages the wheat trading desk for CBH Grain, Australia’s largest wheat exporter. Before joining CBH in 2017, Will worked in grain trading and management with Louis Dreyfus, Cargill and AWB.
Head of Wheat Trading,
CBH Group
(Australia)
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)
Xavier began his career in agriculture in 2017 with Engelhart CTP in Geneva as a fundamental and quantitative analyst. Over his six years with the company, he covered all grains and oilseeds products, as well as biofuels.
In 2023, he joined Solaris in Dubai, where he is responsible for developing trading analytics to support and enhance the business. He also oversees the proprietary (derivatives) trading book.
Commodity Strategist,
ME Solaris (UAE)
Julius is responsible for all the unit operations for the Rwandan Mill unit which spans logistical planning of raw materials, Milling & Quality Assurance operations, procurement of spares, packaging materials and flour ingredients.
Besides this role Julius is part of a three-man team of managers who oversee special projects across the Bakhresa group of companies. He has been instrumental in his current unit’s expansion including an ongoing Mill expansion project and Real estate project running concurrently in Rwanda. Julius also coordinates technical trainings across the nine milling units of Bakhresa group of companies, identifying capacity gaps and liaising with potential partners for trainings. Julius Joined Bakhresa Group of companies in July of 2011 and prior to that managed a Milling unit for Merec Limitada in Beira, Mozambique. Under his leadership at Merec he expanded the existing Wheat Mill capacity from 180mt/24hr to 300 mt/24hr and supervised the erection of a 30,000 mt grain terminal at Beira port. Before leaving Merec he supervised the erection and commissioning of a 150mt/24hr maize mill – the three projects achieved in record two and half years.
Julius started his milling carer in Kenya under Unga Group of companies, qualifying in the year 1998. During his work stint at Unga group he served in various responsibilities- starting as a shift Miller in Wheat, Maize and Animal Feed units to finally exiting as a Distribution Coordinator in 2008. One would say with twenty-six years in Milling industry Julius comes quite natural in team settings, he adapts to various challenges in industry fast. He is a passionate miller who likes to get over the line with tasks as well he is great in multi-tasking. Julius is a graduate of Jomo Kenyatta University, Kenya in Food Science & Post Harvest Technology and has attaining various trainings in flour milling to Diploma Level, besides various other short trainings in management over the years.
Mill Manager,
Bakhresa Grain Milling Ltd. (Rwanda)
Oliver Brägger is an international sales leader with 20+ years of end-to-end industry experience. He began his career in 1998 as a millwright apprentice, progressed to five years as an international installation supervisor, then spent two years in project management. For the past 14 years, he has led international sales, bridging deep technical expertise with commercial strategy to grow global accounts and deliver measurable customer value.
Area Sales Manager,
Bühler Group (Switzerland)
Eric Emmert has served as Senior Area Sales Manager for Food Processing at Hosokawa Alpine Aktiengesellschaft in Augsburg since 2010, bringing extensive expertise in sales, business development, and process optimization. Prior to this role, he was a Marketing and Business Development Specialist at S&B from 2006 to 2009, where he focused on developing markets for specialty minerals.
From 2004 to 2006, he worked as a Sales Manager with the Voith Group, overseeing sales of specialty paper machines, and earlier, from 2001 to 2004, he served as a Project Manager at Heraeus Tenevo AG, optimizing synthetic quartz glass processing. Eric holds an e-MBA in Marketing from the University of Münster (2007–2009) and a Diploma in Mechanical/Process Engineering from the Technical University of Kaiserslautern (1994–2000).
Senior Sales Manager,
Hosokawa Alpine (Germany)
Dr. Mohamad Yassin (DVM) is a microbiologist with a professional focus on animal nutrition and animal health, bringing over 15 years of experience in agribusiness and feed-processing technologies. He leads the Middle East & Africa operations at Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG, supporting the region’s feed mills in optimizing conditioning processes, Expander–pelleting performance, and overall production efficiency. Dr. Yassin combines scientific expertise with practical industry leadership to help feed manufacturers achieve improved pellet quality, better FCR outcomes, and measurable cost efficiencies across poultry, ruminant, and aqua sectors.
Microbiologist,
AMANDUS KAHL (Germany)
Shujjat Alikhan is the Vice President of IMGS Group, a logistics and supply chain solutions provider operating across more than 65 global ports. With over 15 years of experience supporting agri-commodity supply chains in Africa, the Gulf, and Asia, Shujjat has become a trusted voice on building resilience in import-dependent markets.
His expertise spans stevedoring, silo storage, mobile bagging, warehousing, and distribution-ready handling—giving millers and feed producers practical pathways to create decentralized reserves and mitigate supply delays. He works closely with both government agencies and private millers to design scalable reserve models that reduce exposure to trade disruptions and infrastructure limitations.
Shujjat has spoken at major industry platforms including Argus Africa Fertilizer, Breakbulk Middle East, and Global Grains Geneva. At IAOM MEA, he will draw on IMGS Group’s extensive experience in emerging markets to demonstrate how millers can leverage third-party storage, mobile units, and flexible discharge solutions to build strategic reserves that strengthen supply stability and ensure continuous production, especially in regions with limited fixed infrastructure.
Vice President,
IMGS Group (UAE)
Daniel Basse is the President of AgResource Company. AgResource Co. is a domestic and international agricultural research firm located in Chicago, which forecasts domestic and world agricultural price trends. AgResource Co. provides information/research to; farmers, elevators, soy and corn processors, wheat millers, food companies, trading companies, importers, exporters and meat packers. AgResource’s research is sold around the globe in 81 nations. Mr Basse is an economist that has been in the commodity business since 1979. Raised on a dairy/grain farm in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Mr Basse has a keen sense of production agriculture. Mr. Basse graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1979 and has worked with Professional Farmers of America, Brock Associates and the ag research division of GNP Commodities in Chicago. In 1987, Mr Basse founded AgResource Company to serve the needs of the US and world agricultural community. Mr. Basse is a member of the Farm Foundation and the Commodity Market Council.
President & Founder,
AgResource Co (USA)
Ismail Jatti is an experienced manufacturing and operations leader with over 15 years in the flour and feed milling industry across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Morocco. He currently serves as Head of Manufacturing Excellence at Modern Mills Company, driving operational efficiency, OPEX/CAPEX planning, digital transformation, and product innovation.
Previously, he managed two major production facilities as Senior Operations Manager at National Feed & Flour (Emirates Food Industries), leading 250 staff and overseeing end-to-end operations, major CAPEX projects, and capacity expansion. His earlier roles include serving as a milling equipment expert supporting SAGO’s privatization program and supervisory positions with Jebel Ali Flour Mills and Grand Mills of Maghreb.
Ismail holds an MBA from the University of York, a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management, and an Advanced Diploma in Milling Industry. He is certified in leadership, performance management, and ISO/HACCP auditing.
Head of Manufacturing Excellence
Modern Mills Company (Saudi Arabia)
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)
Sunil Maheshwari has been in the milling industry for over 37 years. He joined Siemer Milling Company, Teutopolis, IL USA in 2002; he is part of the Leadership Group, serving as Vice President. He began his milling career after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree. He has a four year full technological certificate in flour milling from the City and Guilds of London Institute and worked as Technical Manager for Dr. Ing. N.K. Gupta Technical Consultants Pvt. Ltd. in New Delhi, India. He engaged in installation and commission/startup of new mills. In 1993 he moved to Kenya, where he oversaw operations for a milling group with national scope. In 1998 he moved to Manitoba, Canada where he started the first lights-out mill for Prairie Flour Mills in Elie, near Winnipeg.
Vice President Specialty
Siemer Milling Company (USA)
General Manager,
EGI (Lebanon)
Experienced Executive Director at Al-Hazaa Investment Group, a regional organization with business activities in various sectors, including flour milling, feed milling, pasta and noodles production, plastic production, renewable energy and project management, and implementation, operating in four countries in the Middle East. Ibrahim has a demonstrated history of working in the Food Production Industry; reliable operations professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused on Mechatronics and Automation Engineering from the German Jordanian University in Jordan and Jade University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Gained vast experience through training implemented at Bühler’s training centers in Switzerland & Germany, and an internship program at Robert Bosch GmbH in Germany, in addition to the long working experience with Al-Hazaa Investment Group in the Middle East.
Executive Director,
Al-Hazaa Investment Group (Jordan)
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)
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.
Head of Product Management Smart Factory,
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)
Simon R. Kolb studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Esslingen and the University of Biberach in Germany, as well as Technical Sales at the renowned Business Management School St. Gallen in Switzerland. After several years at Engie Refrigeration in Lindau, he joined FrigorTec GmbH in Amtzell, located in the Ravensburg district. Today, he serves as an Area Sales Manager at FrigorTec. The company develops, manufactures, and markets customized cooling units and heat pumps worldwide, particularly for the agricultural and food industries. With products such as the GRANIFRIGOR grain cooling unit, AGRIFRIGOR hay and herb drying heat pumps, and the DEBUGGER heat treatment unit, FrigorTec contributes to quality assurance in over 83 countries. The GRANIFRIGOR solution cools many millions of tons of rice, grain, barley, seed, corn, oilseeds, soybeans, cocoa beans, and more around the world. Simon Kolb is regarded as an expert in grain storage and quality preservation and regularly shares his expertise within professional circles.
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)
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.
Head of Product Management Smart Factory,
Bühler Group (Switzerland)
Ingo Jonas is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience in international business and the packaging industry. As Vice President EMEA at Premier Tech Systems and Automation (PTSA), he drives growth and market expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with a strong customer focus.
Having been with Premier Tech for more than 20 years, Ingo has built a cross-functional foundation in sales, engineering, and business development. He started his packaging career at CHRONOS — a leading brand in weighing and packaging that was taken over by Premier Tech in 2002 — where he served as Sales Director EMEA with a strong focus on the flour industry.
Based at the PTSA Head Office in Eersel, The Netherlands, Ingo combines technical and business acumen gained from his background in Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc., University of Cologne) and earlier work as a management consultant in complexity management.
With extensive experience across EMEA and Asia, he brings a global perspective and a passion for innovation-driven growth. As a dynamic speaker, Ingo shares actionable insights on turning innovation into competitive advantage and managing total cost of ownership.
Vice-President – EMEA
Premier Tech Systems and Automation (Germany)
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)
Keeping an active mind and body, a dedication to learning, and extensive travelling have all helped shape my success.
In brief, my main qualifications are as below:
My main goal is to add value and revenue to my company and team. To develop better business by building trusted customer relationships, employing effective sales and marketing methods, and using hands-on experience from the creative sectors.
Sales 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)
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)
Danilo Carloni is a Milling Advisor at Omas Industries, an Italian company based in Padua and a global leader in the design and construction of high-technology milling plants. His academic background began at the University of Perugia, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Geological Sciences in 2006, specializing in foundation installation and reinforced-concrete structures. The following year, he further expanded his expertise with a postgraduate program developed in collaboration with the same university, focused on the development and use of renewable energy sources.
His professional career started in 2008 at the Italian company Ocrim S.p.A., active in the milling-plant sector. In this role, he was responsible for business development across Eastern European and Eurasian markets, gaining solid experience in the technical and commercial dynamics of the region.
He joined Omas Industries in 2013, taking on broader managerial responsibilities from 2014 onward within one of the company’s international branches. Over more than a decade, he oversaw the execution of several key milling projects across various countries in Europe and Central Asia, including areas around the Caspian region.
With 17 years of experience in the milling industry and a distinctly international outlook, Danilo Carloni is a regular speaker at seminars, forums, and conferences in Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, contributing to the dissemination of technical expertise and innovation within the milling sector.
Milling Advisor,
OMAS Industries (Italy)
With 17 years of experience in the milling industry, Erhan İncioğlu has established himself as a dynamic leader in global grain processing technologies. As the Head of Sales at TANIS Mill Technology, he plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s international growth, forging strategic partnerships, and delivering innovative solutions to clients worldwide.
Erhan holds a bachelor’s degree in Botany and Grain Processing Technologies, providing him with a strong scientific and technical foundation in agricultural industries. His expertise extends beyond sales—he is deeply involved in project management, market expansion strategies, and customized turnkey solutions for flour, feed, and seed processing plants. Under his leadership, TANIS has strengthened its position as a trusted global supplier, exporting 95% of its production and implementing cutting-edge automation, value-added processing, and sustainable milling practices.
Throughout his career at TANIS, Erhan has been instrumental in the success of major integrated milling projects across diverse markets, from Africa and the Middle East to Asia and South America. His hands-on experience in international business development and his ability to understand regional demands have helped TANIS adapt and innovate in an ever-evolving industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Erhan is committed to knowledge sharing and industry collaboration. He actively participates in global milling conferences, such as IAOM SEA & MEA, fostering discussions on technological advancements and industry challenges. His vision is to bridge tradition with innovation, ensuring that milling solutions remain efficient, sustainable, and future-ready.
Erhan’s leadership at TANIS is driven by a simple yet powerful philosophy: to provide clients not just with machinery, but with complete solutions that add value and optimize production efficiency. As he continues to shape the industry, his dedication to excellence and innovation remains at the forefront of his work.
Sales & Marketing Manager,
Tanış (Türkiye)
With a focus on both the implementation and execution of explosion protection equipment according to the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU & NFPA Standards, Hank Paul is an experienced process safety expert in the field of combustible dust risk reduction. As the market development manager for Europe, Middle East & Africa at BS&B’s Industrial Explosion Protection division, he has worked with the range of industries and processes at the heart of IAOM members activities to address the threats and dangers of dust explosions. Hank will be sharing insights into the proactive approach of explosion prevention, protection and mitigation strategies in his session titled “Food Security through Production Safety/Combustible Dust Risk Management
Market Development Manager, BS&B Pressure Safety Management B.V. (Belgium)
Born in Ankara in 1971, Zeki Demirtaşoğlu graduated from Ankara Chemical Technical High School and earned a degree in Food Engineering from Ankara University, followed by a master’s in Microbiology from the Institute of Science. As a chemist, food engineer, and biotechnologist, he founded Bastak Technology Systems in 1999, establishing Turkey’s first and only Ministry of Industry-approved R&D center for quality control devices.
Demirtaşoğlu holds key roles in various organizations:
Through Bastak Academy, he promotes science and innovation with international seminars and training programs, offering equal learning opportunities globally.
CEO,
Bastak Instruments (Türkiye)