CEO Monthly November 2017

CEO MONTHLY / NOVEMBER 2017 5 World Class Products Company: Sun Mark Ltd Contact: Dr Rami Ranger CBE Contact Email: [email protected] Address: Sun House, 428 Long Drive, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 4UH, UK Phone: 0208 575 3700 Website: www.sunmark.co.uk g approach was important in the growth of Sun Mark and we are looking to strengthen that going forward as well.” Operating in an ever changing industry, with new developments all the time, Rami gives us his thoughts on the state of the industry currently, and what particular issues are affecting it. “Within the UK, the food industry is one of our unsung heroes. It is a strong sector and one of the largest employers in the UK. I believe it is in good shape with world famous products with an enviable reputation. The countries which we work in often face challenging economic and political and even social environments so the business landscape is always changing for us. However, it is something we have grown used to and we have learned to adapt to it. The emerging markets are only getting stronger over time, so we remain confident for the future. The elephant in the room, being a UK headquartered business, is what will happen in the run up to and after Brexit. However, I am not worried about this, as our company is doing business in so many of the countries we will need to focus on as new markets and I know that many of them look forward to doing more with us as an unencumbered nation. For all the EU offers us, there is a big world out there and I believe there are innumerable opportunities for us as a country and we must focus on that quickly.” After discussing what challenges and issues have arisen within the industry, Rami then talks about what challenges and opportunities the firm has faced during his time as CEO, and how they have affected the way he does his job. “In reality, I founded the business so I have been here the whole time. In that period, I have seen a whole raft of events and incidents which many might find nerve-racking but go with the territory for us as emerging markets, our expertise and many of those markets do not operate like those in Europe or in North America. I have seen our key markets wracked by coup d’états, currency devaluations, civil war, famine, piracy, terrorism and some can happen very quickly so you have to be pretty nimble in how you react but at the same time not panic and plan for long-term gain. One of the key approaches we have always taken, is that we have stood by our distribution partners in these markets and that loyalty has held us in good stead. In fact, I have always told our team that we only succeed if our customers succeed, and we must look after them at all times. This has helped us to see through the good times and the bad and as we have been loyal to them they have been loyal to us. It makes for a very firm foundation for our business.” Ultimately, as we move towards the future, Rami sees good times ahead for Sun Mark. He signs off by discussing his future aspirations for the business and his own future regarding his own career, as he looks to build on his already sterling reputation. “Moving forward, we have our plans for ongoing growth and development but whatever we do it is always keeping in mind the analogy of a farmer and sowing today so that over time we can reap a good harvest. That approach is as relevant now as it ever was and will continue. I am the founder of the business and this is my career. I thoroughly enjoy my involvement with charity and the political development of this great country and will continue my engagement in all environments.”