Ducab Group, one of the UAE's largest industrial manufacturing businesses, has announced the appointment of Charles Mellagui as the CEO of its cable business unit. An experienced business leader, Mellagui succeeds Mike Englebrecht and assumed responsibilities from July 18.

Mellagui joins Ducab from Nexans, France, where he had held various roles in Europe and the Middle East since 2007, rising to Vice President- Central Europe, Russia and France.

He has a solid track record and vast business networks in the cable industry, as well as deep insights into industry ecosystems in the Middle East, Europe, Russia and Africa.

He is an experienced transformation and turnaround leader, having restructured business units such as Nexans in the Middle East. His experience developing 'Factories of the Future' saw him develop and lead modernisation processes for various factories to international standards.

Welcoming him into the fold, Group CEO Mohammad Almutawa said: “As we accelerate our growth across markets globally, Mellagui's experience and insights into the regional cable market will help strengthen our international push.”

Ducab's cable business, he stated, continues to grow from strength to strength. Last year, the group’s total cable production in tonnage amounted to 78,146 cu eq. Today it accounts for 70 per cent of the UAE cable market.

According to him, Ducab has increased its exports of aluminum cables during 2021 by about 50 per cent compared to 2020, buoyed by a rise in demand in key international markets, including Britain and Australia.

“As a transformation leader, he is the right fit for Ducab, as we adapt to align our processes with the digital transformation and sustainable development goals of our key customers,” he added.