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Thriving against the odds: Khaled Ramadan

Nestle External_Banner_Khaled

Calm, humble and with an ability to connect across cultural and language barriers, Khaled Ramadan, Managing Director and Cluster Head: East & Horn of Africa, and Greater Zambezi, is leading a number of Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region’s markets under admittedly difficult circumstances… And thriving.

Having worked at Nestlé for more than 15 years, Khaled is most proud of his capacity to operate in tough environments across different geographies. His work has taken him to Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria and now Zimbabwe.  

He explains his resilience: “I enjoy working in dynamic environments, experiencing different cultures and adapting to different leadership styles. It’s not always easy, but I wake up every day with the same energy no matter where I am because I am grateful and I want to win!”

Originally from Lebanon, Khaled’s inspiration isn’t from books or learned scholars. Rather, he’s inspired by what he’s experienced firsthand, particularly in Iran, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.  

He says, “Working in Africa and seeing how the people face day-to-day life and all its challenges – the economy, the scarcity of water – seeing their resilience and willingness to move forward… It makes me so grateful for what I have. I’m inspired by the resilience of the human spirit even when there is suffering all around us.”

Khaled’s humility and humanity, coupled with his competitive nature, makes him a natural leader. It’s perhaps this balance that draws him to martial arts, which he practices with his son, when they aren’t playing video games together to relax. Khaled also enjoys boxing, cycling and table tennis.

Professionally, Khaled loves a challenge: “I love the feeling of being competitive because that drives innovation and learning – I really enjoy learning. I’m also the type of person who consistently chases to keep momentum when it comes to performance and meeting deliverables.”  

He continues, “I want to grow and see the company grow with me because I’ve added value. I’m inspired by transformation and seeing a vision executed on the ground. I also enjoy connecting the dots – customer, brand, consumer, our business – to ensure that we are always ahead.”

As someone who has an admittedly strong competitive streak, Khaled’s balance is perhaps also derived from his belief that everything comes at the right time if you only continue on the journey.  

Structuring his thoughts, exceptional planning and focusing on what he wants are all strengths, but Khaled’s leadership skill is revealed when he explains that he takes time to break down the steps needed to get to the end result.

Since the end of 2024 is in sight, he is focused on starting 2025 strong, based on the secure foundations laid by his team this year. He is clear that strategies are already in place and that the business should expect to see results from as early as January.  

Perhaps owing to his tranquil demeanour, Khaled is often misread by those around him. He explains, “People take time to understand that I am genuine. I don’t hold anything in my heart – it is what it is, for me. I believe in peace and in understanding that everyone is doing their best. It’s all about being a good person, in the end.”

A refreshingly simple, honest approach to life – and what better fit for the ‘Good Food, Good Life’ company?