From Financial Times
Son of immigrants to Canada uses lentil business empire to help feed refugees
Murad Al-Katib has been named EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2017, not only for his success in building a business empire focused on providing vegetable protein to the developing world, but also for helping to feed refugees.
Mr Al-Katib said he was very proud to be accepting the award in an audience of other country winners whom he admired, but also used his moment on stage to tell the audience that he believed that labels such as social entrepreneurship were out of date.
“There’s just entrepreneurship,” he said. “Social cause is not only important for business, it’s essential.”
“I’ve been given this platform now [by winning this award] and what I want to do is change the way that our businesses engage with their stakeholders around the world,” he added.
Jim Nixon, chief executive of Nixon Energy Investments and chairman of the independent judging panel, said: “Murad is an incredible entrepreneur who has demonstrated outstanding value creation, organisational reach and expansion. Through sustainable agricultural practices, he is making a positive impact on the global environment.”
The Canadian, born to immigrant parents, was picked from 59 individuals representing 49 countries.
