Petromin Corporation earns accolades at Middle East Management Excellence Awards 2025

The company bagged the Saudi Arabia Executive of the Year - Automotive Services and Saudi Arabia Team of the Year - Automotive Services categories.

Petromin Corporation was honoured at the Middle East Management Excellence Awards 2025, highlighting the strategic leadership of Group CEO Kalyana Sivagnanam for the second time in a row, along with the exceptional work of its Treasury Department.

Under Mr Sivagnanam’s strategic direction, Petromin has evolved into a global leader in mobility solutions, positioning itself as the world’s first automotive ecosystem to support the entire customer lifecycle. Petromin was once known primarily for lubricants. Now, it operates within its 8 business verticals that span the entire vehicle lifecycle, from buying a car to the end electrifying it.

As sustainability is a cornerstone of Sivagnanam’s vision, Petromin had its most successful Omnipreneurship campaign centred on waste management, which generated about 150+ ideas. With a target of achieving an “AAA” rating by 2030, Mr Sivagnanam has embedded sustainability into Petromin’s long-term strategy, ensuring it remains a competitive and responsible industry leader. Mr Sivagnanam’s recent leadership of the Strategy 2030 initiative further demonstrates his strategic foresight. This comprehensive review evaluated Petromin’s performance, analysed market trends, and assessed competitive dynamics, resulting in a refined corporate strategy and a detailed roadmap for sustainable growth through 2030. His vision positions Petromin as a leader in green technology whilst advancing its journey toward net-zero emissions.

A key driver of this transformation is Electromin, a subsidiary launched to lead the charge in smart, sustainable mobility. It is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia and provides EV consultancy, charging infrastructure, passenger, and commercial EVs, and integrated mobility hubs. 

Moreover, the company will soon release its first-ever Sustainability Report to further reinforce transparency and accountability.

Kalyana Sivagnanam’s leadership was lauded in the Saudi Arabia Executive of the Year - Automotive Services.

Meanwhile, the company’s Treasury Department bagged the Saudi Arabia Team of the Year - Automotive Services under Syed Raza’s leadership, the team has made remarkable contributions to the company’s growth.

It successfully reduced financing costs by negotiating with banking partners to lower the company’s cost of financing by 1%. It generated annual savings of SAR40m in interest expenses. This directly enhanced profitability and freed up capital for strategic reinvestment.

It also conducted a comprehensive review of supplier payment terms and implemented working capital improvements, extending payment terms by 30 days on average. This initiative unlocked $25m in working capital whilst maintaining strong supplier relationships.

It achieved zero critical errors during its transition to new digital financial systems whilst ensuring that innovation and sustainability remain at the heart of Petromin.

With a relentless focus on innovation, integrity, and impact, Petromin continues to lead from the front and ensures that it progresses alongside the rapidly evolving mobility landscape.

The award was received by Group Finance Director on behalf of both individuals.

Middle East Management Excellence Awards honours individuals, innovators, and teams who have greatly contributed to their business’ success. It also spotlights employee engagement and diversity and inclusion initiatives that have made a positive impact in the industry.

The Middle East Management Excellence Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's employee engagements and management initiatives, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].