AWJ: The Next Chapter as told by our New Kitopians

Change is an inevitable part of growth, and for our AWJ colleagues, the recent acquisition by Kitopi has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation. One of the largest F&B transactions in the Middle East has brought together two powerhouses in the industry, igniting a new chapter of possibilities and accomplishments. In this blog, we delve into the testimonials of AWJ colleagues to gain insights into their experiences and aspirations following the acquisition.

Katie Connor, Head of Branding

I am immensely proud of the journey I have been on with AWJ and the significant accomplishments we have achieved with our brands as a close team during my five-year tenure at the company. However, now that I am part of Kitopi, I am filled with excitement for the promising future that lies ahead, not only for our brands but for the growth of our careers and the achievements we will make. Since January, AWJ has continued to operate as usual, preserving our familiar dynamic while gaining access to an invaluable and welcoming extended network. We have been actively collaborating with Kitopians, exploring opportunities to share insights and expertise and synergize both ways, learning from each other with mutual respect and appreciation. With this, we have been able to make some remarkable growth and continue to break records with our sales and order numbers across brands while continuing to create more. The focus on positive organizational culture and transparency at Kitopi is inspiring, and I consider it an honor to be part of a leading team that is driven by a mission to accomplish hugely ambitious goals in the F&B industry like no other company has before. I am also looking forward to pushing our AWJ brands, Operation:Falafel, Awani, Catch22, SushiDo and others, to reach new heights with the investment and knowledge we have gained.

Rami Nasr, Director of Procurement & Logistics

My journey with the company took an exciting turn when Kitopi acquired us. The entire transition process was marked by profound professionalism and thoughtfulness, characteristics that were reflective of Kitopi's team. As a senior member of the team, I had the privilege of being at the forefront of this change, which was seamlessly executed due to effective planning and clear communication. It was heartening to note the synergy between our two companies, which made the transition a lot smoother and more effective. This process has enriched my professional outlook, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement. The potential of what our combined efforts can achieve in the burgeoning F&B sector fills me with great anticipation and enthusiasm.

Riham Abudaqa, Regional Head of Projects

Post acquisition we have experienced a noticeable growth in project volume, which has allowed us to demonstrate our department's effectiveness in delivering results efficiently. Moreover, the integration has introduced a culture of continuous learning and professional development within our departments at Kitopi and AWJ. By introducing new methodologies and best practices, we have given our team members the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills. Through training programs and workshops, we have ensured that our team stays updated on industry advancements, project management techniques, and emerging trends. This commitment to continuous learning not only enhances the capabilities of our individual team members but also contributes to the collective expertise and competence of our project department as a whole.

The acquisition of AWJ by Kitopi has ignited a sense of enthusiasm and optimism among colleagues. The testimonials provided by AWJ team members highlight the impact of the acquisition, from collaborative synergy and remarkable growth to professional enrichment and development. This transformative step has paved the way for an exciting future in the F&B industry, where Kitopi and AWJ's combined efforts hold immense potential for success. With a shared commitment to excellence and innovation, AWJ colleagues are ready to embrace new challenges and achieve even greater heights under Kitopi's leadership.

To learn more about the acquisition, check out the official announcement here: link