Amer Salim Al-Huneidi, widely known as Amer Huneidi, stands as a visionary leader and pioneering figure in the industrial gases sector across the Middle East. Born on September 18, 1960, Amer Huneidi has dedicated over four decades to transforming and expanding his family’s legacy business into a regional powerhouse. Today, as chairman of Gulf Cryo K.S.C.C., he oversees a conglomerate of more than 30 affiliated companies operating across the MENA region, setting benchmarks for safety, innovation, and operational excellence.
Amer Huneidi’s journey began in the mid-1980s when he joined Kuwait Oxygen and Acetylene Co. (KOAC), the company founded by his father, Salim Al-Huneidi. Early in his career, he took on roles that ranged from vice president of sales to general manager of Kuwait operations, and eventually CEO of both Kuwait and UAE operations. His hands-on experience in sales and management gave him a comprehensive understanding of the business, markets, and operational challenges. One of his early achievements was expanding KOAC’s reach into Iraq, which became a vital market during that period.
In 1998, Amer Huneidi succeeded his father as chairman of KOAC, marking a new era of strategic growth and transformation. His vision was clear: to expand the company’s footprint throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. Under his leadership, KOAC underwent a major restructuring in 2003, which dramatically increased its manufacturing capacity by tenfold. This expansion not only boosted production but also positioned the company to meet growing regional demand for industrial gases, especially from the oil, petrochemical, and healthcare sectors.
By 2006, Amer Huneidi had consolidated control of the business and established the Huneidi Group, a holding structure that allowed for more streamlined management and strategic diversification. This move was pivotal in evolving the company into Gulf Cryo, a brand synonymous with quality and reliability in industrial, medical, and specialty gases. Today, Gulf Cryo operates in at least 10 countries, with a workforce and infrastructure capable of serving a wide range of industries including oil and gas, healthcare, food and beverage, and manufacturing.
Amer Huneidi’s leadership extends beyond operational success. He has been instrumental in fostering innovation within Gulf Cryo, investing in advanced production technologies, logistics, and digital transformation initiatives. These efforts have enabled the company to maintain a competitive edge and achieve an average annual growth rate of 20% in recent years. His strategic foresight also includes a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, aligning Gulf Cryo’s operations with global trends toward green energy and decarbonization.
In addition to his role at Gulf Cryo, Amer Huneidi serves on several notable boards across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. He was a board member of Canvas Media in the UAE and North Plains in Canada, reflecting his broad business acumen and international perspective. He is also the founder of Rimal Management and Consultancy Co. in Kuwait and holds a directorship at the International Oxygen Manufacturers Association (IOMA), where he contributes to shaping industry standards and policies.
Amer Huneidi’s career is a testament to visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to excellence. Through decades of strategic growth and innovation, he has transformed a family business into a regional industrial leader, driving economic development and setting new standards for the industrial gases industry. His ongoing focus on expansion, modernization, and sustainability ensures that Gulf Cryo remains at the forefront of the sector, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.