Congratulations to Karim Sumar AM, who last week was awarded an AM – Member of the Order of Australia, for significant service to the Ismaili community, and to the convenience retail industry.
Karim was a Director with AACS for 13 years, which included 4 Years as Chairman, and for those of you that know Karim, this is a very well deserved achievement.
AACS CEO Theo Foukkare spoke with Karim to share some insights into what this award means to him, and find out a little more about what he has been up to.
What does the AM Order of Australia Award mean to you?
This is a recognition for all the people who volunteer their time in any form to improve and make the world a better place. I am extremely lucky to have worked with so many people over the years who cannot be forgotten.
Why did you get involved in Charity work?
The Shia Ismaili Muslim community across the world has united around its centuries old tradition of serving humanity by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live, regardless of faith, gender and background. This also reflects the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam’s core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable.
What have been your most satisfying achievements, both in business & personally?
Having come to Australia with nothing back in the early 1980s, starting as a trolley boy at Coles Supermarkets, I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with some of the most wonderful people and organisations in Australia.
Winning the AACS Head Office of the Year for several years running is one achievement that will always stand out for me.
And finally, Ambreen (my life partner) & bringing up 3 wonderful & successful young men.
What have you been up to in your new role at EG Australia?
Since moving to the QSR & New Concepts Director role in June 2020, my focus has been to stand up Foodservice for EG in Australia. This has meant that I have had to review what is happening in the market, understand the EG Group point of difference in all markets and establish a fit for purpose network of Foodservice locations in Australia.
We have already created some strong partnerships with Vittoria Food & Beverages, Oliver’s Real Food and Pizza Hut Australia to name a few. You will see some exciting offers appearing in our stores in coming months
How long have you been involved in Convenience Retail? I started in the channel in January 1996 at Ampol as it was known then, thus over 25 years.
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