Japanese trucks manufacturer, UD Trucks, has appointed Mourad Hedna as president of UD Trucks Middle East, East and North Africa (MEENA), who is now based in Dubai as of November as he assumes responsibility for the brand from Lars-Erik Forsbergh who has moved to Singapore to head Volvo Trucks operations in South East Asia.
Hedna, 45, was previously vice president for Powertrain Business Strategy working with Volvo Group in Sweden, and has been with the Volvo Trucks Group since 1996, when he joined Renault Trucks to take up the position of engine research and development engineer.
In 2000, Hedna was appointed engineering manager of the Volvo Trucks Group from 2000 to 2006 before taking on the roles of global commodity manager in 2007, purchasing director in 2011, and powertrain VP in 2015.
Commenting on his new position, he said: “UD Trucks has a reputation for going the extra mile and it is a priority of mine to get to know all our customers’ business models in detail so that we can better serve their needs and anticipate their future requirements.
“My 20 years’ experience in the truck manufacturing industry will bring value and help drive performance in this important strategic region for UD Trucks. I look forward to collaborating with our local partners to deliver the very best service for our customers.’’
Hedna has specialised in engineering since high school, where he studied aeronautics and engine mechanics before specialising further and completing an MBA in management.
He was appointed to the UD position by Jacques Michel, senior vice president for international sales UD Trucks, responsible for operations across the Middle East, East and North Africa (MEENA) region.
Hedna added: “With our Quester range providing fuel efficiency, reliability and durability across a wide range of applications, we are in a position to make the customer succeed and prosper in their business.”
