Board of Directors
The company’s operations are managed by the Board of Directors, which plays a strategic role in planning, overseeing, and directing all industrial and commercial activities. The Chief Executive Officer, supported by management and directors, handles the day-to-day operations. To facilitate this, the Board has established various committees, each responsible for specific areas of activity.
Ms. Sameera Irfan Shaikh
Chief Executive Officer/Director
Sameera Irfan Shaikh, CEO of Khyber Tobacco Company, is the only female leader in the global tobacco industry. Her expertise in HR has been key to Khyber Tobacco’s growth, making it the largest exporter among listed companies in Pakistan. Under her leadership, the company is recognized for its high-quality products, strong distribution network, and commitment to community development, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She is dedicated to empowering her team, fostering leadership, and driving initiatives that contribute to both business success and positive social impact.
Mr. Pir Waris Shah
Director
Elected as a director in October 2014 and re-elected for a second term in June 2017, he is a seasoned Human Resource Management professional with extensive experience across multiple functional areas. His commitment to excellence positions him as a valuable asset to any organization. With a charismatic leadership style and a results-driven focus, he cultivates inspiring relationships with employees, promoting engagement and enhancing overall performance.
Mr. Rahat Ullah
Chief Executive Officer/Director
Mr. Rahat Ullah was appointed as a Director in March 2018 to fill a casual vacancy and later took on the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors during his first term.
Bringing diverse accounting experience, he has established a strong track record as a company controller and finance professional, specializing in performance review and analysis. Mr. Rahat Ullah effectively leads the board, ensuring its active involvement in fulfilling its responsibilities.
As a member of both the Audit Committee and the HR Committee, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing the strategic direction of Khyber Tobacco Company Limited. His vision and expertise have significantly improved organizational strategies through insightful accounting and financial analysis and strategic recommendations. Moreover, he has fostered greater collaboration among board members and senior management, contributing to the company’s overall success.
Mr. Khalil Ur Rehman
Director
Elected as a director for a second consecutive term in June 2017, he leverages six years of marketing experience at PMCL to serve as a valuable resource in corporate governance. His commitment to implementing and upholding best business practices, along with fostering strong collaborations with partners and the community, has significantly enhanced stakeholder relationships. His strategic decision-making skills and results-oriented approach have led to improved efficiency across multiple functional areas, making a meaningful impact on organizational performance.
Ms. Sonia Farooq
Independent Director
An enthusiastic people leader with a proven track record in Human Resource Management, Ms. Sonai Farooq excels at building and managing diverse, engaged teams that reach their full potential. She specializes in effective hiring and talent retention strategies, adapting to the evolving work dynamics and competitive HR landscape.
Skills:
- Strategic Thinking
- Empathy & Integrity
- People Development & Team Building
- Commitment & Persistence
- Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
- Operational Excellence
Achievements:
- First Position Holder, Master’s Degree (QAU, Islamabad)
- First Position, Faculty of Social Sciences (QAU, Islamabad)
- Third Position Holder, Bachelor’s Degree (Punjab University)
- Third Position, MTO Batch Training (Askari Bank Limited)
- First Position, CHRP (PGD) (NUST/PIQC)
Mr. Shahzad Javed Panni
Independent Director
As a seasoned legal professional with nearly two decades of experience in both national and international markets, Mr. Shahzad Javed has a comprehensive portfolio that encompasses corporate advisory services and an extensive practice in civil, commercial, and constitutional litigation. His expertise includes navigating complex corporate transactions, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, and providing counsel on matters arising under the Companies Act 2017 (previously the Companies Ordinance 1984).
He is dedicated to serving local and foreign companies, partnerships, and private clients in their most intricate legal challenges. My litigation practice spans District, Session, and Specialist courts, where I am adept at managing complex legal issues and excelling in examination-in-chief, cross-examination, and evidence handling.
Core Competencies:
- Regulatory Compliance
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Strategic Business Planning & Execution
- Corporate & Capital Market Consultancy
- Civil/Commercial Litigation
- Civil/Commercial Arbitration & Mediation
- Market Research & Competitive Analysis
- Credit Management & Cost Control
