Veteran industry expert Athif Shakoor on Monday has nominated his name for the Chief Executive Officer position of Maldives Industries Fisheries Company (MIFCO) – the state-owned fisheries corporation.
Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) – the regulatory body of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) – announced vacancy of the financially ailing MIFCO’s chief executive position in June 26. The deadline for application submission expired at 14:00hrs on Monday.
PCB, in its June 26 announcement said both local and foreigners who fit the criteria were eligible. The announcement further specified a remuneration between USD 9,500 and USD 12,000 (MVR 146,775 – MVR 185,400) for the position.
Athif said he decided to apply for MIFCO’s chief position to elevate the corporation’s current conditions.
“If the company operates devoid of politics, we can run it profitably. What we need is for political leaders to release their grips from corporations,” Athif, who previously held senior positions of MIFCO said.
He was employed at MIFCO in various capacities from 2004 to 2013, including the Sales and Marketing Manager, Deputy Managing Director and later Managing Director roles.
Athif, being vocal about reshaping the company’s operational trajectory, had written several articles regarding MIFCO in the past.
The company currently faces the plight of insolvency, primarily due to the practice of above-market purchase of fish for processing and export.
Besides MIFCO, Athif is also a former Managing Director of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), and filled the Chairman’s role at Dhiraagu.
During former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration, Athif led the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), which was responsible for combatting and curtailing money laundering and terrorism financing activities.
MIFCO announced CEO position vacancy after its last chief Ahmed Samah Rasheed was dismissed from the role on May 21, 2024.