Egyptian petrochemical development, economic growth
Carbon Holdings is a privately owned petrochemical company headquartered in Egypt, dedicated to the development and management of midstream and downstream petrochemical projects. Our primary focus is on establishing integrated industrial complexes that produce essential petrochemical products, with a vision to drive economic development in Egypt and the wider region.
Through our flagship projects, Oriental Petrochemicals Company (OPC) and Egyptian Hydrocarbon Corporation (EHC), we supply vital products such as polypropylene, LDAN, and various downstream chemicals. These products serve as fundamental raw materials for global industries including mining, construction, plastics, automotive, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. By supporting the growth and development of these sectors, we contribute to the overall economic advancement of Egypt and strive to enhance the quality of life for its communities. Through strategic assessment we seek to develop projects that can increase our global footprint whilst continuing to innovate Egypt and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
Producing a Wide Range of Products for Converters and End-Users
Carbon Holdings is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, with key production sites strategically located within close proximity to key markets and our privately operated port, Ain Sokhna, Northwest Suez.
Carbon Holdings, founded in 2008, aimed to support Egypt's development by addressing the country's need for reliable petrochemicals. Basil El-Baz, our Founder and CEO, is a leading figure in the petrochemical industry and a top African business leader. He has received prestigious awards like Africa Entrepreneur of the Year 2016.
Oriental Petrochemical Company (OPC), acquired by Carbon Holdings in 2013, produces polypropylene used in diverse industries worldwide. With an annual capacity of 225,000 metric tons, OPC serves both domestic and international markets, exporting to countries across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Egypt Hydrocarbon Corporation (EHC), under Carbon Holdings, produces petrochemicals for industries like oil, mining, and construction. Established in 2007, it operates the first large-scale low-density ammonium nitrate facility in the Middle East and Africa, starting commercial operations in 2019.
Producing a Wide Range of Products for Converters and End-Users
Our current production portfolio features polypropylene and low-grade ammonium nitrate, managed by our subsidiaries: Oriental Petrochemicals Company (OPC) and Egyptian Hydrocarbons Company (EHC). Strategically positioned within the Suez Economic Zone, our operational geography grants a distinct advantage in terms of cost-effective product delivery to growing international markets.
Basil El-Baz is the Founder and CEO of Carbon Holdings, with over 25 years in oil, gas, and petrochemicals. He developed Egypt Basic Industries Corporation (EBIC) and led Egypt Hydrocarbon Corporation (EHC), Egypt’s first major post-revolution project. In 2017, he won Africa Entrepreneur of the Year. A Harvard graduate, he serves on multiple business councils and as a Trustee of the Tahya Misr Fund.
Eng. Osama Kamal is the Chief Strategy Officer of Carbon Holdings and a chemical engineer with over 35 years in oil, gas, and petrochemicals. He served as Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum (2012–2013) and was Chairman & CEO of Echem (2010–2012). Previously, he led Misr Fertilizer and held senior roles at Enppi and Petrojet. His career began in the early 1980s in private-sector water services.
Gerard C. Verkerk is the Deputy CEO of Carbon Holdings with four decades of experience in acquisitions, mergers, startups, and project development. Before joining Carbon Holdings, he spent 14 years at Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR) in the U.S., serving as Director of KBR Ventures and President of KBRD. He led KBR’s development team for the EBIC project and was a Director on its board.
Ibrahim Hamdy is the Chief Financial Officer of Carbon Holdings and a Certified Public Accountant. He began his career at PWC in 1998, specializing in audits, mergers, acquisitions, and financial due diligence. He played key roles in Egypt’s privatization project, EBIC’s financing (2006), and EHC’s financing (2010–2011). He became EBIC’s CFO in 2007 and joined Carbon Holdings in 2009.
Eng. Peter Skelley has over 25 years of petrochemical experience, holding roles at BP as Business Development Manager and at INEOS in M&A and project development. Before joining Carbon Holdings, he was Projects Director for Gas Cities, overseeing MENA projects. He holds a degree in Process Engineering from Imperial College London.
Charles Garfinkel brings more than 30 years of experience successfully developing and managing multi-billion-dollar projects globally within the refining, chemical, and petrochemical industries. His expertise spans commercial strategy, technical solutions, financial structuring, private equity, and project execution, with a track record of leading initiatives from concept to completion. He joined Carbon Holdings in 2007.
James Bishop has over 28 years of investment banking experience in oil and gas project finance both as a debt arranger and adviser. During his banking career, he focused on the MENA region completing transactions across a number of finance disciplines with a total value in excess of US$ 45 billion. Prior to joining Carbon Holdings he was the Head of Project Finance for the MENA region at HSBC.
Aimee Homer is the Head of Corporate Finance at Carbon Holdings, where she leads financial strategy, capital raising, and deal structuring for industrial and petrochemical projects. With 16 years in investment banking—including roles at Fairfax and Investbridge Capital—she has led complex large-scale financings and restructurings, driving growth and sustainability. Based in Dubai, Aimee holds a Biochemical Engineering degree from UCL and a GDL from the University of Law, London.
Mohammed Helmy is Managing Director of business development & investor relations at Carbon Holdings. He holds a Mass Communication degree from AUC. Before joining Carbon Holdings in 2007, he held key roles at UBS Private Banking in New York & Cairo. He also serves on the board of Oriental Petrochemicals, contributing to the company's growth and industry leadership.
Eng. Mohamed Hassan has over 30 years of expertise in ESG, sustainability, and environmental consultancy across hydrocarbons, infrastructure, power, and chemicals. He co-founded Komex Egypt in 1997, later acquired by Worley, where he led regional operations. Since 2014, as Managing Director at Carbon Holdings, he ensures compliance with international environmental standards. He holds degrees in engineering, environmental studies, and an MBA.
Ahmad Hedayet plays a key role in driving growth, profitability, and market positioning in the petrochemicals industry. He oversees sales, marketing, logistics, and business development while aligning products with market demands. With 18+ years at Henkel and P&G, he joined Carbon Holdings in 2016 as Commercial Director of OPC. He holds a business degree from Cairo University and an MBA from AAST.
Tarek Salama has over 25 years of experience in multinational and regional markets, specializing in commercial performance, KPI monitoring, and business growth strategies. His expertise includes account management, talent building, logistics, trading, brand development, ERP optimization, and contract negotiation. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and has a proven track record of enhancing company performance.
Damir Zagidullin is Vice President of Corporate Finance at Carbon Holdings, with over a decade of experience in corporate finance and capital markets. He specialises in project finance, capital raising, and managing large-scale investment initiatives, working closely with institutional investors to drive strategic growth and enhance shareholder value. He holds Bachelors degree from the American University of Sharjah; in additional to successfully completing comprehensive finance courses with Harward Business School.
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