Alim N. Somji appointed President and Chief Executive Officer as Nizar J. Somji transitions to Founder and Chair; Salima Mawani and Rahim Ali assume expanded executive roles

EDMONTON, Alberta — July 13, 2026 — The Jaffer Group of Companies is proud to announce a significant evolution in its executive leadership, marking an important milestone in the organization’s long-term succession plan and continued growth.

Nizar J. Somji will transition to his role as Founder and Chair, stepping back from the organization’s day-to-day and passing the leadership of the organization to Alim N. Somji in his new assumed role of President and Chief Executive Officer.

The transition will see Nizar step back from the day-to-day management of the organization while continuing to provide guidance, perspective and support to the Jaffer Group and its leadership team. As Founder and Chair, he will remain connected to the organization’s overall direction, values and long-term priorities, serving as a trusted advisor on significant strategic matters and supporting the continued development of the Jaffer Group.

“Building the Jaffer Group has always been about more than growing a collection of businesses. It has been about creating opportunities, developing people and building organizations capable of making a lasting contribution,” said Nizar J. Somji. “This transition reflects the strength of the leadership team we have developed and my confidence in Alim, Salima, and Rahim to guide the Jaffer Group into its next chapter. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and even more excited about what lies ahead.”

As President and CEO, Alim will assume overall responsibility for the performance, direction and continued development of the Jaffer Group and its portfolio of companies. He will lead the organization’s corporate strategy, investment and growth priorities while working closely with the leadership teams across its operating businesses.

As a proud Edmontonian, Alim’s appointment also carries significance beyond the organization itself. His leadership reflects a continued commitment to building and growing businesses in the city that shaped him, while creating opportunities, strengthening local partnerships and contributing to Edmonton’s long-term economic and community development. As he steps into the role of President and CEO, Alim brings both a deep understanding of the city and a strong sense of responsibility to help the Jaffer Group remain an active and invested part of Edmonton’s future.

As part of the transition, Salima Mawani will assume the title of Chief Operating Officer, and Rahim Ali will assume the title of Chief Financial Officer.

These appointments recognize and formalize responsibilities that Salima and Rahim have already been carrying within the organization. Rather than representing significant changes to their day-to-day mandates, the new titles reflect the continued evolution of their roles and their importance to the Jaffer Group’s executive leadership structure.

As Chief Operating Officer, Salima will continue to work closely with Alim and the leadership teams across the Jaffer Group to support operational performance, organizational alignment and the effective execution of strategic priorities.

Her responsibilities will include supporting business leaders, strengthening coordination across the portfolio and helping ensure that systems, people and processes continue to evolve alongside the organization.

As Chief Financial Officer, Rahim will continue to lead the Jaffer Group’s financial management, reporting, planning and governance functions.

He will remain responsible for supporting sound financial decision-making across the organization, providing greater visibility into business performance and helping ensure that the Jaffer Group approaches growth, investment and risk with discipline and a long-term perspective.

Together, the appointments provide greater clarity to the Jaffer Group’s executive structure while maintaining continuity in how the organization operates. They recognize the leadership roles that Alim, Salima and Rahim have already established and position them to continue advancing shared priorities.

The succession also reflects Nizar’s long-standing commitment to developing leaders and building organizations that can continue to grow beyond any one individual.

“This is not a sudden change in direction,” Nizar added. “It is the formal recognition of how our leadership team has already evolved and of the capable people who have grown alongside the organization. I am confident the Group is in strong hands, and I look forward to supporting the team as they lead us into our next chapter. They have the experience, judgment and ambition to honour our foundation while continuing to invest in local businesses, develop talent and create an even stronger future for the Jaffer Group and the communities we serve.”

About the Jaffer Group of Companies

The Jaffer Group of Companies is an Edmonton-based diversified organization with operations in information management and digitization, hospitality, construction, retail, and commercial real estate. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to performance, perspective and compassion for people, the Jaffer Group develops and supports businesses that create lasting value for their customers, employees, partners and communities.