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Business Wire
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
QXO Appoints Eric Nelson as Chief Information Officer
GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) today announced that Eric Nelson has been appointed chief information officer, effective July 14. Nelson will execute the company's IT roadmap as QXO becomes the tech-enabled leader in the $800 billion building products distribution industry. 'Eric brings a rare blend of technical acumen and business insight to QXO." Nelson joins QXO from The Kraft Heinz Company, where he spent a decade in senior technology roles. He brings extensive experience leading front- and back-office operations for complex organizations, and played a pivotal role in the tech transformation of five major acquisitions and spin-offs. Brad Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of QXO, said, 'Eric brings a rare blend of technical acumen and business insight to QXO. His proven track record of delivering significant impact across logistics, procurement, manufacturing and sales aligns perfectly with the innovation already underway at QXO.' In his most recent role at Kraft Heinz, Nelson spearheaded global IT strategy for all corporate functions, including supply chain, research and development, and finance. Prior to that, he was CIO of Kraft Heinz North America and global head of analytics. In these roles, he developed robust data and machine learning operations, scaled digital product development across business units and led enterprise-wide cloud migrations. Previously, Nelson held various technology and operational leadership positions at Kraft and its spin-off, Kraft Foods Group, with responsibility for supply and demand planning, transportation, manufacturing, distribution and procurement. Earlier in his career, he led continuous improvement efforts at Cadbury plc. Nelson holds a bachelor's degree in information systems technology from Southern Illinois University and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from Villanova University. About QXO QXO is the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing, waterproofing and complementary building products in the United States. The company plans to become the tech-enabled leader in the $800 billion building products distribution industry and generate outsized value for shareholders. QXO is targeting $50 billion in annual revenues within the next decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Visit for more information.
Web Release
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Web Release
Baniyas Tops Opening Day of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club seized an early lead on Day 1 of the fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held Friday at Zayed Sports City's Mubadala Arena. The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation-organised event drew strong competition from local clubs, with intense matches across youth, adult, and master divisions. Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed second place, while M.O.D UAE rounded out the top three. Several dignitaries were in attendance, including H.E. Brigadier Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri and H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Khalfan Abdulla Al Mansoori, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre; Jasem Al Marzooqi, CEO of Advanced Military Maintenance Repair & Overhaul Center (AMMROC); and Angelo Vincenzo Carlino, Managing Director of AgustaWestland Aviation Services, along with representatives of sponsors, partners, clubs, and academies. H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran praised the generous directive from His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, to double the championship's prize money. He said this move reflects the UAE leadership's commitment to the development of top-level sports, especially jiu-jitsu, which has become the country's national sport. He added, 'The fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is especially important. It marks a key moment in the competition and gives us a chance to evaluate club performances and how well the athletes are prepared to continue their success in the upcoming stages.' Jasem Al Marzooqi, CEO of AMMROC, affirmed that the strong organisation and professional level of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship reflect the leadership's ambition to position the UAE as a leading global sports destination. 'The championship is progressing with every round. Both the technical and organisational levels show how successful the overall system is, giving athletes the ideal environment to grow and excel.' Igor Lacerda, coach of the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club youth team, said, 'This round once again confirms the incredible progress the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is making across the board. It gave us as coaches extra motivation. We focused our preparations on mental and tactical aspects, and we are working to make the best use of our athletes' capabilities. From the start of the season, our goal has been clear, to strongly compete for the title. We believe this path requires consistent performance and discipline.' Bouchaib Elidrissi of Morocco, representing Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, won gold in the Men's Masters Brown/Black Belt –62kg division. He said, 'This achievement means a lot to me, especially since I faced an opponent in the final who was 20 years younger. This championship is a unique platform for athletes of all ages to showcase their talent and chase their goals. I sincerely thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the organisers for the tremendous effort they put into delivering such a professional event and creating a competitive environment that matches our ambitions and pushes us to give our best.'
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I was superfit karate Black Belt but it didn't stop cancer'
Julius Manyoni, 66, who has been a Black Belt 6th Dan karate instructor for more than 40 years, was diagnosed with stage 3 myeloma, a type of blood cancer, after becoming breathless Julius Manyoni is a Black Belt 6th Dan karate instructor and the epitome of fitness. He didn't drink or smoke and watched what he ate. But he was suddenly left stunned when he began struggling for breath simply climbing stairs – a task he could usually do with ease. For over four decades, Julius had dedicated himself to karate, starting his own club in 1986 where he taught weekly, all while managing a full-time job running an agency for domiciliary carers. But his life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with stage 3 myeloma, a form of blood cancer. He said: "I was super fit, I didn't drink or smoke, had never taken drugs, I ate the right foods and exercised regularly. As my friends later said, I was the last person you'd expect to receive a cancer diagnosis. "In July 2019, I started to feel as if my heartbeat was irregular. I felt out of breath going upstairs. I had never felt breathless in my entire life. I was used to running up the stairs 10 times a day without any problem. Now I was gasping for air walking up just one flight.", reports Surrey Live. "I knew there must be something wrong and booked to see the GP. I assumed I had a problem with my heart. But an ECG and blood saturation tests showed my heart was strong. My GP wanted to investigate further and sent me for urgent blood tests at the hospital to be done the very same day." Within days, he was summoned for a haematology appointment and faced the prospect of a biopsy. He recalled: "At this point, I was very blasé. Even though I was told there was a possibility I had some form of blood cancer, I wasn't worried. I was absolutely certain there had been a mistake and that I would be given the all-clear once all the results were back." In September 2019, he returned to the hospital to see the haematology consultant. His heart sank as he entered the room: "When I opened the door, I saw a Macmillan nurse in the room and straight away knew something wasn't quite right." The news he received next was not what he had braced himself for. He said: "I was not prepared for the results I was about to get. My previous knowledge of Macmillan nurses was an association with end-of-life care, so when the consultant explained they were sorry to tell me I had tested positive for myeloma, I feared the worst." Although the cancer was incurable, being told it was treatable offered him a glimmer of hope, yet the shock was palpable. He shared: "I think I went blank and numb. I don't remember hearing a huge amount of what was said or how I would be treated. I don't even remember how I got home from the hospital. I know some people like to talk about these things, but I felt a sense of emptiness and just wanted to be alone. I didn't want to speak to anyone, I just needed time to understand and process what was happening to me." The 66-year-old from Maidstone in Kent, added: "My consultant wanted me to start treatment immediately, but there was a karate competition coming up and I wanted to be able to support my team taking part in that, so I asked for it to be postponed. But in November 2019, I started six months of chemotherapy." After undergoing a stem cell transplant in July 2020, which unfortunately didn't take, he faced a significant setback but chose to remain optimistic. He expressed: "Worrying won't change anything. You have to be positive and keep fighting." In a turn of fortune, August 2020 saw him begin treatment with lenalidomide, a drug not previously available on the NHS, which has led to his current remission. He revealed: "I am one of the first NHS patients to be benefiting from it and am doing very well – I have no side effects and it is really working for me. I am in remission and feel good." Despite everything he says he wakes each day with gratitude and a focus on the present, a mindset reinforced by his karate training. He reflected: "I visit the hospital every two months for check-ups and blood tests. But I wake up every morning feeling grateful to be here, grateful to see the sun another day and breathe fresh air. I am very philosophical. I don't think too much about tomorrow, I very much live in the present. I have always been strong psychologically and karate teaches you to focus on the moment, not to look too far ahead. "I don't think about the future, but I am very grateful to the scientists who have worked so hard to make these drugs possible. It is exciting to think that the next generation will have better treatments and more options available when it comes to tackling cancer. "Throughout my whole cancer experience, the only time I truly broke down was when I saw kids struggling with cancer. They hadn't yet lived their lives. Children should not have to go through that. That is why cancer research is so fundamental." Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a blood cancer originating from plasma cells. At any given moment, there are over 33,000 people living with myeloma in the UK, making up 15 per cent of blood cancers, and two per cent of all cancers. Julius is now backing The Institute of Cancer Research Spring Appeal, which specifically focuses on the charity's blood cancer research. You can donate to support future research by visiting the site.
Observer
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Black belt promotions for Shotokan Karate
MUSCAT: In a significant milestone for martial arts in the Sultanate of Oman, the Shotokan Karate Association celebrated the promotion of several of its members to black belt ranks following a rigorous examination held on Saturday, May 10. Four senior practitioners, Al Yaqdhan al Abdali, Alawi Baomar, Shaima Baomar, and Bayan al Abdali were elevated to the esteemed 3rd Dan Black Belt level, marking years of commitment and excellence in their discipline. While Rimas al Wahibi earned the 2nd Dan rank, showcasing advanced skills and consistent dedication. The 1st Dan Black Belt was awarded to a group of promising karatekas, including Sulaiman al Hinai, Shehab Baomar, Mais al Rasbi, Munther Ghassan, Ammar al Siyabi, Dia Shaheer, and Himank Kaushik. Their promotion signifies a major personal achievement and underscores the growing strength of the karate community in Oman. These accomplishments reflect the association's commitment to fostering discipline, focus and continuous improvement among its members. The success of these athletes also highlights the expanding footprint and popularity of Shotokan Karate across the Sultanate of Oman, as more youth and adults embrace the sport both competitively and as a form of self-development
