Everything is possible if you have the wit, the will, and the power of your vision to clear the picture in front of you. As the daughter of a resolute Russian farmer, Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova’s journey of emerging from a crisis situation to winning over another crisis scenario is akin to a seed growing amidst whatever weather and soil conditions it faces to later grow into a bush, plant, or a tree feeding the ever-hungry world.
Today, being the Procurement Director – Commodities at AGTHIA, Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova reflects, “Sometimes I think it was my destiny! My father – a small Russian farmer – loves his lands and plants. He grows them and not only sees them as seeds but as a part of sowing his soul with every seed!”
From Russian Farmland to Global Commodities Leadership
Thus, her story began in the rural heartland of Russia, where her father, once the Chief Agricultural Engineer of a collective farm, risked everything to pursue independent farming just as the Soviet Union was collapsing. Amidst economic instability and grain import dependence, he planted the seeds of resilience—seeds that would later shape his daughter’s destiny.
Raised in the rich soils of the Krasnodar region, now a global wheat-exporting powerhouse, Evgeniya’s early years were steeped in agriculture. She excelled academically, earning a gold medal in school and later enrolling at KUBSAU, one of Russia’s top agricultural universities, the same institution her father attended. Her academic focus on the cost and profitability of sunflower seeds was rooted in personal experience—she spent countless summers clearing fields and even hand-harvested corn when machinery failed. These early lessons instilled a work ethic and understanding of agribusiness that would define her career.
After earning her red diploma with distinction, Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova joined Cargill as a Commercial Management Trainee in 2010, despite having a competing offer from a multinational consumer goods company. Her decision was inspired by the meaningful impact of feeding the world, and her early career involved navigating the aftermath of Russia’s grain export ban. She quickly rose through the ranks, moving from domestic supply chain management to international trading, and eventually played a pivotal role in opening the GCC market to grains from Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria—beyond the traditional Russian supply.
In 2019, she joined AGTHIA Group, where she was entrusted with reshaping procurement strategy amid volatile global markets. Leveraging her deep knowledge of commodity flows from the Black Sea, Baltics, and Australia, she helped AGTHIA transition from a regional buyer to a leading force in the Gulf and MENA region. Her leadership in launching solo Panamax import programs and securing competitive wheat and barley origins revolutionized AGTHIA’s import structure.
Her academic pursuits, including a PhD in World Economy, complement her practical expertise. Dr. Evgeniya’s career stands as a bridge between field-level grit and boardroom strategy—a legacy of feeding not just one family farm but millions across the globe.
Driving Strategic Transformation in Grain Trade and Market Collaboration
Among Dr. Evgeniya’s many accomplishments, one achievement stands out as a defining milestone in her professional journey—leading AGTHIA Group’s evolution from a part-cargo importer to a strategic powerhouse in the GCC grain trade. Taking on the complex challenge of commodity risk management in a fragmented and unpredictable market, she pioneered AGTHIA’s transition into full Panamax-size import programs.
Her breakthrough came in 2019 with the historic arrival of MV INCE TOKIO—AGTHIA’s first secured Panamax vessel carrying Ukrainian milling wheat. This moment symbolized more than just logistical success; it marked the beginning of a new procurement mindset for Grand Mills—which is a part of AGTHIA’s Agri-Business portfolio—one built on agility, risk-informed decision-making, and cross-functional trust. Coordinating between port operations, quality control, and leadership support, Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova ensured seamless execution and introduced a new specification standard—“Consensus Spec”—balancing premium quality with market liquidity.
Leveraging her global trading experience and deep market knowledge, she empowered her team to think bigger. Through a flexible specification strategy and precision sourcing, AGTHIA became a strong regional competitor, challenging multinational trading houses. The company maintained top-tier quality standards, supported by the only GAFTA-approved lab in the UAE, while achieving cost-effective import diversification—expanding from milling wheat to including Black Sea feed barley and corn.
What sets Dr. Evgeniya’s leadership apart is her ability to foster collaboration over competition. Recognizing the unique spirit of the UAE’s import market, she facilitated a strong cooperative relationship with other key players like Al Ghurair. Rather than vying for dominance, the two leading millers shared strategic insights, managed overlapping risks, and supported each other in times of supply pressure or late arrivals.
Her vision has reshaped procurement dynamics in the region, transforming AGTHIA into a resilient and forward-looking player while strengthening a market culture built on transparency, mutual growth, and shared intelligence. In her words and actions, Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova continues to demonstrate that strategic foresight, operational excellence, and trusted partnerships can move markets—and feed nations.
Resilience Amidst Global Volatility: Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova’s Strategic Leadership at AGTHIA
As Procurement Director for Grains and Commodities at AGTHIA Group PJSC, Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova faces an ever-shifting landscape marked by export bans, geopolitical tensions, and market disruptions. From Russia’s quota systems to India’s wheat export restrictions and the volatility in the Black and Red Seas, the challenges are formidable. Yet, her approach is grounded in foresight and flexibility.
Unlike paper trading, where contracts can be canceled under force majeure, physical trading demands robust contingency planning. Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova meets this head-on by diversifying sourcing strategies and always preparing multiple fallback plans—from B through E. This ensures continuity in supply even under worst-case scenarios.
Investments in technology, such as upgrading Buhler milling lines, have enhanced transparency and operational efficiency, supporting new diversification efforts across flour and feed programs. At the heart of her strategy lies relentless collaboration—within her team with global suppliers, shippers, surveyors, and port operators. The Grain Desk’s daily tracking system has become a vital tool for risk mitigation.
Acknowledging the collective contributions of every team member has been key to navigating crises—from the pandemic to the Black Sea conflict and Red Sea disruptions. Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova credits the R&D and QA teams, particularly Mrs. Mirasol Berja and Mrs. Adnan Zafar, for ensuring quality remains the top priority amid all transformations and her Grain Desk’s Team: Mrs. Laura Martinez and Mr. Mohamed Al Khamiri for smooth execution and great resilience during so many force-majeures in grain shipments Agthia went through, especially during the last couple of grain seasons.
The Art of Balance: Dr. Evgeniya’s Drive and Determination Beyond the Trading Floor
Balancing the high-octane world of commodity procurement with personal well-being is no small feat, but for Dr. Evgeniya, it’s a challenge she embraces with infectious energy and purpose. She expresses, “While some may describe me as a workaholic and demanding perfectionist, I strongly believe in balancing hard work with each step of celebrating accomplishments: big and especially small to encourage other.”
Her formula for balance is straightforward: “Work hard—celebrate success harder.” Behind her relentless pace lies a belief that celebrating even the smallest milestones fosters a winning culture within the team.
She further emphasizes, “I would like to offer one more advice to junior grain traders in physical (not paper):
Do not be discouraged if your initial attempts do not yield the desired results. View each challenge as an opportunity for growth, both in terms of margins and your broader perspective. Global View – learn and take notes – the market has a tendency to repeat its cycles and patterns. But stay practical and driven by your goals, but never give up, as already mentioned in Mr. Churchill’s speech.”
Achieving a balance between your efforts and the satisfaction of your team is essential. “I know each Trader is mainly motivated by Ego, but make your Ego your servant, not a ruler. Take a step back when it is needed, especially when the market trend is against you! Ride this roller coaster wave, don’t run away! That’s how you will become the strong protector of your company’s risk zones,” she adds.
To maintain peak performance, both mentally and physically, she turns to competitive team sports—mountaineering, cycling marathons, and football—as metaphors and methods for business stamina. Much like an F1 pilot relying on a flawless pit crew, she sees every achievement at AGTHIA as a collective victory. “There is no pilot without a high-performing team,” she emphasizes. Her leadership inspires a culture where every desk, department, and individual contributes to a common vision of success.
With UAE rising as a global trade hub, exemplified by the growth of the Gulf Mercantile Exchange (GME) and visionary programs to attract top trading houses, Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova proudly stands at the intersection of market transformation and team empowerment. Her story is a testament to grit, grace, and a never-give-in attitude that continues to redefine excellence in global grain trading.
Innovating with Intent: Dr. Evgeniya’s Commitment to Progress in Grain & Milling
In an industry as dynamic as grain and flour milling, staying ahead means more than following trends—it requires shaping them. For Dr. Evgeniya, continuous improvement is not just a professional strategy; it’s a mindset that defines her leadership at AGTHIA. She believes that true innovation stems from passion and a shared commitment to customer-focused value creation.
At AGTHIA, this translates into a team culture that thrives on knowledge sharing, proactive collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions. Whether it’s redefining product specifications, diversifying supply sources, or refining silo management like a precise pharmacy recipe, every initiative is driven by the goal of delivering better outcomes for consumers. “Our consumers are the compass,” she emphasizes, “guiding the structure of UAE’s flour and feed markets.”
Her team’s ability to respond swiftly to global disruptions—be it the Indian wheat ban or the Black Sea conflict—is a testament to their adaptability. Strategic decisions like sourcing new origins for milling wheat and feed corn were not just risk-managed; they became competitive advantages.
Dr. Evgeniya’s approach blends experience with openness to new ideas, ensuring that AGTHIA not only keeps pace with the industry but sets new benchmarks. Her leadership proves that when innovation is paired with purpose, the results resonate far beyond the supply chain.
A Vision Rooted in Values: Dr. Evgeniya’s Bold Blueprint for AGTHIA’s Future
As both a seasoned Grain Trader and the proud daughter of a grain farmer, Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova carries a deeply personal vision for AGTHIA—one rooted in integrity, agility, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Her mission aligns seamlessly with some of AGTHIA’s core principles, where Agility ensures fast and adaptive responses to market volatility, Growth mindset fuels unstoppable ambition, and Human-centricity fosters a nurturing environment where every team member is empowered.
She envisions AGTHIA not just as a market leader but as a force for good—safeguarding food security while championing transparency and inclusivity in the global commodities trade. “We don’t just focus on KPIs,” she shares. “We focus on a shared responsibility—supporting farmers, suppliers, and consumers alike with a win-win spirit –which is in line with AGTHIA’s promise of doing business “For The Better”.”
Her strategy involves creating fair opportunities for emerging suppliers, offering them a level playing field against large trading houses. Through rigorous onboarding and multi-round negotiations, AGTHIA has secured high-quality grain at competitive prices—at times delivering a $5–$10 per MT advantage without compromising on quality.
Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova proudly notes that AGTHIA has zero GAFTA arbitration cases, a remarkable feat in the volatile commodity sector. This isn’t just a matter of legal discipline—it’s a reflection of trust, mutual respect, and meticulous quality control practices akin to pharmaceutical standards.
“We’re not just trading grain,” she emphasizes. “We’re building a secure, transparent ecosystem where suppliers thrive, consumers are protected, and every cent matters. That’s the future I see for AGTHIA—sustainable, human-driven, and globally respected.”
The Final Chapter: A Legacy Etched in Sustainability and Service
Dr. Evgeniya’s dedication to AGTHIA’s sustainability mission is as passionate as her leadership in procurement. Deeply aligned with COP-28 and the UAE’s national goals, she has been instrumental in implementing impactful initiatives. She also pioneered the import of Corn Fermented Protein for AGTHIA’s feed portfolio. This symbolizes that her strategies are environmentally conscious and economically smart.
“We don’t just meet standards—we set them,” she says with conviction. For Dr. Evgeniya, sustainability isn’t a compliance checkbox; it’s a daily drive powered by innovation and team synergy. “If we can pass on value to our consumers—certifications, savings, sustainability—we do it proudly and for free. That’s our added value, not our margin.”
As she reflects on her legacy, her voice deepens with emotion. “My legacy,” she says, “is navigating AGTHIA through four of the most challenging years in global grain trading—pandemics, geopolitical risks, trade shifts, and supply shocks.”
From introducing Ukrainian and Bulgarian wheat into the UAE market to mentoring mid-sized suppliers into competitive exporters, Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova has shaped AGTHIA into not just a business leader—but a resilient bridge between farmers, traders, and consumers.
Her closing words resonate like a mantra: “AGTHIA is here not just to trade—but to transform. To nourish the region. To stand firm in every storm. To grow together, always.”
