While we see a lot of international CEOs in the news for their work, many Saudi CEOs some despite managing some of the largest companies in the region have deliberately kept a low profile. But things are changing slowly with social media coming into the foray and the world’s eyes geared on Saudi Arabia.
Our Saudi Arabian CEOs have stepped up to the challenge and have no less inspiring stories than their international counterparts.
Some CEOs from our list run big multinationals with various branches across the globe well as others run local companies hardly operating outside their hometown, but they all make for someone to look up to for the younger generations.
Amin H. Nasser – Saudi Aramco
He is the current CEO of what is by many means the largest company in the world. After graduating from KFUPM in 1982 with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering, Nasser joined Aramco and has been with the company ever since. From starting off his career in the oil-production department and working in drilling and reservoir management to managing a production department Nasser has donned many hats before making his way to the top.
Prince Waleed Bin Talal – Kingdom Holdings
No list of Middle Eastern CEO’s can be completed without Prince Waleed Bin Talal. His success story has inspired millions and the causes that he supports have already started to bear fruits. From building the tallest building in the world to donating most of his wealth to charity, Prince Waleed is one of the most influential people in the Arab world.
Kamal Bahamdan – SAFANAD
Bahmdan is not the conventional CEO types, he actually is an Olympic bronze medalist who heads a mojor investment firm, SAFANAD. He hails from a prominent business family and through SAFANAD he has invested in a wide variety of assets, the most famous of which is the education company K12 Inc.
Bahamdan’s journey to the Olympic podium a long one, he actually was part of four summer Olympic events, before earning a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. His first major victory was the team and individual gold that he won at the 2004 Pan Arab Games and he hasn’t stopped pursuing either of his passions since.
Asya Alashaikh – Tamkeen
Her company is one of the first in the kingdom to offer CSR consultancy and related services. Formed in the year 2006, Tamkeen offers their clients all the tools they need to embed CSR values in their core principals. Prior to the formation of the company Alashaikh has years of experience behind her working for NGOs from around the country. In addition to her role as CEO of Tamkeen, she serves as Vice President of the National Consultants at the Council of Saudi Chambers.
While we see a lot of international CEOs in the news for their work, many Saudi CEOs have kept a low profile despite managing some of the largest companies in the region. But things are changing slowly with social media coming into the foray and the world’s eyes geared on Saudi Arabia. Our Saudi Arabian CEOs have stepped up to the challenge and have no less inspiring stories than their international counterparts.
Some CEOs from our list run big multinationals with various branches across the globe well as others run local companies hardly operating outside their hometown, but they all make for someone to look up to for the younger generations.
Amr F. Zedan – Zedan Group
After graduating from the University of the Pacific in America with a degree in engineering, Zedan joined his father’s engineering business, Zedan Consultants. He was instrumental in turning the firm into an energy group providing a wide range of services. Zedan is also a professional polo player and has won many regional polo cup events.
Fahd Al-Rasheed – Emaar Economic City
He currently heads one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects, the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) which has planned investment estimate of around $100 billion. He also oversaw the development of the King Abdullah Port, which is one of the largest ports on the Red Sea. Al-Rasheed is also the Founding Chairman of the Red Sea Foundation, which is a think-tank that supports the development of the Red Sea region. His Alma mater includes prestigious institutes like Stanford Business School and Harvard. In 2011, he was also honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Yousef Abdullah Al-Benyan – SABIC
Apart from his role as CEO in SABIC, Al-Benyan sits on the boards of many Saudi companies like SAFCO, Yansab and the GPCA. Al-Benyan is a SABIC veteran who has been with the petrochemical giant for almost 20 years. He served in various posts in SABIC’s international branches before he was named CEO.
Lubna Olayan – Olayan Financing Company
She was featured in Forbes Most Powerful Women list and is one of the most influential leaders in the Arab World. Her firm is one the largest private investors in the Saudi and regional stock markets. A trailblazer from the start, according to reports in the Saudi press, she was the only woman in a 4,000-strong workforce for 18 years. She has numerous firsts to her name including that of being the first woman to be elected to a board position in the country and the first woman to deliver a keynote address at a major Saudi Arabian conference.
