Chief Executive Officer

Position Overview

We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead a sovereign-backed enterprise operating within a nation-critical sector. This transformational role demands a dynamic leader capable of scaling the organization, strengthening its institutional foundation, and serving as its authoritative representative at the highest levels of government, regulatory bodies, investors, and strategic partners. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record of driving sustained revenue growth, enhancing operational discipline, and institutionalizing governance frameworks that ensure long-term resilience and success.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Strategy & Growth

The CEO will be responsible for the end-to-end formulation, approval, and execution of a robust corporate strategy aligned with national priorities. This includes identifying and pursuing high-impact growth opportunities such as new business lines, strategic partnerships, and market expansions, supported by rigorous investment theses and stage-gated decision-making processes. The CEO will ensure that the enterprise’s strategic direction is both ambitious and executable, with clear milestones and accountability mechanisms.

Financial Performance & Accountability

As the ultimate steward of the enterprise’s financial health, the CEO will hold full P&L accountability, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and cost management to meet or exceed Board-approved financial targets. The role requires a commitment to financial transparency, audit readiness, and capital-markets-grade reporting standards, ensuring the enterprise maintains the highest levels of fiscal integrity and investor confidence.

Leadership & Organizational Development

The CEO will build and lead a high-performing executive team, recruiting top-tier talent and fostering a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Within the first 18 months, the CEO will establish comprehensive succession plans for all critical roles, ensuring the enterprise is not dependent on any single individual. This includes setting clear performance expectations, conducting rigorous reviews, and driving a meritocratic culture that rewards excellence and addresses underperformance decisively.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

The CEO will uphold the enterprise’s compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and sovereign governance requirements. This includes maintaining a robust risk management framework, owning the enterprise risk register, and implementing mitigation strategies to safeguard the organization. The CEO will provide the Board with candid, timely updates on performance, risk exposure, and market conditions, including early warnings of potential challenges.

External Representation & Stakeholder Engagement

As the principal spokesperson for the enterprise, the CEO will represent the organization in high-level engagements with ministries, regulators, sovereign investors, and key commercial partners. The role requires a strategic approach to reputation management, ensuring consistent, transparent, and disciplined communication that strengthens the enterprise’s standing and fosters trust among stakeholders.

Success Metrics (First 24 Months)

• A Board-approved strategy in execution, with quarterly milestones met or transparently reforecast.
• Measurable improvement in core operational and financial KPIs, benchmarked against a baseline agreed with the Board within the first 90 days.
• A fully constituted executive team with documented succession coverage for all critical roles.
• Zero material compliance findings and a risk framework rated satisfactory or better by internal audit and relevant regulators.
• Enhanced standing with government stakeholders and investors, evidenced by expanded mandates, strategic partnerships, or improved capital access.

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

• 15+ years of executive leadership experience, including at least 5 years as a CEO, Managing Director, or equivalent P&L owner in a regulated or nation-critical sector (e.g., energy, infrastructure, financial services, telecom, defense, or a government-related entity).
• Direct ownership of a large P&L with a proven track record of revenue growth, margin improvement, or turnaround.
• Experience reporting to and advising Boards, government bodies, or sovereign investors.
• A demonstrated ability to build executive teams and lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.
• Deep expertise in regulatory and governance environments applicable to sovereign-backed enterprises, particularly in Saudi Arabia or comparable jurisdictions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating in Saudi Arabia or the GCC, with a strong understanding of government stakeholder dynamics and alignment with Vision 2030 mandates.
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English.