Executive Director - Asian Games Planning and Coordination (REQ1370)

About the Role
We are on an exciting journey to transform the entertainment, sports, and culture landscape in Saudi Arabia. We are looking for a distinguished and inspirational Executive Director within the Sports Strategic Business Unit to shape the major games and event planning and coordination for the city, aligned with the company's strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. This pivotal role holds strategic oversight of the company's executive-level third-party relationships, which are critical to delivering the 2034 Asian Games, the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and future landmark global sporting event ambitions.

As the Executive Director, you will provide executive leadership for the company’s major sports and events agenda, setting the strategic direction, building the organisational capability and executive relationships, and driving cross-company alignment to ensure the destination is development-ready and operationally ready for Saudi Arabia’s landmark global sporting events.

The Executive Director will establish the strategy, operating model and high-performing team for the department, while acting as the company’s principal representative to government entities, international sports federations, organising committees, rights holders, and strategic partners for the planning and coordination of the major sporting events in the city. Internally, the role leads cross-functional collaboration to ensure the company is both development-ready and operationally ready to host world-class events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the overarching strategy for the Sports SBU and the company’s role in the planning and coordination of major games and events, defining objectives, priorities, and measures of success aligned with the company strategy and Vision 2030.
• Ensure that every games and event programme advances Vision 2030 goals, including growing sports participation, enhancing quality of life, diversifying the economy, attracting tourism and investment, and positioning the Kingdom as a global sporting destination.
• Oversee the engagement framework for the company's role in delivering the Asian Games, the FIFA World Cup, and future landmark global sporting events.
• Build the team by designing its organisational structure and resourcing plan while promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the company’s principal representative and senior point of contact with international sports federations, organising committees, event Organising Committees, and other government and industry stakeholders for planning and coordinating the major sporting events.
• Build, nurture, and steward executive-level relationships with third parties, giving them consistent, credible, and trusted representation of the company.
• Oversee comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans, mapping interests and influence and coordinating communication across internal and external parties.
• Manage cross-functional relationships across the company, ensuring the organisation is coordinated and accountable for delivering the Asian Games, the FIFA World Cup, and future landmark sporting events.
• Act as the strategic interface with key company Governance and Event Oversight Committees, enabling effective cross-functional communication, collaboration, and alignment across Strategic Business Units.
• Provide oversight for the company's master plan and venues, infrastructure, and supporting facilities ensuring they are developed and delivered to event specifications, standards, and timelines, working closely with the development and project delivery teams.
• Oversee integrated governance, planning, and reporting mechanisms across internal functions to track event readiness, manage interdependencies, and resolve issues early.
• Act as the central link between external event stakeholders and internal company teams, translating host obligations and event requirements into clear internal priorities and actions.
• Oversee the department’s budget, forecasts, and resource allocation, ensuring prudent financial stewardship.
• Regularly update senior management and the Board on strategy implementation, relationship status, event readiness, risks, opportunities, and strategic recommendations.
• Champion a legacy-focused approach, ensuring that community benefit, fan experience, and long-term destination value are built into the company’s event contributions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate Development, Events, or a related field.
• A minimum of 15+ years of senior leadership experience in major sporting events, sports governance, government relations, diplomacy, or large-scale stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated involvement in the bidding, planning, or delivery of multi-sport or mega-events such as the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, or equivalent.
• Proven track record of developing and executing organisational strategy at an executive level.
• Strong understanding of Saudi Vision 2030 and its sport, tourism, and quality-of-life objectives, with the ability to translate national priorities into organisational and event strategy.
• Demonstrated experience building and scaling teams or new business units, including organisational design, recruitment, and talent development.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional programs and driving development and operational readiness for major venues, events, or destinations.
• An established network and proven credibility with international sports federations, governing bodies, governments, and senior industry leaders.
• Gravitas and a commanding executive presence, with exceptional diplomatic, negotiation, and representational skills at board, ministerial, and international levels.
• Strong understanding of host city agreements, event governance structures, commercial rights, and legacy planning.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle politically and culturally sensitive environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.