Executive Director - Asian Games Planning and Coordination (REQ1370)

The Executive Director within the Sports Strategic Business Unit provides executive leadership for Qiddiya's major sports and events agenda, shaping the planning and coordination of major games and events for Qiddiya City in alignment with Qiddiya's strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. The role sets strategic direction, builds organisational capability and executive relationships, and drives cross-Qiddiya alignment to ensure the destination is development-ready and operationally ready for landmark global sporting events. It acts as Qiddiya's principal representative to government entities, international sports federations, organising committees, rights holders and strategic partners, while leading cross-functional collaboration internally.

• Own the overarching strategy for the Sports SBU and Qiddiya's role in the planning and coordination of major games and events, defining objectives, priorities and measures of success aligned with Qiddiya 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 Qiddiya's role in delivering the Asian Games, the FIFA World Cup and future landmark global sporting events.
• Build the team, designing its organisational structure and resourcing plan, and promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, integrity and continuous improvement.
• Serve as Qiddiya's principal representative and senior point of contact with international sports federations, organising committees, event organising committees and other government and industry stakeholders for the planning and coordination of major sporting events.
• Build, nurture and steward executive-level relationships with third parties, providing consistent, credible and trusted representation of Qiddiya.
• Oversee comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans, mapping interests and influence and coordinating communication across internal and external parties.
• Manage cross-functional relationships across Qiddiya so 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 Qiddiya Governance and Event Oversight Committees, enabling effective cross-functional communication, collaboration and alignment across Strategic Business Units.
• Provide oversight of Qiddiya's master plan and venues, infrastructure and supporting facilities, ensuring they are developed and delivered to event specifications, standards and timelines in close collaboration with 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 Qiddiya 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 Qiddiya's event contributions.

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate Development or Events.
• 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 programmes 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.

• Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia