Executive Director Asian Games Planning and Coordination (REQ )

About Qiddiya Investment Company

Qiddiya Investment Company is focused on transforming the entertainment, sports, and culture landscape in Saudi Arabia. The company is seeking an Executive Director for Asian Games Planning and Coordination to join the Sports Strategic Business Unit in Riyadh. This full-time role involves shaping major games and event planning and coordination for Qiddiya City, aligning with Qiddiya's strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

Role Overview

The Executive Director will provide leadership for Qiddiya's major sports and events agenda. This includes setting strategic direction, building organizational capability and executive relationships, and driving cross-Qiddiya alignment to ensure the destination is ready for landmark global sporting events such as the 2034 Asian Games and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The role involves establishing the department's strategy, operating model, and team, while acting as Qiddiya's principal representative to external entities for event planning and coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the overarching strategy for the Sports SBU and Qiddiya's role in major games and event planning, defining objectives aligned with Qiddiya strategy and Vision 2030.
• Ensure event programs advance Vision 2030 goals, including sports participation, quality of life, economic diversification, tourism, and positioning the Kingdom as a global sporting destination.
• Oversee the engagement framework for Qiddiya's involvement in delivering the Asian Games, FIFA World Cup, and future global sporting events.
• Build and resource the team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and integrity.
• Serve as Qiddiya's primary contact with international sports federations, organizing committees, and government stakeholders for event planning.
• Cultivate executive-level relationships with third parties, representing Qiddiya consistently and credibly.
• Manage comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans and coordinate communication across internal and external parties.
• Ensure cross-functional coordination within Qiddiya for event delivery.
• Act as the strategic interface with Qiddiya Governance and Event Oversight Committees to enable cross-functional alignment.
• Provide oversight of Qiddiya's master plan, venues, infrastructure, and facilities to ensure development aligns with event specifications and timelines.
• Oversee integrated governance, planning, and reporting mechanisms to track event readiness and manage interdependencies.
• Act as the central link between external event stakeholders and internal Qiddiya teams, translating host obligations into internal priorities.
• Oversee the department's budget, forecasts, and resource allocation.
• Update senior management and the Board on strategy, relationships, event readiness, risks, and recommendations.
• Champion a legacy-focused approach, integrating community benefit, fan experience, and long-term destination value into Qiddiya's event contributions.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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 (*, Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games).
• Proven track record of developing and executing organizational strategy at an executive level.
• Strong understanding of Saudi Vision 2030 and its sport, tourism, and quality-of-life objectives.
• Experience building and scaling teams or new business units, including organizational 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 credibility with international sports federations, governing bodies, governments, and senior industry leaders.

Required Skills

• Executive presence, with 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 navigate politically and culturally sensitive environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

Work Type

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.