Executive Director Asian Games Planning and Coordination

About Qiddiya Investment Company

Qiddiya Investment Company is developing Qiddiya City to become a global hub for entertainment, sports, and culture in Saudi Arabia. This role is based in Riyadh, Riyadh Province, and is a full-time position.

Role Overview: Executive Director - Asian Games Planning and Coordination

The Executive Director within the Sports Strategic Business Unit will lead major games and event planning and coordination for Qiddiya City. This role involves strategic oversight of Qiddiya's executive-level third-party relationships, which are essential for the delivery of the 2034 Asian Games, the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and other future global sporting events. The Executive Director will provide executive leadership for Qiddiya’s major sports and events agenda, establishing strategic direction, building organizational capability, and fostering cross-Qiddiya alignment to ensure the destination is development-ready and operationally prepared for these events. This position requires over 10 years of experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the overarching strategy for the Sports SBU and Qiddiya’s role in major games and events, defining objectives aligned with Qiddiya strategy and Vision 2030.
• Ensure event programs contribute to Vision 2030 goals, including sports participation growth, quality of life enhancement, economic diversification, tourism attraction, and positioning the Kingdom as a global sporting destination.
• Oversee the engagement framework for Qiddiya's involvement in the Asian Games, FIFA World Cup, and future global sporting events.
• Build and resource the department team, promoting a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Act as Qiddiya's principal representative and senior contact with international sports federations, organizing committees, and government stakeholders for event planning and coordination.
• Cultivate executive-level relationships with third parties, ensuring consistent and credible representation of Qiddiya.
• Manage comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans and coordinate communication across internal and external parties.
• Lead cross-functional relationships within Qiddiya to ensure organizational coordination and accountability for event delivery.
• Serve as the strategic interface with Qiddiya Governance and Event Oversight Committees to facilitate cross-functional alignment.
• Provide oversight of Qiddiya's master plan, venues, infrastructure, and facilities to ensure development and delivery meet 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 clear internal priorities.
• Manage the department’s budget, forecasts, and resource allocation.
• Provide regular updates to senior management and the Board on strategy implementation, relationship status, and event readiness.
• Champion a legacy-focused approach, integrating community benefit, fan experience, and long-term destination value into Qiddiya's event contributions.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 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.
• Demonstrated 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 proven credibility with international sports federations, governing bodies, governments, and senior industry leaders.
• 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 work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Application Process

Candidates who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply for this full-time position in Riyadh.