Head of Content LIONS

About the Role

Informa PLC is seeking a Head of Content for LIONS Riyadh. This full-time role is based in Riyadh and involves leading the creative and editorial vision for the LIONS Riyadh Festival. The Head of Content will be responsible for shaping the ideas, conversations, voices, and experiences that define the Festival, acting as a curator, storyteller, creative strategist, and industry connector.

LIONS Riyadh Context

LIONS Riyadh is a distinct Festival within the global LIONS community, launched by Tahaluf in partnership with LIONS and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media. It aims to amplify Middle Eastern creativity on the global stage, showcasing regional talent and connecting creative industries with leading global networks, brands, and decision-makers. The inaugural Festival will take place in Riyadh from 6–8 December 2027, bringing together CMOs, creative leaders, agencies, brands, and emerging talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall content strategy and direction for LIONS Riyadh, ensuring alignment with the LIONS brand, global standards, and regional relevance.
• Develop and curate the Festival program across creativity, marketing, media, culture, technology, and industry future, including stages, talks, workshops, and masterclasses.
• Build and manage the speaker strategy, securing leading global and regional CMOs, creative leaders, brands, agencies, creators, and cultural figures.
• Manage the content budget, including speaker costs, travel, moderators, producers, and program-related expenditure.
• Build relationships with local and international creative communities, industry leaders, advisory board members, and strategic content partners.
• Lead and develop the content production team, including resourcing, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Collaborate with Marketing and PR to leverage content, speakers, and thought leadership for audience demand and brand strengthening.
• Provide sponsorship direction and sales briefings to ensure understanding of objectives and USPs for client pitches.
• Work with Commercial and Partnerships teams to develop branded-content opportunities while maintaining editorial quality.
• Liaise with government and manage technical aspects across relevant projects.
• Collaborate with Event, Marketing, Creative, Commercial, and Operations teams to integrate content into the overall Festival experience.
• Work with department heads to develop year-round content strategies for increased audience engagement, commercial value, and long-term impact.
• Oversee team management, appropriate resourcing, coaching, and mentorship of team members.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely delivery and quality of conference programs.
• Strategy development and delivery effectiveness.
• Quality and strength of the speaker line-up.
• Audience engagement and satisfaction across content sessions.
• Successful delivery of LIONS-aligned content and creative standards.
• Content contribution to PR, marketing, and audience growth.
• Strength of relationships with key industry leaders, speakers, and creative communities.

Work Environment

This role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is part of Tahaluf, a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF). Tahaluf organizes B2B live and on-demand events in Saudi Arabia.