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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (Nationalization)
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Industry: Investment Management / Alternative Investments / Real Estate
Position: Confidential Executive Search
About the Opportunity
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead a growing investment management firm focused on raising capital from institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) for alternative investment and real estate strategies across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and international markets.
The CEO will be responsible for driving the firm’s growth strategy, capital raising efforts, investor relationships, investment platform expansion, and overall business performance. This role requires a commercially driven leader with a strong network within the Saudi and GCC investment ecosystem and a proven track record of fundraising and business development within the asset management industry.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the firm’s strategic vision, growth plans, and business objectives.
- Lead the expansion of the investment platform across real estate and alternative investment products.
- Identify new market opportunities, strategic partnerships, and investment initiatives.
- Build a scalable and sustainable investment management business aligned with shareholder objectives.
Capital Raising & Investor Relations
- Lead fundraising efforts targeting:
- Institutional investors
- Sovereign wealth funds
- Pension funds
- Family offices
- Ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs)
- High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)
- Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with investors and key stakeholders.
- Drive capital formation initiatives and achieve fundraising targets.
- Present investment opportunities and business strategies to prospective investors and investment committees.
- Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and investor meetings.
Investment Product Development
- Work closely with the investment team to develop and launch compelling investment products.
- Support the structuring, positioning, and commercialization of real estate and alternative investment offerings.
- Ensure products align with investor demand, market opportunities, and regulatory requirements.
- Contribute to product innovation and diversification initiatives.
Business Development
- Expand the firm’s investor base and strategic partnerships.
- Identify acquisition, joint venture, and co-investment opportunities.
- Establish relationships with regulators, banks, investment firms, developers, and professional advisors.
- Enhance the firm’s market presence and brand recognition within the Kingdom and wider GCC.
Corporate Leadership & Governance
- Lead and manage executive leadership teams across investments, fundraising, operations, compliance, finance, and investor relations.
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, growth, and client service.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory and governance requirements.
- Report regularly to the Board of Directors on performance, fundraising activities, and strategic initiatives.
Candidate Profile
Experience
- Minimum 15–20 years of experience within investment management, asset management, private equity, real estate investment, investment banking, or alternative investments.
- Proven track record of raising significant capital from institutional investors, family offices, and HNWIs/UHNWIs.
- Demonstrated experience leading an investment management platform or business unit.
- Strong understanding of real estate investments, private markets, and alternative asset classes.
- Existing network within Saudi Arabia’s investment ecosystem is essential.
- Experience working with CMA-regulated entities is highly desirable.
Education & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.
- MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.
- CFA, CAIA, or equivalent professional qualification is advantageous.
Key Competencies
- Capital raising and fundraising leadership
- Institutional investor relationship management
- Alternative investments expertise
- Real estate investment knowledge
- Strategic business growth
- Product commercialization and distribution
- Executive leadership
- Board and stakeholder management
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills
- Entrepreneurial and commercially driven mindset
Success Measures
- Achievement of fundraising and AUM growth targets.
- Expansion of institutional and private investor relationships.
- Successful launch and scaling of investment products.
- Growth in revenues, profitability, and market share.
- Strengthening of the firm’s reputation and positioning within the Saudi investment market.
- Development of a high-performing and scalable investment management platform.
Ideal Background
Candidates are likely to have held roles such as:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Managing Director
- Chief Commercial Officer
- Head of Asset Management
- Head of Investor Relations
- Head of Capital Raising
- Partner – Private Equity / Real Estate
- Regional Head – Investment Management
Experience from asset managers, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, real estate investment platforms, investment banks, and alternative investment firms will be highly valued.