Executive Director - Asian Games Planning and Coordination; REQ

At Qiddiya Investment Company, we are on an exciting journey to transform the entertainment, sports and culture landscape in Saudi Arabia. We are looking for a distinguished and inspirational Executive Director within the Sports Strategic Business Unit to shape the major games and event planning and coordination for Qiddiya City, aligned with Qiddiya's strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. This pivotal role holds strategic oversight of Qiddiya's executive-level third-party relationships, which are critical to delivering the 2034 Asian Games, the 2034 FIFA World Cup and future landmark global sporting event ambitions.

As the Executive Director, you will provide executive leadership for Qiddiya's major sports and events agenda, setting the strategic direction, building the organisational capability and executive relationships, and driving cross-Qiddiya alignment to ensure the destination is development-ready and operationally ready for Saudi Arabia's landmark global sporting events.

The Executive Director will establish the strategy, operating model and high-performing team for the department, while acting as Qiddiya's principal representative to government entities, international sports federations, organising committees, rights holders and strategic partners for the planning and coordination of the major sporting events in the city. Internally, the role leads cross-functional collaboration to ensure Qiddiya is both development-ready and operationally ready to host world-class events.

• Own the overarching strategy for the Sports SBU and Qiddiya's role in 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 203 0 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, promoting 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 Committee's and other government and industry stakeholders for the planning and coordination of the major sporting events
• Build, nurture and steward executive-level relationships with third parties, giving them a consistent, credible and trusted representation of Qiddiya always
• 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 Qiddiya's mater plan and venues, infrastructure and supporting facilities ensuring they are developed and delivered to event specifications, standards and timelines, working closely with the 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, Events
• A minimum of 15+ years of senior leadership experience in major sporting events, sports…