FORWARD-LOOKING
Our board of directors brings diverse perspectives, skills, and areas of expertise important to fostering the company’s business strategic success.
Her Excellency Shihana Alazzaz was appointed as the chairwoman of Sela's Board of Directors at the completion of the acquisition of Sela by the sovereign wealth fund in the Kindgom of Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund ("PIF"). She has an extensive experience working with several international law firms prior to joining PIF as the General Legal Counsel and Secretary-General of the Board of Directors of PIF and followed by her appointment by a royal order to head the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers in the Kindom of Saudi Arabia . In addition, she serves as chair and member of several boards of directors and committees.
Throughout her professional career, she has received many awards and recognitions from international and local entities. In 2023, she was selected by Arabian Business magazine as one of the top 50 inspiring women leaders in the Middle East. In 2022, the same magazine selected her among the most 50 Influential Women in Saudi Arabia. In 2020, she was selected by Forbes Middle East magazine in its list of the 100 most Powerful Businesswomen. She received the Women in Business Law award from the International Finance Law Review magazine in 2019, and she was named the "Deal Maker" in 2016 by the British magazine Finance Monthly.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree with honors from Durham University in England. She has also trained at a number of international universities and institutes, most notably INSEAD in France, the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, Bocconi University in Italy as well as Notre Dame University and Purdue University in the United States.
Abdulmajeed Al-Hagbani is a prominent figure in the region’s banking and financial services sectors. He has made a significant impact on the investment landscape of the region in his current role as Head of Securities - MENA at the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Alongside his role at PIF, Mr Al-Hagbani also brings his valuable expertise to his roles at Sela as the Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee.
Mr Al-Hagbani’s dedication and commitment to excellence have earned him a reputation as one of the most influential figures in the MENA region's financial sector. He currently serves as a board member of Kingdom Holding Company and was formerly Vice Chairman at Qassim Cement Company. Al-Hagbani's vast experience and knowledge in the financial industry have allowed him to help position these companies at the forefront of their sectors.
Al Hagbani holds a BSc in Finance, From King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia, and is currently undertaking an EMBA 2022-2023 at HEC Paris.
Dr Rakan bin Hussain Alharthy is the founder, board member, and managing director of Sela Company, as well as a Board Member of the Event Investment Fund, the Qiddiya Investment Company, and other companies.
An entrepreneur and innovator, Dr Alharthy founded Sela (originally Sela Sports) nearly 25 years ago and is responsible for its strategic leadership. He has been credited with broadening Sela’s activities from sports to include entertainment, culture, leisure, and more. Under his leadership, Sela has worked with government entities and the private sector to create landmark destinations such as VIA Riyadh and Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, Boulevard Riyadh City and Boulevard World, Jeddah Yacht Club and Jeddah Superdome, and other iconic destinations.
Dr Alharthy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Medicine and Surgery from King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, and a Master's Degree in Hospital Management from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. In 2019, Dr Alharthy was awarded the highly prestigious Joy Award.
Yazeed Altwayjri is an accomplished professional with extensive leadership experience. He currently serves as a Chairman Advisor in the General Entertainment Authority and previously served as an advisor to the Saudi Minister of Sports and has played a key role in developing the sports and entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Managers of Merwas Studios. A Board member and the Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee at Sela Company, where he has made significant contributions to Sela’s success.
As a well-known and highly-respected figure in the business community, Yazeed is an active member of several prominent boards, including Almeria Football Club and the United Cement Industrial Company, contributing to that company's growth and accomplishments.
Yazeed's commercial and economic expertise has earned him a formidable reputation as a leader in a range of sectors. His contributions to the General Entertainment Authority, Sela Company, and other organizations have helped secure the success of these high-profile businesses.
Mishary Alibraheem has a diverse and rich background, leading organizations and investments in the education, culture, sports, tourism, and entertainment sectors. He has over sixteen years of experience in leading reputable organizations such as Misk Foundation, Emkan, Boston Consulting Group, SIDF, and Saudi Aramco. Today, his full-time role is the Director of MENA Investments at Public Investment Fund since November 2020.
Mishary is currently a Board Member at Ashmore GCC Education Fund, Saudi Crafts Company, Dur Hospitality, Nine66, Savvy Games Studios, Savvy Games Fund, Sela, and ESL FACEIT Group, and Vice Chairman of the Board at Saudi Entertainment Ventures, Aseer Investment Company, and Executive Committee Member at Cruise Saudi.
Mishary holds an MBA from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. In addition, he is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from the Institute of Management Accounting.
Omar Abaalkhail is an accomplished business consultant and corporate governance expert with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. Currently serving as a Partner and Business Consulting Leader at a major consulting firm, Mr Abaalkhail has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for his clients.
In addition to his consulting work, Mr Abaalkhail serves as a board member of Sela, where he has utilized his extensive experience and expertise in corporate governance to guide the company towards success. His strategic insights and ability to identify opportunities for growth and improvement have proven invaluable to the organization. He previously headed up PIF’s Portfolio Companies Corporate Governance where he oversaw the governance practices of numerous companies in the portfolio.
Mr Abaalkhail holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Science from King Saud University. He also has a professional certificate in credit from the New York Institute of Finance, and a Master of Science in Finance from Bangor University in the United Kingdom.
Chairwoman
Vice Chairperson
Board Member and Managing Director
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
OUT OF THE BOX
Our executive management bring a wealth of expertise to our organization. Each one of them has the know-how and skillset that helps to drive our business.
Tai Nazer is the Executive Vice President of Finance and Deputy Managing Director at Sela. With an impressive career spanning decades in the finance industry and leadership roles at prominent Saudi Arabian banks, he is widely recognized and respected for his expertise. Tai is an integral part of the Sela team, overseeing budgetary performance, forecasting, and accounting.
As the Executive Vice President of Finance, Tai Nazer is responsible for the strategic financial management of Sela. His current responsibilities include overseeing budgeting, financial planning and analysis, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. In addition, he collaborates closely with the executive team to develop and implement financial strategies that support the company's growth objectives. Before joining Sela, Tai held significant leadership positions in renowned Saudi Arabian banks, where he honed his financial expertise and contributed to the organization's financial success.
Tai Nazer's educational background comprises a strong foundation in finance and business. Tai's dedication to excellence and his wealth of knowledge make him a valuable asset to Sela and a respected figure in the Saudi finance sector.
Ahmed Youssef Mohtaseb is the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Sela and a respected figure in the corporate world. Previously, he served as the CEO of Sela Sports Company, contributing significantly to its growth and success.
With a strong background in international business, Ahmed brings a wealth of experience and expertise to guide Sela's overall vision and strategy. His leadership has been pivotal in expanding the company's market share and enhancing its offerings. As a senior executive, Ahmed is responsible for evaluating the organization's performance, identifying growth opportunities, and developing new business ventures. He possesses a keen ability to spot emerging industry trends and implement innovative solutions, keeping Sela at the forefront of the competition.
Ahmed's strategic guidance has propelled Sela to a leading position in the market, delivering cutting-edge products and services to clients. His unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has garnered recognition and accolades in the industry.
Alrayan Gadouri is Chief of Staff at Sela, where he utilizes his diverse operational knowledge, project management skills, and leadership experience to drive business success. He is an expert in mall-management and operations, offering tailored solutions to meet specific business needs. Additionally, Alrayan has a strong background in construction, planning, cost control, and human resource administration.
In his current role as Chief of Staff, Alrayan is responsible for overseeing and coordinating various aspects of Sela's operations, ensuring efficient execution of strategic initiatives. He plays a crucial role in managing projects and optimizing property management operations. Additionally, Alrayan is an active member of various external committees, including the Middle East Council of Shopping Centers (MECSC), the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Shopping Centers Committee at Jeddah Chamber, and the Saudi Council of Engineering.
Alrayan holds a bachelor’s degree in general mechanical engineering from Umm Al Qura University, obtained in 2007. He achieved a PMP High Diploma, equivalent to a master's degree, at Ryerson University in 2009.
Ibrahim Mohtaseb is the SVP of Program Realization at Sela, driving the technical and commercial development of sports in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. As the Head of Program Realization, Ibrahim supports SELA's business units by contributing to concept development, strategic planning, proposals management, and partner relationship management.
With experience in the FMCG and sports industries, Ibrahim has a diverse skill set. He has held positions such as Chief Business Development/Digital Officer, focusing on the digital aspects of sports. His expertise includes sales marketing management, branding, digital media strategy, event management, and sponsorship strategy formulation. Previously, as the head of events at SELA, he successfully procured and delivered strategic events and IPs.
Ibrahim holds a FIFA master’s degree in international management, Law, and Humanities of Sport from Switzerland. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentrations in Marketing and Management from the American University of Sharjah, UAE. Additionally, he is a certified Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) practitioner, showcasing his ability to influence behavior through language and communication.
Majed M. Alqahtani is a highly accomplished legal consultant and currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Legal and Board Secretary at Sela. With his extensive experience in various legal fields, including mergers and acquisitions, investments, private equity, intellectual property, culture, sports, and events, Majed has become a trusted advisor sought after by clients for his legal expertise. He joined Sela in 2019 as General Counsel and has played a pivotal role in the company's success by providing invaluable legal advice and guidance, particularly in complex matters related to mergers and acquisitions.
In addition to his role as General Counsel, Majed was appointed Secretary General of the Board in 2020, which highlights his exceptional contributions to the company. As Board Secretary, he leads internal institutional initiatives, manages stakeholders, and ensures effective governance.
Majed Alqahtani is known as a trusted advisor and skilled negotiator, demonstrating a passion for helping clients achieve success. He is an invaluable member of the Sela team, and his expertise continues to play a vital role in the company's achievements.
EVP, Business Portfolio
EVP, Strategy and Business Development
Chief of Staff
SVP, Program Realization
SVP, Legal and Board Secretary
Business Experts
As the Senior Vice President of Parks & Resorts at Sela, Mohideen Nazer brings over 14 years of executive experience to the table. His expertise lies in leading high-performing teams and driving operational excellence. Mohideen's current role entails overseeing the commercial management and operations of the company's parks and resorts, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
In his previous roles, Mohideen has consistently demonstrated his strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Notably, he successfully led a major turnaround project at Sela in 2019, delivering an exceptional Riyadh Season. This earned him the prestigious "Best Zone Award" at Riyadh Season, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and respected industry leader.
Mohideen holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Tampa, USA. Additionally, he has a FIFA International master’s in management, Law, and Humanities. With his extensive educational background, Mohideen possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in optimizing processes and driving continuous improvement. His exceptional achievements and leadership skills have garnered accolades and awards throughout his career.
As the Senior Vice President of the Business Solutions Unit at Sela, Loai Farouq Kamakhi has played a pivotal role since the company's inception 18 years ago. He holds a seat on several boards and committees within the organization, demonstrating his dedication to its success.
In his current role, Mr. Kamakhi oversees a diverse range of responsibilities. He leads a team responsible for managing projects such as access control, event management, payments, reservations, and information and communication technologies. Notably, Kamakhi's unit has successfully developed and launched various in-house Saudi brands, including Ticketmx, Gatemx, Parkingmx, posmx, accreditmx, Infra van, Radio Talk, communimx, and Datamx.
Mr Kamakhi holds a degree in Computer Technical Engineering from the College of Technology in Riyadh. He has further enhanced his knowledge by earning an MBA in AI from Cumbria University and obtaining certifications in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School, Operation Management Strategy from Metropolitan School of Business and Management, and OSHA from the World Safety Organization.
Baraa Badkook is the Senior Vice President of the Partnerships Business Unit at Sela Company. He identifies and develops strategic partnerships, driving revenue growth and expanding market reach. With over seven years of leading Sela's partnerships team, Baraa is known as the "Partnership Guru," delivering successful collaborations for remarkable market growth. Previously, he held leadership positions such as Sales and Sponsorships Director at Sela Sport Company and Senior Investment Officer to AVP – Business Development, Lease Finance Division at National Commercial Bank.
Baraa spearheads partnership strategies, ensuring effective collaborations with over 50 global and local brands. He led sales and sponsorships at Sela Sport Company and played a crucial role in business development and lease finance at National Commercial Bank. Baraa's persuasive leadership style consistently delivers outstanding results.
Baraa holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on Financial Management and a master’s degree in business administration. His remarkable achievements and leadership abilities in implementing partnership strategies contribute to Sela's growth.
Jameel Fallatah is the Senior Vice President for Sport and Enabling Programs at Sela. He is a visionary leader in the sports industry, collaborating closely with the Managing Director, Business Portfolio EVP, and other Business Unit leaders to drive Sela's strategic direction and achieve its objectives. Fallatah leads the development and delivery of new intellectual properties in sports and enabling programs. He establishes partnerships with government entities for high-quality sports events and projects. Fallatah also focuses on establishing training centers for youth talent development.
Previously, Fallatah worked as a High School Math Teacher, Manager at a Scout Training Center, and in roles such as Educational Press Supervisor, Manager of Societal Partnership, Cooperating Journalist, and Cooperating Editor.
Fallatah holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from King Abdulaziz University. He has completed professional courses in General Press and Press editing. His dedication to continuous learning has contributed to his success in the sports industry.
Adnan Kayal is the SVP of Studios at Sela Company, bringing over 17 years of entertainment industry experience. He is also CEO of Ritix Production in Jeddah, known for producing the groundbreaking show "Bab Wahed" and establishing the first commercial theater in the city. As the Founder of Saudi Theaters, Adnan has produced over 50 theatrical plays, gaining recognition across the Middle East and North Africa. He is a Board Member of Merwas and actively contributes to the Saudi Theatres Committee's growth and development.
In his current role, Adnan oversees studio operations and drives creative excellence. He has successfully produced theatrical plays and introduced innovative entertainment shows in Saudi Arabia. Known for his visionary leadership, efficiency, and commitment to quality, he delivers exceptional entertainment experiences.
Adnan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Communications from Marymount University and a certificate as a Certified Director and Line Producer from The Hollywood Film Institution. His balanced educational foundation and specialized film industry training contribute to his success as an entrepreneur and producer.
Mohammed Al Mohammed is currently the Chief of Engineering Officer at Wesale Elebtkar Engineering Consultancy. Under his leadership, the firm has gained a strong reputation in the industry. Mohammed's expertise and dedication have positioned the company as a highly sought-after entity in the field. Additionally, he actively participates in various boards and committees, leveraging his industry knowledge to contribute to Sela’s growth and success.
In his current role as Chief of Engineering Officer, Mohammed is responsible for overseeing and managing the engineering operations at Wesale Elebtkar Engineering Consultancy. His exceptional leadership skills and technical expertise enable him to effectively guide the team and ensure the successful execution of projects. Before his current position, Mohammed held various engineering roles where he accumulated valuable experience, further enhancing his proficiency in the field.
Mohammed holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Detroit Mercy, which he obtained in 1996. His academic foundation provided him with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in his career.
Kamal Al Kallas, the current Senior Vice President of Expo, is a highly respected individual within the M.I.C.E industry of Saudi Arabia. With a strong focus on leadership and results-oriented approaches, he effectively formulates and implements strategic plans in financial forecasting, marketing, sales, and operations. Kamal has held various prestigious positions and actively serves on boards and committees in the industry.
In addition to his current role, Kamal has previously established ACE Creative in 2005 and ClassPro in 2019. He has successfully led numerous exhibitions throughout the Kingdom and has achieved remarkable success with groundbreaking projects like the Jeddah International Book Fair, SABIC Technical Meeting, and Hajj & Umrah Forums. Kamal consistently strives to deliver excellence and surpass expectations with his event and exhibition deliverables.
Kamal's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, which he earned in 1996, and an Associate of Science in Computer Programming obtained in 1998. With over two decades of managerial experience, he possesses a wealth of knowledge in the industry.
Mohammed Taleb holds the position of Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage (F&B). Currently, he is responsible for overseeing all F&B activities at Sela projects, demonstrating his expertise and leadership in the field. Before his role at Sela, Mohammed held positions in renowned companies such as Samba Financial Group and Morgan Stanley. Additionally, he has gained valuable experience by running his own restaurant and consultancy, as well as working for Olive Arabia Facility Management
Mohammed's outstanding work in the F&B industry has earned him recognition, including winning the prestigious Joy Awards in 2021. Notably, he has successfully overseen the operations of over 500 restaurants, encompassing both popups and permanent establishments. Furthermore, Mohammed's expertise in concept development has led to the creation of more than 30 acclaimed concepts, including the Luxury Food Market, Via Mercato, and Riyadh Sky.
With a bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance from Boston College, Mohammed has a strong educational foundation that has led to his well-rounded expertise in the F&B industry.
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