Al Yamamah University’s Premier Event for Inspiring Future Leaders

About

The CEO Dinner is Al Yamamah University’s flagship annual event, dedicated to inspiring our postgraduate students and alumni. This exclusive gathering is tailored for our graduate students who are mid to senior-level professionals from various business sectors offering them a valuable opportunity to enhance their leadership knowledge and skills. Attendees have the rare chance to engage directly with some of Saudi Arabia’s most influential CEOs and business leaders.

Hosted annually at one of Riyadh’s prestigious five-star hotels, this event offers our postgraduate students and alumni the exclusive opportunity to meet and learn from one of the Kingdom’s leading CEOs. The guest speaker shares valuable insights from their leadership journey, providing guidance on pursuing ambitions, embracing leadership challenges, and making a meaningful impact in their respective careers.

Goals

Inspire and Educate: Offering firsthand insights from top industry CEOs and leaders, the event helps attendees to broaden their understanding of effective leadership.

Connect and Network: Creating a space for meaningful interactions and contact between aspiring leaders and seasoned CEOs and leaders.

CEO Dinner Moderator

Since 2020, Asaad Al-Asaad has been moderating the prestigious CEO Dinner at Al Yamamah University. As one of the founding faculty members of the university’s Interlink International Institutes, he has played a pivotal role in shaping key projects and initiatives aimed at empowering students, refining their skills, and preparing them for active participation in the labor market. Throughout his career, in leading the Student Activities Unit and later in the Communication and University Relations Department, Al-Asaad has mentored and guided numerous students, enabling them to excel in regional and international events, with many winning prizes in various competitions.

From 2006 to 2012, Al-Asaad worked as a news anchor and talk show host on Saudi Channel 2, the official English-language channel of Saudi TV. During this time, he hosted the talk show Bridges, where he conducted interviews with foreign ambassadors to the Kingdom, along with prominent business leaders and academic figures, fostering cultural dialogue.

With a wealth of experience in leading seminars and panel discussions, Al-Asaad continues to contribute to the university’s success through his leadership of the CEO Dinner Dialogue, while supporting student engagement and professional growth.

CEOs

Since its launch in 2019, The CEO Dinner has had the honor of hosting several distinguished leaders in various sectors.

Ms. Jayne McGivern – CEO, Sports Boulevard Foundation, 2023

McGivern is a globally renowned construction executive with over 35 years of experience in managing infrastructure and urban redevelopment mega-projects. Notably, she led the transformation of London’s Millennium Dome into “The O2” and oversaw the construction of the new Wembley Stadium. As the former president of development and construction at Madison Square Garden Company, McGivern was instrumental in the creation of the MSG Spheres. Her leadership and expertise earned her a position on the Board of Directors at Skanska AB, The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), and Crossrail. McGivern’s extensive experience and strategic vision have positioned her as a key figure in the global construction industry.

Mr. Tarqe Alsadhan - CEO, Riyad Bank, 2023

Tareq Al-Sadhan is a distinguished financial executive, appointed as CEO of Saudi National Bank starting May 1, 2024. Before this role, he served as President and CEO of Riyadh Bank from April 2019, and as Senior Executive Vice President from January 2018 to March 2019. Under his leadership, Riyadh Bank strengthened its market position, implementing strategic initiatives that drove growth and innovation in the banking sector. Al-Sadhan’s career includes 18 years at KPMG Saudi Arabia, where he became one of the youngest partners and eventually CEO, managing partner, and chairman of its advisory committee.

Al-Sadhan has also contributed to the Kingdom’s public sector, holding positions such as adviser to the chairman of the Saudi Fund for Development, acting director-general at the General Authority for Zakat and Tax, and deputy governor for supervision at the Saudi Central Bank.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in administration science from King Saud University, a master’s in business management from Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees, and advanced diplomas from the University of Edinburgh and INSEAD.

Mr. Jerry Inzerillo - CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), 2022

Jerry Inzerillo is a renowned hospitality visionary, recognized globally for his transformative impact on the industry. As Group Chief Executive Officer of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), he oversees all operations and management of the Authority, playing a crucial role in shaping one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant cultural projects.

Before joining DGDA, Inzerillo served as CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, where he successfully expanded the company’s presence to over 100 countries. His impressive career also includes leadership roles with prestigious organizations such as One & Only Resorts, Ian Schrager Hotels, Four Seasons, and Hilton Hotels. As President of Kerzner Entertainment Group, he managed luxury tourist destinations across the globe, including in South Africa, Dubai, and the Maldives.

In 2021, Inzerillo’s contributions to the industry were honored with the prestigious Corporate Hotelier of the World award by HOTELS magazine, cementing his legacy as a leader in global hospitality.

Dr. Bader H. Albader - CEO, MiSK Foundation, 2020

Dr. Badr Al-Bader is a prominent leader, appointed as CEO of the Misk Foundation in 2024. The Misk Foundation, established in 2011 by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is dedicated to empowering youth by fostering leadership skills and advancing education, technology, media, and culture to elevate society through knowledge and innovation.

Dr. Al-Bader brings extensive experience to Misk, having previously served as CEO of Dur Hospitality Co., where he successfully led the company’s transformation and expansion efforts. He earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and holds a master’s and Ph.D. in the same field from Washington University. He further honed his leadership skills through programs at Oxford, Cornell, and George Washington universities.

His career also includes key roles at CISCO Systems, where he served as managing director for Saudi Arabia, Asia, and Africa. Dr. Al-Bader’s expertise is widely recognized, with numerous advisory and board memberships in education and business.

Mr. Georges P Schorderet - Former CEO, Almarai Company, 2019

Georges P. Schorderet is a seasoned executive known for his impactful leadership as the former CEO of Almarai, one of the largest dairy companies in the world. During his tenure, Schorderet played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and solidifying its position as a leader in the food and beverage industry in the Middle East.

Before becoming CEO, Schorderet served as Almarai’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, where he was instrumental in overseeing financial strategy and operational efficiency, contributing to the company’s expansion and profitability. His deep expertise in finance and operations management, combined with a strategic vision, helped Almarai navigate complex market dynamics and maintain its competitive edge.

Schorderet holds an extensive background in international finance and business management, having held various senior roles in multinational corporations prior to joining Almarai. His leadership is marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth in the global food industry.

The CEO Dinner continues to be a cornerstone of leadership development at Al Yamamah University, fostering the growth of the next generation of Saudi leaders by connecting them with the insights and experiences of top executives.