Executive Director - Asian Games Planning and Coordination

About the role

Qiddiya Investment Company is looking for an Executive Director within its Sports Strategic Business Unit to lead the planning and coordination of major games and events for Qiddiya City, aligned with Qiddiya's strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. The role provides executive leadership for the sports and events agenda, sets the strategy and builds the team, and acts as Qiddiya's principal representative to government entities, international sports federations, organising committees, rights holders and strategic partners. It covers the 2034 Asian Games, the 2034 FIFA World Cup and future landmark global sporting events.

Key responsibilities

• Own the strategy for the Sports SBU and Qiddiya's role in planning and coordinating major games and events, defining objectives, priorities and measures of success aligned with Vision 2030.
• Ensure every games and event programme advances Vision 2030 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 the Asian Games, the FIFA World Cup and future landmark events.
• Build the team by designing its organisational structure and resourcing plan, and promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, integrity and continuous improvement.
• Serve as principal representative and senior point of contact with international sports federations, organising committees and other government and industry stakeholders.
• Nurture executive-level relationships with third parties and oversee stakeholder engagement plans, mapping interests and influence and coordinating communication internally and externally.
• Manage cross-functional relationships across Qiddiya and act as strategic interface with Governance and Event Oversight Committees.
• Oversee the master plan, venues, infrastructure and supporting facilities so they meet event specifications, standards and timelines, working with development and project delivery teams.
• Oversee integrated governance, planning and reporting to track event readiness, manage interdependencies and resolve issues early.
• Translate host obligations and event requirements into clear internal priorities and actions.
• Oversee the department's budget, forecasts and resource allocation, and report regularly to senior management and the Board on strategy, readiness, risks and opportunities.
• Champion a legacy-focused approach, embedding community benefit, fan experience and long-term destination value.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate Development or Events.
• Minimum of 15+ years of senior leadership experience in major sporting events, sports governance, government relations, diplomacy or large-scale stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated involvement in the bidding, planning or delivery of multi-sport or mega-events such as the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, Asian Games or Commonwealth Games.
• Proven track record of developing and executing organisational strategy at an executive level.
• Strong understanding of Saudi Vision 2030 and its sport, tourism and quality-of-life objectives.