CEO Succession in Saudi Arabia: A Boardroom Readiness Study

Why This Study?

In today’s fast-changing environment, leadership transitions—especially at the CEO level—can define the future of an organization. With transformation and disruption becoming the new normal, the ability to manage CEO succession with foresight and agility is no longer optional. It is a critical factor in sustaining business performance, retaining investor confidence, and driving long-term value.

Focus on Saudi Arabia

As part of a broader global study, Korn Ferry conducted an in-depth analysis of CEO transitions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We examined CEO succession events among the top 100 publicly listed companies on the Tadawul stock exchange, reviewing patterns, practices, and governance approaches throughout 2024.

Our goal: to understand how Saudi boards are preparing for and managing CEO transitions—and to assess how succession decisions align with broader strategic and governance goals.

Key Objectives

This study aims to:

  • Profile the CEOs appointed in 2024 across major Saudi companies
  • Analyze the nature of the succession events:
    • Were they planned or unplanned
    • Were the appointments internal or external?
    • Were there any shifts in governance structures?
  • Evaluate how well the succession processes were managed
  • Provide a comparative lens against other global markets

What You'll Learn:

  • Analysis of CEO appointments in 2024: who, how, and why
  • Breakdown of internal vs. external hires and planned vs. unplanned exits
  • Trends in governance changes accompanying leadership transitions
  • Practical takeaways to help boards strengthen succession planning

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