At the helm of the Saudi Stock Exchange, Sarah Al-Suhaimi stands as a pioneering figure, having broken through the financial industry’s glass ceiling by becoming its first female chairperson at the age of 44. Her ascent into this role is a testament to the shifting dynamics of women’s participation in Saudi Arabia’s corporate sector.
With a foundation of excellence, Al-Suhaimi graduated at the top of her class from King Saud University’s accounting department and later honed her leadership skills at Harvard Business School’s General Management Program. Coming from a family deeply rooted in banking, she has walked in the footsteps of her father, Jammaz Al-Suhaimi, who was influential in the Gulf Bank and Saudi Arabia’s Capital Markets Authority.
On a landmark #InternationalWomensDay, Sarah al-Suhaimi, the first woman to lead an Arab stock exchange, initiated trading at Tadawul, the Middle East’s premier financial market.
Before her historic appointment in 2017, Al-Suhaimi’s career trajectory took an upward path as she served as the CEO of NCB Capital, which joined forces with Samba to become the kingdom’s largest bank. Her leadership at NCB Capital was instrumental in positioning the firm as a formidable force in the region’s financial sector, with a focus on innovative investment approaches and exemplary client outcomes. Her influence and success earned her a spot on Forbes Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most powerful women in 2019.
Al-Suhaimi’s early days in finance were not without challenges. Initially joining the investment division of Samba Financial Group, she was met with skepticism from peers and faced allegations of favoritism. Yet, her unwavering commitment and exceptional talent dispelled doubts, propelling her through the company’s ranks. She has consistently advocated that diversity in leadership is not simply about equity; it is a catalyst for innovation and prosperity.