Sarah Al-Suhaimi: First Woman to Lead Saudi Stock Exchange & Reshape Regional Finance

In a historic shift for Saudi Arabia’s financial sector, Sarah Al-Suhaimi made headlines when she became the first woman to chair the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) – the largest exchange in the Middle East. Her appointment in 2017 was not just symbolic; it marked a turning point in the Kingdom’s vision for gender inclusion in leadership and a bold statement on the role of women in shaping national economic policy.

Al-Suhaimi is not only the first woman to lead Tadawul, but also a pioneer across both public and private financial institutions. Her impressive track record spans three of the Kingdom’s top financial powerhouses: NCB Capital, Samba Financial Group, and Jadwa Investment. She also holds board positions across several key national organizations, including the national airline and telecommunications company – sectors long considered male-dominated.

A Strategic Mind from the Start

Born in Riyadh in 1979, Al-Suhaimi graduated with honors in Accounting from King Saud University before pursuing advanced leadership education at Harvard University, completing the General Management Program in 2015. Her academic rigor, paired with global exposure, laid a strong foundation for a career defined by strategic foresight and bold execution.

From Portfolio Manager to Financial Powerhouse

Al-Suhaimi began her career at Samba Financial Group as a senior portfolio manager in asset management. She later joined Jadwa Investment in 2007, where she rose to become Executive Director and Head of Asset Management. There, she played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s investment strategies and delivering strong returns for clients.

In 2014, she was appointed CEO and Board Member of NCB Capital, the investment arm of the National Commercial Bank. Under her leadership, the firm’s assets under management grew significantly, its brokerage market share increased by over 10%, and it executed several high-profile mergers and acquisitions, cementing its position as a regional leader in asset management.

The Tadawul Appointment: A First in the Region

Her historic appointment as Chair of Tadawul in February 2017 by unanimous board vote came just days after she was named to its board by the Council of Ministers. She succeeded in leading the exchange during a period of strategic transformation, preparing it for the much-anticipated inclusion in global indices like MSCI and FTSE Russell – a move that unlocked billions in foreign investment.

Her leadership also coincided with the Kingdom’s broader economic transformation under Vision 2030, where financial market reforms are central to diversifying the economy beyond oil.

Influence Beyond Finance

In addition to her role at Tadawul, Al-Suhaimi serves on several influential boards:

• Member of the Board of Directors, Saudi Telecom Company (STC)
• Member of the Board of Directors, Saudi Arabian Airlines (since March 2021)
• Board Member, General Authority for Statistics (2024–2027)
• Member of the Board of Directors, Cultural Development Fund
• Director at NCB Capital (DIFC) in the Dubai International Financial Centre

These appointments reflect her growing influence across strategic sectors critical to the Kingdom’s economic diversification and data-driven policymaking.

A Trailblazer in a Time of Change

Sarah Al-Suhaimi’s rise coincides with a transformative era in Saudi Arabia, where women are stepping into leadership roles across industries once closed to them. Her success is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of a changing national narrative—one that empowers women to lead in boardrooms, stock markets, and beyond.

As the daughter of Jammaz Al-Suhaimi, the first chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (2004–2006), Sarah’s legacy is steeped in financial reform and institutional innovation. But it’s her own achievements that have etched her name in history as a visionary leader reshaping the face of Saudi finance.