Chief Executive Officer

Cipher7; Jeddah; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international recruitment firm is seeking a highly experienced CEO for a hospitality platform in Saudi Arabia. The candidate must have over 20 years of experience in hospitality, capable of defining a strategic roadmap for expansion across KSA and GCC. Responsibilities include building brand strategies and leading market entries in multiple countries. Fluency in English and fluency in Arabic is preferred. This role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned hotel developer with a track record in multi-brand operations.

Qualifications

• Over 20 years in hospitality with end-to-end development and operating experience.
• Led 20+ hotels across luxury/upscale categories.
• Deep knowledge of KSA and GCC markets, regulatory processes, and cultural/business norms.

Responsibilities

• Define a 5–10 year strategic roadmap for KSA and GCC expansion.
• Build a brand portfolio strategy aligned with asset locations.
• Lead market entry/scale-up in GCC countries.

Skills

End-to-end development and operating experience

Negotiation of HMA and Franchise agreements

Strong P&L ownership

Investment committee submissions

Fluency in English

Arabic strongly preferred

Job description

Sr. International Recruiter @ Confidential | Global Talent Acquisition Expertise / Executive Search in #FinTech #EduTech #AutoTech #Oil&Gas #Energy…

Role Purpose / Overview

The CEO, Hospitality will establish and scale the group’s hospitality platform across KSA and the GCC. Responsible for strategy, development, operator selection & negotiations, and operational excellence, the CEO will lead multi-country delivery of hotels built to operator standards, ensuring strong returns, brand equity, and guest experience. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced hotel developer and multi-brand operator with a track record across 20+ hotels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define a 5–10 year strategic roadmap for KSA and GCC expansion (greenfield, brownfield, conversions, and asset enhancements).
• Build a brand portfolio strategy (luxury, lifestyle, upscale, extended stay, serviced apartments) aligned with asset locations and demand drivers.
• Prioritize sites based on feasibility, market intelligence, and capital allocation; steer investment committee submissions.
• Lead market entry/scale-up in GCC countries (e.g., KSA, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait) with tailored country playbooks.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 20+ years in hospitality with end-to-end development and operating experience; led 20+ hotels across luxury/upscale categories.
• Proven negotiation of HMA and Franchise agreements with global and regional operators.
• Deep knowledge of KSA and GCC markets, regulatory processes, and cultural/business norms.
• Strong P&L ownership, capital planning, and investor relations experience.
• Fluency in English; Arabic strongly preferred.
• Willingness to travel across the GCC.