Walid Abukhaled

Chairman of Saudi Arabia

Eng. Walid Abukhaled, Chairman of Saudi Arabia at EMIR, is a former deputy minister and global CEO. With nearly three decades of leadership experience across diverse industries, including Technology, Defence, and Security, Walid leverages his unparalleled expertise to guide the expansion of EMIR in the kingdom. He also mentors the EMIR team in guiding clients in the public and private sectors through complex business strategies, technological advancements, and policy development.

Before joining EMIR, Walid was the CEO of PIF-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) from 2019 to 2024, where he guided the company from formation into the top 75 global defence firms within five years.

Prior to his time at SAMI, Walid was CEO for Northrop Grumman in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, driving regional growth and expanding strategic relationships. He also served as Deputy Minister for Industrial Affairs at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, shaping industrial policies that supported the country’s economic diversification.

Earlier, Walid served as President and CEO for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at General Electric (GE), overseeing regional operations and driving its growth. He spent over two decades at BAE Systems, holding various leadership roles, culminating in Director of Portfolio Management and Chairman of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia Operations Board.

In addition to his executive roles, Walid serves as a Board Member at the Saudi Industrial Centre (chaired by the Minister of Industry & Mineral Resources), a Member of the US-Saudi Business Council, and a Member of the Saudi French Business Council.

Walid’s expertise in defence strategy, technological growth, and policy development has earned him numerous accolades, including ‘Entrepreneur of the Year – Thought Leadership’ at the Enterprise Agility Awards 2018 and ‘CEO of the Year’ at the Arabian Business Achievement KSA Awards 2015.

With a remarkable career defined by visionary leadership, Walid continues to provide strategic insights driving EMIR’s sustainable growth and long-term success in the kingdom.