In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem, one name shines brighter than most — Sarah Al Suhaimi. She is not only a trailblazer in the world of finance but also a symbol of empowerment, progress, and national pride. Known for breaking barriers and reshaping the image of leadership in the Kingdom, Sarah’s journey is one of excellence, perseverance, and visionary thinking. Her leadership has played a key role in modernising Saudi Arabia’s financial market and in inspiring a new generation of women to take part in the nation’s economic transformation.
Early Life and Education
Sarah Al Suhaimi was born into a family deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s financial sector. Her father, Jammaz bin Abdullah Al-Suhaimi, was a prominent figure who served as the head of the Capital Market Authority. Growing up under his guidance, Sarah developed an early interest in economics, governance, and leadership. But her achievements were never simply inherited — they were earned through dedication, skill, and vision.
She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with honours from King Saud University, one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious institutions. Her strong academic foundation gave her the tools to navigate the complex financial world with confidence. Later, she attended the General Management Programme at Harvard Business School, where she refined her leadership style and gained a global perspective on financial systems and corporate governance.
The Beginning of a Remarkable Career
Sarah’s career began at Samba Financial Group, one of Saudi Arabia’s most reputable banks. There, she started in the asset management division and quickly climbed the ranks due to her analytical skills and strategic mindset. She handled complex investment portfolios and became known for her ability to foresee market trends and deliver consistent performance even in uncertain times.
In 2007, she joined Jadwa Investment, where she led the asset management division. At Jadwa, her expertise in managing large portfolios and her innovative approach to investment strategy drew national attention. Her leadership style was marked by a blend of precision, confidence, and empathy — qualities that would later define her success at the highest levels of Saudi finance.
Leadership at NCB Capital
Sarah’s true breakthrough came when she joined NCB Capital, the investment arm of the National Commercial Bank (now part of Saudi National Bank). She quickly rose to become the Chief Executive Officer, making her the first Saudi woman to lead a major financial institution. Under her direction, NCB Capital became one of the top asset management firms in the region, recognised for its innovation, governance, and growth.
Her leadership at NCB Capital focused on two main goals: digital transformation and investor trust. She introduced systems that increased transparency, streamlined investment processes, and strengthened the firm’s reputation among both institutional and retail investors. Her emphasis on ethics and responsible finance made her a respected figure among local and international peers alike.
Chairing the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul Group)
In February 2017, Sarah Al Suhaimi achieved another historic milestone by becoming the Chairperson of the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) — the first woman in Saudi Arabia to ever hold this position. This appointment marked a turning point not only in her career but also in the Kingdom’s journey towards gender inclusion and Vision 2030 goals.
As the Chairperson, Sarah was tasked with leading Tadawul through one of its most significant transformations. During her tenure, the exchange underwent a massive modernisation effort, integrating with global financial markets and enhancing its systems to meet international standards. Tadawul later evolved into the Saudi Tadawul Group, encompassing multiple subsidiaries, including the Securities Depository Centre, the Securities Clearing Centre, and the financial technology company Wamid.
Under Sarah’s guidance, Tadawul played a central role in some of the most important financial events in Saudi history, including the initial public offering (IPO) of Saudi Aramco, the largest IPO in the world. Her ability to coordinate between regulators, investors, and corporations helped position Saudi Arabia as a major player in global finance.
Visionary Approach to Saudi’s Economic Transformation
Sarah Al Suhaimi’s leadership has been deeply aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the national reform plan aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil. She recognised early on that a strong and transparent financial market was essential for achieving sustainable growth. Her approach has always focused on strengthening investor confidence, promoting transparency, and introducing digital innovation in financial services.
She has consistently advocated for greater participation of women in the workforce, particularly in finance and leadership roles. For her, inclusion is not just a social priority but a business necessity. She often emphasises that diversity in leadership leads to better decision-making and stronger governance.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. International publications such as Forbes Middle East and Bloomberg have repeatedly ranked her among the most powerful businesswomen in the region. She has become a global ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s new era of leadership — one that values competence, ethics, and innovation over tradition and hierarchy.
International Recognition and Roles
Beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia, Sarah Al Suhaimi has earned global recognition for her leadership. She was appointed as a trustee of the IFRS Foundation, the international body that develops global accounting standards. This position highlights her credibility on the world stage and her contribution to promoting financial transparency and uniformity across nations.
In addition, she was appointed as the Chair of Lazard’s Financial Advisory business for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in 2022. This move reflected her growing influence not only in Saudi Arabia but across the entire global financial landscape. Her role at Lazard bridges local expertise with international financial advisory excellence, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global economic presence.
Inspiring Saudi Women and Future Generations
Sarah Al Suhaimi’s success story resonates deeply with Saudi women who aspire to lead in fields that were once male-dominated. Her achievements demonstrate that barriers can be broken with perseverance and that gender should never define one’s potential. She has openly shared that her journey was not without challenges — scepticism, bias, and doubt were frequent companions — but her resilience turned those challenges into stepping stones.
She often speaks about the importance of mentorship and education in empowering women. By mentoring young professionals and advocating for equality in opportunity, Sarah has inspired a wave of talented Saudi women to pursue careers in finance, technology, and leadership.
Today, many female executives and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia credit her as their role model — someone who proved that competence, intelligence, and determination can overcome any social limitation.
Leadership Philosophy
At the core of Sarah Al Suhaimi’s leadership lies a clear philosophy: lead with integrity, decide with courage, and build for the future. She believes that sustainable growth requires a balance between innovation and accountability. Her decision-making process is rooted in data, transparency, and long-term vision rather than short-term profit.
She is known for her calm yet assertive leadership style. Colleagues describe her as a listener first, who values ideas from all levels of the organisation. Her meetings often focus on collaboration and problem-solving rather than hierarchy or authority. This inclusive approach has made her one of the most respected leaders in the Saudi corporate landscape.
Contribution to Saudi Vision 2030
Sarah’s contribution to Vision 2030 extends far beyond finance. By making the Saudi Stock Exchange a world-class marketplace, she has attracted global investors and helped integrate the Kingdom’s economy with international financial systems.
Her efforts have supported the privatisation of several public entities, boosted foreign direct investment, and strengthened investor confidence. Tadawul’s inclusion in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and other global benchmarks was a result of her commitment to transparency and innovation. These milestones have played a significant role in diversifying the Saudi economy and in showcasing the Kingdom as a hub for business and investment.
Personal Values and Legacy
Despite her high-profile career, Sarah Al Suhaimi is known for her humility and grounded personality. She often credits her success to her upbringing, education, and strong support network. Her story reflects not just personal triumph but also the broader transformation of Saudi Arabia — a nation embracing progress while honouring its traditions.
Her legacy is one of empowerment, excellence, and reform. By setting new standards in leadership, governance, and ethics, she has paved the way for countless others to follow. She has shown that success in Saudi Arabia’s modern era is built not on privilege but on purpose, vision, and perseverance.
Future Outlook
As the global financial world continues to evolve with technology, sustainability, and innovation, Sarah Al Suhaimi remains at the forefront of this transformation. Her influence is expected to grow even further as she continues to serve in regional and international leadership roles.
In the coming years, she is likely to play a key part in expanding Saudi Arabia’s financial infrastructure, deepening international partnerships, and promoting digital innovation in financial services. Her ongoing mission is to ensure that Saudi Arabia not only keeps pace with global progress but leads it.
Conclusion
Sarah Al Suhaimi stands as a true icon of modern Saudi Arabia — a woman who turned vision into reality and leadership into legacy. From her beginnings in asset management to becoming one of the world’s most respected financial leaders, she has redefined what it means to lead with purpose.
Her story is not just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about building new frameworks for future generations. Through her intellect, resilience, and forward-thinking mindset, Sarah continues to shape the financial destiny of Saudi Arabia and inspire countless individuals around the world.