Chief Executive Officer

A GCC-based training solutions provider is looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization in the region. Strategic Leadership:Develop and execute a long-term growth strategy that positions the company as a market leader in training and development services across corporate, government, and regional sectors.Business Growth & Profitability:Drive sustainable revenue growth through service innovation, market expansion, operational efficiency, and high-impact client relationships across all three lines of business. Build brand loyalty by engaging clients across multiple lines of business. Operational Excellence:Oversee high-quality program delivery, curriculum development, trainer performance, and learner outcomes to ensure excellence across all services. Market Positioning & Brand Elevation:Strengthen the company’s brand as a thought leader in L&D by leveraging data, technology, and research to differentiate from competitors.Organizational Culture & Talent Development:Build and maintain a high-performance culture that aligns with learning, innovation, and continuous improvement. Maintain and cultivate the company's corporate culture, ensuring it remains consistent and evolves as we expand. Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Direction & LeadershipDevelop, refine, and execute a multi-year strategic plan in alignment with the Board’s vision.Identify emerging trends in corporate learning, AI, Learning Technology, and workforce development to ensure future readiness.Lead partnerships, M&A, and geographic expansion where relevant.2. Business Development & Client EngagementOversee key account relationships with corporate, government, and institutional clients.Build and maintain a strong network with C-suite stakeholders, L&D leaders, and policy influencers.Champion proposal development, tenders, and public-private collaborations to secure high-value contracts.3. Financial StewardshipPrepare and manage the annual budget, forecasts, and financial plans to achieve revenue, margin, and EBITDA targets.Monitor key financial metrics and ensure profitability, cost control, and risk mitigation.Work with CFO to secure investment or funding if required.4. Product & Service InnovationOversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of high-quality training programs tailored to market demand.Champion digital transformation, including blended learning, AI-powered tools, LMS platforms, and content digitization.Ensure services are aligned with international standards and measurable ROI for clients.Identify world-class products, services, or technology that might enhance our offering to clients and keep us ahead of the competition.5. Talent & Organizational DevelopmentBuild and lead a high-calibre executive and management team.Promote a strong performance culture and implement L&D initiatives for internal staff.Establish KPIs across departments, including sales, delivery, and content teams.6. Governance, Compliance & RiskEnsure full compliance with regulatory, legal, and accreditation requirements.Maintain effective reporting to the Board and manage relationships with external auditors and government entities.Mitigate operational and reputational risks through robust internal controls.7. Brand, Marketing & Thought LeadershipOversee marketing strategy, brand positioning, digital presence, and public relations.Represent the company at high-profile conferences, government roundtables, and international forums.Lead content publication strategy to position the company as a knowledge leader in the L&D sector.Preferred Qualifications & ExperienceMinimum 15 years of experience in executive leadership, with at least 5 years in L&D, consulting, or education sectors.Proven track record in business growth, strategic execution, and team leadership.Strong understanding of corporate training, workforce development, and digital learning tools.Experience working with public sector clients, particularly in the GCC or international markets, is a plus.MBA, Master’s in Education, or relevant qualifications preferred, but not a must.