ASM Global (APAC and MENA) has announced the appointment of venue and entertainment industry specialist Santiago Olea into the role of General Manager of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Santiago brings over 10 years’ experience across vital sports and entertainment venues and major events in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Dubai to the team.
He joins directly from the MBC Group, the largest media company in the Middle East and North Africa, where he was Chief Operating Officer for MBC Events helping them grow through excellence in event execution and cultivating strong, strategic alliances with vendors.
Prior to MBC, he managed venues for Live Nation in the Middle East where he developed and delivered the programming strategy in support of the venue’s artistic vision attracting national and international events of all genres.
In his new role as General Manager, Santiago will lead the local leadership team to achieve the business plan and oversee and direct planning, operations and controls across all departments to ensure overall customer satisfaction, commercial compliance, and reporting in accordance with the Management Agreement, ASM Global governance requirements and statutory requirements.
ASM Global Executive Vice President, Asia & The MENA Region, Paul Sergeant OBE said Santiago’s Middle East experience across all aspects of venue management makes him the perfect selection to manage the KAFD Conference Center’s cutting-edge facilities and versatile spaces.
“Part of Santiago’s proven track record has been driven through a relentless focus on achieving international standards in quality and service across all aspects of venue management, event production and customer service. We are pleased to direct that focus now on the KAFD Conference Center as it will be a premium venue for international meetings, tradeshows, and cultural experiences in Riyadh.”
Santiago said he was excited to join the ASM Global family in Riyadh in such a stunning, state-of-the-art facility which will help shape the future of the event industry in the region.
“I am particularly looking forward to working with King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company and building solid partnerships with local financial event organisers, and the Riyadh community to create a thriving event ecosystem.”
Enquiries
Catherine Michael Communications Manager – ASM Global (APAC and MENA)
