Samah Alsubaie: A Governance Leader Shaping Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Who is Samah Alsubaie?

In a country rapidly transforming under Vision 2030, Samah Alsubaie is helping to build the systems that will make this transformation sustainable. With over 15 years of experience in Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC), Samah has become a cornerstone in how organizations across Saudi Arabia operate, make decisions, and maintain public trust.

She currently serves as Chief of Governance, Risk, and Compliance at the Sports Boulevard Foundation, one of Riyadh’s most ambitious and visionary projects. But her journey—marked by resilience, reinvention, and quiet strength—makes her story especially powerful.

A Career Built on Purpose

Education & Growth

• Bachelor’s in International Business – King Abdulaziz University
• Diploma in MIS – Institute of Public Administration
• MBA with Honors – Alfaisal University
• Executive certifications from Harvard, Oxford, LBS, and IESE

Strategic Shift

What sets her apart is how she transitioned from tech-focused project development into boardroom strategy—a rare pivot that shows how governance is not just a legal or policy issue, but a bridge between systems, people, and progress.

Her technical background gave her a strong foundation in structured thinking and problem-solving, and she applied these skills to the world of governance—creating frameworks that align purpose with performance, values with vision.

Her Unmatched Track Record

Career Highlights

Samah’s professional journey is a masterclass in career progression, demonstrating how a blend of hard work, strategic moves, and continuous learning can lead to leadership roles in some of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent organizations:

• Sports Boulevard Foundation: As Chief of GRC, she leads critical departments like governance, compliance, risk management, cybersecurity, and data management. She bridges strategic planning with operational execution to embed excellence throughout the organization.
• Public Investment Fund (PIF): As Board & Governance Advisor at Soudah Development, Samah ensured that governance frameworks supported transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment between leadership and operations.
• STC’s TAWAL and Zain KSA: She established foundational governance policies and led high-stakes processes such as shareholder assemblies and delegation of authority design.
• Alfaisal University and Government Sectors: Samah extended her influence into education and public governance, further proving her versatility across sectors.
• TADCO (Agriculture): She served on the Board Governance Committee, showcasing her ability to apply governance principles to highly regulated and strategic industries.

What Makes Her Journey Truly Unique

Versatility Across Sectors

Samah’s ability to adapt and lead across telecommunications, education, agriculture, and government entities sets her apart. Every step in her journey was a deliberate expansion—turning challenges into learning opportunities. Her path is a case study in how young consultants can diversify their careers by staying agile and open to transformation.

Building From Scratch

Samah is a true builder. She developed comprehensive compliance universes, designed whistleblowing systems, and implemented Delegation of Authority frameworks that became internal standards. Her approach to governance isn’t just about rules—it’s about building environments where integrity thrives.

A Role Model for Young Saudis

An Inspiration for the Next Generation

For young professionals who dream of leadership but don’t see a clear path—Samah is proof that impact doesn’t always come with a microphone or media attention. Sometimes it comes from being in the room, asking the right questions, and designing how organizations work behind the scenes.

She is a reminder that leadership in the Vision 2030 era is not just about big titles—it’s about building strong, accountable institutions that protect national interests and unlock human potential.

Contributions to Vision 2030

Samah’s work is deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. She champions effective governance and sustainability across sectors, contributing to national goals of economic diversification and institutional excellence. Her efforts demonstrate how careers in GRC can have far-reaching societal impact.

Lessons for Young Consultants

Samah's career is rich with practical insights for the next generation:

• Be Proactive: She didn’t wait for systems to evolve—she built them.
• Adapt and Evolve: Her journey through different sectors shows how agility fuels growth.
• Commit to Lifelong Learning: Her global certifications reflect a hunger for growth and relevance.
• Align with Purpose: Her role in Vision 2030 proves that individual careers can align with national transformation.

Why She’s a Saudi Wins Pioneer

At Saudi Wins, our Pioneer category celebrates those building Saudi Arabia’s future from the ground up. Samah Alsubaie isn’t just implementing governance—she’s reshaping how it’s understood, respected, and practiced.

She embodies a leadership style that’s rare and necessary: thoughtful, ethical, technically competent, and strategically aligned. In a Kingdom transforming at scale, we need more leaders like her—quietly creating the frameworks that hold progress together.

She is not only part of Saudi Arabia’s transformation—she is helping define what responsible leadership looks like in this new era.