The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has appointed Suliman bin Khalid Almazroua as its new Chief Executive Officer, a move that could reshape the kingdom’s maritime and logistics strategy. With over 22 years of experience spanning industrial, energy, and logistics sectors, Almazroua isn’t just stepping into the role—he’s bringing a track record of execution and vision.
His tenure at the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) is particularly relevant. There, he didn’t just manage projects; he drove them. Almazroua led initiatives to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, boost local content, and accelerate the Fourth Industrial Revolution—priorities that now align with Mawani’s ambitions. The question is, how will he translate that experience into port and logistics infrastructure?
Almazroua’s background in systems engineering and his executive training at institutions like Harvard and IMD suggest a data-driven, strategic approach. His time at Saudi Aramco and his work with global tech networks like Ariba and Caspian Network indicate he understands both the physical and digital sides of logistics. This dual expertise could be a game-changer for Mawani, especially as the authority pushes forward with projects like the recently launched SAR 689 million logistics corridor linking Jeddah Islamic Port to the Al Khomra Logistics Zone.
The corridor project is a clear signal of Saudi Arabia’s push to integrate ports more deeply into industrial and logistics ecosystems. Almazroua’s role at NIDLP involved exactly this kind of cross-sector coordination. If he applies that experience at Mawani, we could see ports evolving from transit hubs into fully integrated nodes of the kingdom’s supply chain.
But the real test will be in execution. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 isn’t just about building infrastructure—it’s about making it work. Almazroua’s time at the National Transformation Programme (NTP) involved planning and accelerating development initiatives, which suggests he knows how to turn strategy into action. Whether that translates into faster project delivery, better operational efficiency, or more innovative port solutions remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: Almazroua’s appointment isn’t just a leadership change—it’s a strategic pivot. His experience in industrial development, logistics, and digital transformation could position Mawani at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. The challenge now is to turn that potential into progress.