Top HR Leader in the Middle East
The recent developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have not only positioned it among the leading countries of the world, but also helped attract global talent. One of the men at the center of this rapid transformation is the dynamic Mohammed M. Alwaibari.
An award-winning HR leader and Speaker, Mohammed is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at one of the largest retail conglomerates in Riyadh. Over a span of 2 decades, his multiple innovations have transformed the field of HR into more of a science driven by passion rather than just a profession.
“I don’t see HR as just a job; it’s more about passion and science. Having experience in multiple organizations, I’ve realized that my role is not just to provide resources to the organization, but to also infuse it with energy and spirit.”
From the very beginning, Mohammed prioritized investing in his education and development. He completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from King AbdulAziz University, and Master’s in Business Administration and Management from the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. In addition, he has earned a PhD in Management, and is certified as an FCPID and SPHRi.
Beginning his career in 2002, Mohammed had the honor of collaborating with prominent Saudi organizations, some of which possess a global presence and stand as leaders within their respective industries. These organizations encompass Aramco, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Sabic, STC, Alrajhi Takaful, Cenomi-Retail, and Alothaim Life. Throughout this journey, he’s had the privilege of engaging with top business leaders from whom he gleaned invaluable insights, contributing significantly to his professional development.
His notable achievements include:
● Participation in 3 business transformation projects, realigning the business model to align with the strategic vision and compete assertively in the market.
● Leadership of the organization’s pandemic steering committees during the Covid-19 outbreak.
● Improvement of the organization’s ranking in the ‘Great Place to Work’ initiative from below 60% to 86%, achieving 9th place in MENA and ranking 9th on Best Workplaces in the Middle East™ 2022 Large-Sized Organizations, as well as 12th on Best Workplaces in KSA™ 2022 – Large Organizations.
As an executive and now CHRO, Mohammed’s strategic thinking, relationship building, adaptability, and data-driven decision-making have been instrumental to his success. He has effectively aligned HR initiatives with business goals, fostered strong relationships across the organization, navigated change successfully, and used data to inform his decisions.
The year 2024 in particular has been significant for him as he has been honored with the ‘CHRO of the Year’ award three times already. These accolades were awarded by prestigious organizations such as HRME, Informal Connect, and Economic Times HR World.
Diligent and gritty, Mohammed overcame his early challenges with delegation and perfectionism, and continues to improve his public speaking skills. These experiences have shaped him into a more effective leader. “I believe in transparency and continuous growth, and I strive to create an environment where my team feels empowered to learn and develop alongside me. That’s the kind of world I want to see: a world where everyone has the chance to discover their inner leader, to find their own voice, and to make a real difference.”
To strike a balance in his work-life, Mohammed reserves his weekends to recharge and prepare for the week ahead. He can often be found exploring a new hiking trail, lost in a captivating book, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee on the balcony. He harbors a special passion for travel and photography; immersing oneself in different cultures, capturing the beauty of the world through his lens, and sharing experiences through storytelling.
He draws inspiration from a diverse range of individuals and experiences. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman serves as a particularly powerful role model for him. HRH’s emphasis on dreaming big, coupled with the unwavering determination to realize those dreams and ensure their positive impact on both present and future generations, resonates deeply with Mohammed.
Currently, his focus is firmly rooted in contributing to the dynamic field of HR and actively engaging with various HR communities and societies within the Kingdom. However, his vision extends far beyond the present.
“I aspire to see organizations across my country embrace and implement world-class workplace standards, encompassing not only a culture of continuous learning and development, but also progressive policies that empower individuals to reach their full potential while contributing meaningfully to the nation’s prosperity.”
We can’t let Mohammed leave without a message for our readers. Happy to oblige, he shares: “Live each day with purpose. Strive to become the best version of yourself and have a positive impact on those who seek your guidance. Love your mother more than anything else, and return her love as it will give you the energy to face each day.”
