Taher AlDabbagh is a highly accomplished executive known for his exceptional track record in steering profitability, driving growth, and leading large-scale transformations across diverse industries including maritime, logistics, technology, retail, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). With a unique ability to build resilient, scalable organizations, Taher plays a pivotal role at both CEO and board levels, delivering sustainable growth, solid governance, and long-term value creation aligned with Saudi Arabiaโs Vision 2030.
Leading Maritime Innovation and Strategic Asset Optimization
Currently serving as Acting Chief Integrated Planning Officer at Bahri, Saudi Arabiaโs premier maritime logistics company, Taher leads fleet planning and long-term asset strategies critical to optimizing vessel utilization and aligning operations with dynamic global shipping demand. His forward-thinking leadership drives new business development and market growth opportunities, expanding Bahriโs footprint within the evolving maritime sector.
Taher expertly oversees business planning, performance management, and profitability targets while enhancing governance, risk management, and compliance with international maritime standards such as IMO. A passionate advocate for sustainability, he champions Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, advancing maritime decarbonization and transparent reporting through digital transformation utilizing AI, advanced analytics, and smart shipping platforms.
Pioneering Operational Excellence in Shipbuilding and Industrial Services
Previously, as Senior Vice President of Operation Services at International Maritime Industries (IMI), Taher spearheaded the operations readiness of a SAR 20 billion facilityโthe worldโs second-largest shipyard supporting VLCC, offshore rigs, and commercial vessels. He skillfully directed asset management and multi-billion capital projects, embedding robust project controls and risk frameworks to ensure successful delivery.
His oversight extended to technical services and marine operations, guaranteeing safe and efficient rig and vessel operations compliant with regulatory standards. Simultaneously, Taher led engineering and sustainability efforts, integrating emission-reduction practices into shipyard design and operational workflows. Building and managing procurement and supply chain networks, he secured long-term supplier partnerships critical to the shipyardโs success.
Foundational Leadership in Corporate Services and Human Capital
Taher began his journey at IMI during its startup phase as Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, where he played a key role in establishing the foundational functions of human resources, IT, health and safety, faculty management, and industrial security. His strategic contributions included designing IMIโs reward and salary structures, developing a master training and development plan, enrolling over 1,500 apprentices, achieving ISO 45001 and 9001 certifications, and implementing leading-edge ERP systems for operational efficiency.
Transforming Human Capital and Corporate Affairs in Retail
In his role as Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer at Landmark Group Arabia, Taher managed HR strategies for 15,000 employees across 850 stores in 45 cities. He successfully led the companyโs nationalization transformation, boosting Saudi employment rates from 37% to 52%, and increasing female workforce participation significantly. Taher also doubled the number of Saudi nationals in store managerial roles, promoting diversity and leadership development.
Driving Sales Excellence and Strategic Partnerships in Telecommunications and Consumer Goods
Taherโs extensive experience spans senior leadership positions at Mobily, where he managed consumer sales generating nearly SAR 10 billion, and spearheaded alliance and partnership development with global leaders such as IBM, Accenture, and Cisco. He also contributed to transforming telecommunications cloud services and executed effective sales and marketing strategies, further showcasing his versatility in scaling business operations.
Early in his career, Taher held influential roles at Microsoft and Unilever, where he honed his marketing, sales, and operational expertise, contributing to product innovation and market share growth.
Academic Credentials and Executive Education
Taher holds an Executive MBA from Hult International Business School and a Bachelorโs degree in Management Information Systems from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals. He is distinguished by executive education from marquee institutions including Harvard Business School, Stanford University, London Business School, Northwestern University Kellogg School, INSEAD, IMD, Queenโs University, and the National University of Singapore. His continuous professional development includes certifications in board directorship, strategic agility, negotiation, and high-performance leadership.
Committed to Societal Empowerment and Corporate Governance
A founding member of โAhyah,โ a charitable foundation dedicated to treating children with cancer and building a specialized hospital in Al Madinah Al Munawara, Taher exemplifies a compassionate leadership approach. He also contributes to economic empowerment through the Saudi Shared Services association and holds key memberships in Riyadh Chamber of Commerce committees focused on human resources and retail development.
Inspiring Leadership for a Sustainable and Innovative Future
Taher AlDabbagh embodies the essence of a transformative leader who combines strategic foresight with operational mastery and human capital acumen. He continues to inspire industry peers by driving innovation, enabling national growth, and shaping resilient organizations positioned for the future.
Inspired Magazine proudly honors Taher AlDabbagh as one of the Top 100 Inspiring Professionals, celebrating his exemplary leadership, enduring impact across sectors, and unwavering dedication to sustainable business transformation and societal advancement.
