Ahmad Alkassar Alanizi is a seasoned enterprise risk management (ERM) professional, recognized for his strategic and execution-focused approach. With cross-sector experience in government, banking, and non-profit organizations, Ahmad has demonstrated excellence in building risk functions, frameworks, and governance systems from the ground up. His work consistently aligns risk management with organizational performance, compliance, and strategic direction.
Building Foundations for Enterprise Risk Management
Since mid-2023, Ahmad has been entrusted with critical responsibilities on behalf of the Head of Risk Management at Misk Foundation. Acting independently, he delivers the full spectrum of departmental key performance indicators (KPIs), manages high-impact projects, and ensures operational continuity. His efforts have been instrumental in defining a clear and effective risk management framework within the organization.
Leading Key Initiatives and Digital Transformation
Ahmad has guided Misk Foundation through a journey aligned with international standards, including ISO 31000 for Risk Management and ISO 22301 for Business Continuity Management (BCM). The BCM function was only recently established, and reaching this milestone positions Misk among the first non-profit organizations in the Middle East to attain both frameworks within such a short time. Ahmad developed comprehensive risk registers, policies, and procedures that transformed risk administration into a streamlined and coherent system.
Notably, he spearheaded the organization-wide digital transformation of risk management by creating an internal Risk Portal. This centralized platform enhances connectivity between departments and subsidiaries, offering risk consultations and streamlined reporting. His evaluation and integration of risk management software and project management systems have elevated the department’s capabilities and efficiency.
Embedding a Culture of Risk Awareness and Accountability
A key aspect of Ahmad’s leadership involved launching awareness campaigns to embed a strong culture of risk management across Misk and its subsidiaries. He linked departmental performance evaluations to collaboration with Risk Management, fostering organizational accountability and promoting timely delivery of risk-related objectives. His efforts have transformed risk from a compliance function into a strategic enabler.
Passionate and Thoughtful Leadership
Ahmad is described as calm, deeply thoughtful, and strategically minded. He approaches risk management as a craft, connecting detailed insights to the broader organizational vision. He believes in precision, clarity, and making a meaningful impact through decisive action rather than mere talk. Inspired by the resilience of the mountains of Tuwaiq, Ahmad remains confident and determined to overcome challenges with steady resolve.
Remarkable Achievements
Ahmad’s individual contributions are exceptional. In 2023, he single-handedly achieved 100% of Misk’s risk management KPIs. By late 2024, he had completed 95% of the subsequent year’s KPIs, still as a one-person department. He successfully led the redevelopment of 18 departmental risk registers, linking operational and strategic risks and initiating subsidiary-level risk frameworks from scratch. His leadership in advancing international certifications within record time not only strengthened Misk’s resilience but also set a regional benchmark for non-profits in risk and continuity management.
Leadership Quote
“Risk management is not just about mitigating threats; it’s about shaping systems that create clarity and resilience. By turning uncertainty into structured action, we empower organizations to navigate complexity with confidence.” — Ahmad Alkassar Alanizi
Inspired Magazine proudly honors Ahmad Alkassar Alanizi as one of the Top 100 Inspiring Professionals, recognizing his transformative leadership and dedication to advancing strategic risk management in Saudi Arabia.
