Professional Profile
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Lubna Olayan |
| Born | 4 August 1955 (Age: 68) |
| Nationality | Saudi Arabian |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million – $3 million |
| Current Position | Chairwoman of Saudi British Bank (SABB) |
Career Overview
Lubna Olayan is a pioneering Saudi businesswoman who has broken numerous barriers in the traditionally male-dominated business world of Saudi Arabia. Her leadership roles span finance, investment, and banking sectors.
Key Positions
- Former CEO and Deputy Chairman of Olayan Financing Company (OFC) (1986-2019)
- Chairwoman of Saudi British Bank (SABB) (since 2019)
- Board member of various international companies
Educational Background
- BA in Agriculture from Cornell University
- MBA from Indiana University
Professional Achievements
Pioneering Leadership Roles
- First woman to join Olayan Financing Company (1983)
- CEO of Olayan Financing Company for over 30 years (1986-2019)
- First woman to head a Saudi Arabian bank (SABB, 2019)
- First woman to join the board of a Saudi publicly listed company (2004)
- First woman to deliver a keynote address at Jeddah Economic Forum (2004)
Board Memberships
- Alawwal Bank (formerly Saudi Hollandi Bank)
- Schlumberger (since 2011)
- Ma’aden (Saudi Arabian Mining Company) (since 2016)
- WPP plc (2005-2012)
Contributions to Gender Equality
- Workplace Diversity:
- Initiated gender parity efforts at OFC in 2001
- Increased female employment at Olayan to nearly 1,000 Saudi women
- Advocacy:
- Vocal advocate for women’s rights and employment opportunities
- Articulated vision for gender-neutral employment in Saudi Arabia
- Mentorship and Networking:
- Established the annual Olayan Women Network Forum
- Consistently encourages and inspires women in her company
- Creating Opportunities:
- Founded “Olayan National Women’s Action for Employment and Development” (OnWard) program in 2004
Recognition
- Named one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine (2005)
- Recognised by Fortune and Forbes for business leadership
Legacy
Lubna Olayan’s career exemplifies the changing landscape of Saudi Arabian business. Her success in breaking gender barriers and advocating for women’s rights has paved the way for a new generation of Saudi businesswomen. Through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, she has significantly contributed to advancing gender equality in Saudi Arabia’s corporate world.
JobXDubai 