Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a transformative blueprint aimed at diversifying the economy, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities across various sectors. One of the most influential figures driving this change is Khalid Alkhudair, an entrepreneur, social advocate, and media leader whose work has had a profound impact on women’s empowerment, job creation, and media expansion in the Kingdom.
As the founder of Glowork, the first organization dedicated to women’s employment in Saudi Arabia, and the CEO of SMC (Saudi Media Company), Alkhudair has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between corporate success and social responsibility. His leadership has positioned him as a key player in economic reform and innovation, contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s rise as a global hub for media, sports, and entertainment.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Born in Saudi Arabia in 1983, Khalid Alkhudair displayed early signs of ambition and a keen interest in business, leadership, and societal impact. His passion for learning led him to Saint Mary’s University in Canada, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in Marketing, Human Resources, and Psychology.
To further expand his expertise, he pursued executive education at Yale University, focusing on leadership development, and at Harvard Kennedy School, where he studied political science and governance. These experiences shaped his strategic thinking and leadership approach, preparing him for the significant roles he would later undertake in corporate governance, finance, and social entrepreneurship.
Establishing a Strong Foundation in Finance and Marketing
Alkhudair’s professional career began in the corporate sector, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his innovative thinking and leadership skills. He joined KPMG, a global leader in financial and professional services, where he served as Chief Operating Officer – Markets for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan by the age of 28.
During his tenure, he led marketing and strategy initiatives, earning KPMG over 30 industry awards. His ability to merge financial expertise with strategic branding and communication set him apart as a leader with a visionary approach to business growth and innovation.
However, despite his corporate success, Alkhudair felt a deeper calling: to drive societal change and empower underrepresented groups. This realization led him to embark on an entrepreneurial journey that would reshape Saudi Arabia’s employment landscape.
Glowork: Revolutionizing Women’s Employment in Saudi Arabia
In 2011, Khalid Alkhudair founded Glowork, the first platform dedicated to helping Saudi women enter the workforce. At a time when female workforce participation was limited, Glowork emerged as a game-changer, providing:
- Job-matching services to connect women with suitable employers
- Career training and development programs to enhance skills and workplace readiness
- Remote work solutions, allowing companies to hire female employees while respecting cultural and social norms
Alkhudair’s progressive vision and relentless advocacy led to Glowork securing government partnerships, making it a key player in the Kingdom’s efforts to increase female workforce participation under Vision 2030.
Under his leadership, Glowork has:
- Facilitated employment for over 30,000 Saudi women
- Expanded partnerships with over 100 local and multinational companies
- Earned global recognition from the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, and the World Bank
Glowork’s impact extends beyond Saudi Arabia, serving as a model for women’s employment initiatives across the GCC and beyond.
Expanding Influence: Leadership in Media and Entertainment
After revolutionizing employment opportunities for women, Alkhudair turned his focus to another rapidly growing sector—media, sports, and entertainment. In 2020, he was appointed CEO of SMC (Saudi Media Company), one of the region’s largest media, sports, and entertainment firms.
As CEO, he has spearheaded efforts to:
- Elevate Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global media landscape
- Forge partnerships with leading international entertainment networks
- Drive digital transformation in the media industry
His leadership has helped position Saudi Arabia as a regional powerhouse for content creation, broadcasting, and cultural storytelling.
With a focus on media innovation and audience engagement, he has played a key role in expanding digital platforms, investing in sports media rights, and enhancing entertainment offerings across the Kingdom.
Global Recognition and Influence
Khalid Alkhudair’s contributions to women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and media development have earned him numerous international accolades. Some of his most notable recognitions include:
- Being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2014
- Becoming the first Saudi Ashoka Fellow, recognizing his impact in social entrepreneurship
- Receiving the King Salman Award for Entrepreneurship
- Being recognized as an Endeavor Entrepreneur for his innovative business strategies
- Being listed among the top 500 most powerful Arabs by Arabian Business Magazine
His influence extends far beyond Saudi Arabia, as he continues to be a sought-after speaker, mentor, and policy advisor on global discussions surrounding workforce development, media strategy, and gender inclusivity.
Thought Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond his executive roles, Khalid Alkhudair is a respected thought leader and advocate. His insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and workplace diversity have made him a prominent speaker, author, and advisor.
He has:
- Written extensively for international publications such as Huffington Post
- Authored the book Communicating Effectively in the Workplace
- Spoken at major global conferences, including the World Economic Forum and United Nations forums
His ability to bridge the corporate and social sectors has positioned him as a leading voice in economic and cultural transformation.
Advisory Roles and Mentorship
Khalid Alkhudair serves on various advisory boards and mentorship programs, reinforcing his commitment to shaping the future of business, marketing, and workforce development. His roles include:
- L’Oréal Global Panel of Critical Friends, where he advocates for inclusivity in corporate environments
- CMO Council Advisory Board, shaping global marketing leadership strategies
- Founder Institute (Silicon Valley), mentoring emerging entrepreneurs and startups
Through these initiatives, he continues to guide and inspire young business leaders in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Alkhudair remains committed to:
- Expanding Women’s Workforce Participation – Advocating for policies and programs that increase opportunities for women in leadership and executive roles.
- Transforming the Media and Entertainment Sector – Positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for digital media, broadcasting, and sports entertainment.
- Fostering Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Supporting young business owners with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance.
- Strengthening Digital Transformation – Driving AI-powered media solutions, content personalization, and innovative digital platforms.
His strategic initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, ensuring that economic, social, and cultural progressremain at the heart of the Kingdom’s transformation.
Conclusion
Khalid Alkhudair’s career is a testament to visionary leadership, social impact, and business excellence. His pioneering work in women’s employment through Glowork and his transformative leadership in the media sector as CEO of SMC have positioned him as one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential changemakers.As he continues to break barriers, drive economic reform, and shape the Kingdom’s media landscape, his legacy will serve as an inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders.
