Lubna Olayan

Lubna Olayan, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent businesswomen, currently leads the vast empire known as Olayan Financing Company. Born in 1955 in Unaizah, Al-Qassim, she is the daughter of renowned Saudi businessman Suleiman Olayan. Her successful career is marked by remarkable leadership and significant advocacy toward women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia.

Olayan’s leadership role in the Saudi business landscape became even clearer in 2018 when she became the first woman ever appointed as head of Saudi British Bank (SABB), highlighting her groundbreaking role in changing the narrative for women in Saudi Arabia’s business and finance sector.

Her achievements extend beyond banking, as Olayan actively participates in reputable global institutions. Over the years, she has earned recognition among the most powerful women in the Middle East, famously ranking second among the “100 Most Powerful Arab Women” by Arabian Business magazine in 2011. Her resilient efforts for societal reforms and economic growth continue to make her an inspiration to many across the region.

What You Didn’t Know About Lubna Olayan:
Lubna Olayan is the first woman in Saudi Arabia appointed to lead a major Saudi bank.

Here at Arageek, we deeply appreciate Lubna Olayan’s extensive journey and contributions, recognizing her as an influential figure whose work transcends mere financial success. Her visionary outlook on economic and social reform continues to inspire positive change across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle Eastern region.

Lubna grew up in a prominent and influential Saudi family, being the youngest child of the famous businessman Suleiman Olayan, whose commercial empire flourished significantly throughout Saudi Arabia’s oil boom era. After graduating from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Lubna earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Indiana University in the United States, laying the foundation for her eminent business journey.

Early on in her professional life, Olayan gained experience internationally, working at Morgan Guaranty Bank in New York from 1979 to 1981. Equipped with valuable experience in both banking and finance, she returned home to Saudi Arabia to begin her impressive career within her father’s enterprise, rapidly rising through the ranks.

Lubna Olayan is married to John Xefos, an accomplished international attorney. They have three daughters and live in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Lubna Olayan remains a vocal advocate for Saudi societal and economic reform, emphasizing corporate social responsibility, social equality, and youth empowerment. Through her leadership, she consistently encourages private-sector engagement in addressing socioeconomic disparities, urging for advancements in education and job creation for women and young people alike.