Yousef Abdullah Al-Benyan

Yousef Abdullah Al-Benyan is a prominent Saudi businessman, widely recognized for his executive leadership and strategic vision as the CEO of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). His notable contributions have helped position SABIC among the top global petrochemical giants, making it the largest publicly traded company in the Middle East. He is recognised as one of the five most influential business leaders in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.

Al-Benyan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, complemented by a Master’s degree in Industrial Management. Known for his strategic mind, he has further enhanced his skills through specialized executive management courses.

Beginning his career in 1987 at SABIC, Al-Benyan initially served as a Business Development Specialist, navigating through several roles with increasing responsibility, encompassing chemicals, human resources management, operational management across various international locations including the US, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. Through dedication and exceptional leadership, he eventually became SABIC’s Chief Executive Officer.

Despite his high profile, Al-Benyan values privacy greatly and rarely shares personal details publicly.

In our examination of Yousef Al-Benyan’s prolific career, it’s clear that his strategic mindset and commitment have profoundly shaped Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape. At Arageek, we appreciate the pivotal role visionaries like Al-Benyan play not only in advancing their organisations but also in elevating the broader economic national interest.

Born on November 27, 1962, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Yousef Al-Benyan displayed early promise in academics and leadership. He pursued higher education diligently, earning degrees that underline his analytical and managerial capabilities. His early experiences at SABIC planted the seeds for his successful corporate ascent.

Maintaining a discreet profile, Al-Benyan consciously keeps his private life away from public and media attention.

– Named among the top five influential figures in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.

– Instrumental in SABIC’s joint ventures, such as the Ulsan polyethylene plant in South Korea in partnership with SK Global Chemical.

– Advocated successful mergers and integrations making SABIC the third-largest global petrochemical company.

– Oversees a corporation valued at over $309 billion.

– Served in multiple international leadership positions across the globe, including managerial roles in Stamford and Connecticut, and as General Manager for SABIC’s operations in Asia.

– Played key roles as Director of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association and Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Company (Yansab).

– As Vice President of SABIC’s Chemical Division, significantly boosted company performance and efficiency.

– In 2015, became SABIC’s Vice President for Financial Affairs, and in February 2016, took on the role of Executive Vice President for Human Resources.

– Under his direction in 2018, SABIC recorded an impressive profit growth of 80% year-over-year, significantly boosted by strategic mergers led by Al-Benyan.

– Oversaw the historical 2019 agreement where Saudi Aramco acquired a 70% stake in SABIC from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s economic strategy and significantly benefiting both companies.

Yousef Al-Benyan is actively engaged in global business forums, including holding positions within the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Business Council and as a member of Bloomberg Global Business Forum’s Business Advisory Council. He’s also deeply involved in Saudi Arabia’s national programs designed to encourage industrial clusters and promote technological development aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030.