Saudi's Chemistry Pioneer, Read The Success Story Of Mohammed Al Madi

Mohammed bin Hamad Al Madi is a Saudi chemical engineer who continued his postgraduate studies in the United States of America and returned to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to start building a great career that made him a significant figure in the world of chemical and economic industries in general. Al Madi held many honorary and official administrative positions, as he is the president of the General Organization for Military Industries, the vice chairman of the Saudi-American Business Council, the CEO and vice president of the Saudi company SABIC, and many other positions. Al-Madi entered many global, international, and local rankings, as he was the third-most influential figure in the chemical industry in the world and the second-most powerful figure in the manufacturing industry. But how did this pioneer get to his success? Let’s talk about it.

Who is Mohammed Al Madi?

Muhammad Al-Madi was born in Najran in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He received his primary education at the “Hotat Sudair” school, which was a few kilometers away from his home. This led to his moving to Taif, where he continued his education there until he reached his first secondary school, after which he moved to Abha to finish high school and move directly to the United States of America. He initially settled in Colorado and studied at its university (Colorado University), graduating in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He continued his graduate studies in the same field at the University of Wyoming and obtained a master's degree in 1975.

Al Madi’s Greatest Achievements:

His journey in search of a suitable job began at the end of the 1970s, when he returned to Saudi Arabia with two majors in the field of chemical engineering and got his first job in the Industrial Research and Development Center as an engineer, then in "SABCO," "Aramco," and then "Petromin Corporation."

In 1987, his qualitative move was in the practical field when he started working with the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), which is famous and specialized in various chemical industries. He first worked as a director of public projects in it, and through this position, he issued theoretical and practical decisions that helped in the growth of SABIC projects and the prosperity of its name, which secured him a prominent place in the company.

In about 1998, Mohammed Al-Madi was appointed CEO and Vice President of SABIC and became its Managing Director. He intensified his efforts and worked with many of the company’s experts and employees to develop and implement a strategic plan that would put SABIC at the forefront of global companies.

Later, Mohammed was appointed to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Company, known as SAFCO.

In 2004, he launched the "Partnership Against Corruption" initiative at the World Economic Forum, and this initiative aimed to stand up to international corruption.

In 2005, Mohammed Al-Madi was named Chief Industrial Officer at the annual Middle East CEO Award, and in 2007, he became an honorary member of the London Business School.

Al-Madi is also a founding member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, known by the acronym GPCA.

In 2012, Mohammed Al-Madi was appointed vice president of the Saudi-American Business Council.

In 2015, Mohammed Al-Madi was appointed head of the General Organization for Military Industries by a royal decree issued by King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Mohammed Al-Madi has become a member of many institutions and companies, as he was a member of the Board of Directors of the National Commercial Bank, a member of the Board of Directors of the Boao Forum for Asia, a member of the two global sustainability and international business councils of the World Economic Forum, a member of the global advisory board of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and a member of the Board of Directors of "Alba," or the Aluminum Bahrain Company.

Mohammed Al-Madi was able to enter important Arab and international rankings, as he was among the most influential figures in the chemical industry in the world for four consecutive years in the international magazine (ICIS Chemical Business) from 2007 until 2011, and in 2009 he specifically ranked third in this list. In 2009 and 2014, he was among the "100 Most Powerful Arabs" in the Arabian Business magazine, and in 2012, he ranked second on the list of the 50 most powerful people in the manufacturing industries according to Arabian Oil and Gas magazine.

Mohammed’s Awards:

• In 2005, he received the title of CEO of the Industrial Sector in the framework of the annual "CEO of the Middle East" award.
• In 2009, he was awarded the "Petrochemical Heritage" award from the National Association of Petrochemical Refineries.
• Al-Madi was ranked among the top 40 powerful figures in the chemical industry for four consecutive years, from 2007 to 2010, according to ICIS Chemical Business.
• In 2012, Mohammed Al-Madi was able to rank second on the list of the fifty most powerful people in the manufacturing sector, according to the classification of "Arabian Oil and Gas" magazine.
• In 2014, "Gulf News" magazine included the name of engineer Mohammed Al-Madi among the list of the 100 most influential Arab figures in the world.

Finally:

Mohammed Al-Madi said during an interview that his father died when he was studying for a master’s degree in the United States of America, so he had to return to Saudi Arabia immediately after completing his studies and move his family from Taif to Al-Mushrifa neighborhood in Jeddah to live in a modest house. At the beginning, his rent was relatively expensive due to the deteriorating financial situation at that time, and therefore Muhammed Al-Madi suffered financially. But he did not allow circumstances to distract him from his primary goal, and thanks to his passion and perseverance, he got to where he is now.