CEO - Portfolio Company

Location Riyadh
Discipline: Private & Public Markets
Job type: Permanent
Contact name: Ellie Lynch

Contact email: ellie.lynch@venturesearch.com
Job ref: 2966
Published: 16 days ago
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Portfolio Company, PE Backed

A leading Private Equity fund is seeking a strategic and results-oriented CEO to lead a portfolio company in Saudi Arabia, within the retail / hypermarket industry. The CEO will be responsible for driving growth, operational excellence, and profitability while executing a value-creation strategy aligned with the PE fund's investment objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial & Market Expansion
  • Identify and capitalize on consumer trends, market demands, and competitive positioning.
  • Expand geographic footprint across Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.
  • Develop strategic relationships with suppliers, vendors, and retail partners.
Leadership & Team Development
  • Build and lead a high-performing executive team across operations, finance, marketing, and HR.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and operational excellence.
  • Drive digital transformation and retail technology adoption.
Investor & Stakeholder Management
  • Serve as the key liaison between the PE fund, board of directors, and key stakeholders.
  • Provide transparent reporting, investment updates, and strategic recommendations to investors.
  • Deliver on growth KPIs and exit strategy objectives for the PE fund.

Key Requirements:

  • 15+ years in retail, hypermarkets, supermarkets, or FMCG, with 5+ years as CEO/MD/GM.
  • Experience leading a portfolio company under private equity ownership is highly preferred.
  • Strong background in store operations, supply chain, pricing, and digital retail.
  • Proven track record in scaling businesses, increasing revenue, and driving operational efficiencies.
  • Strong knowledge of corporate finance, investment strategies, and exit planning.