Santiago Olea Appointed General Manager of KAFD Conference Center: A New Era for Venue Management in Riyadh
In a significant move for the events and entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia, Santiago Olea has been appointed as the General Manager of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Center in Riyadh. This appointment, announced by ASM Global (APAC and MENA), marks a pivotal moment for the KAFD Conference Center, which is poised to become a premier venue for international meetings, tradeshows, and cultural experiences.
A Wealth of Experience in Venue Management
Santiago Olea brings over a decade of extensive experience in venue management and event execution across the Middle East. His career has spanned vital sports and entertainment venues in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Dubai. Prior to his new role, Santiago served as the Chief Operating Officer for MBC Events, a division of the MBC Group, the largest media company in the MENA region. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in enhancing the company’s event execution capabilities and forging strong alliances with vendors, which contributed to the growth and success of MBC Events.
Before his tenure at MBC, Santiago was instrumental in managing venues for Live Nation in the Middle East. His work involved developing and delivering programming strategies that aligned with the artistic vision of the venues, successfully attracting a diverse array of national and international events. This rich background equips Santiago with the unique skills necessary to navigate the complexities of venue management in a rapidly evolving market.
Leadership Role at KAFD Conference Center
As the General Manager of the KAFD Conference Center, Santiago will lead a local leadership team dedicated to executing the business plan and ensuring operational excellence across all departments. His responsibilities will encompass overseeing planning, operations, and controls, with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, commercial compliance, and adherence to ASM Global’s governance requirements.
Paul Sergeant OBE, Executive Vice President of ASM Global for Asia and the MENA region, expressed confidence in Santiago’s capabilities, stating that his extensive experience in venue management makes him the ideal choice for this role. Sergeant highlighted Santiago’s relentless focus on achieving international standards in quality and service, which will be crucial as the KAFD Conference Center aims to establish itself as a leading venue in Riyadh.
A Vision for the Future
Santiago Olea is enthusiastic about his new role and the potential of the KAFD Conference Center. He envisions the facility as a state-of-the-art venue that will significantly influence the future of the event industry in the region. Santiago is particularly eager to collaborate with the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company, as well as local financial event organizers and the Riyadh community, to foster a vibrant event ecosystem.
His commitment to building solid partnerships and enhancing the overall event experience aligns with the KAFD Conference Center’s mission to provide a versatile space that caters to a wide range of events. Santiago’s leadership is expected to drive innovation and excellence, ensuring that the venue meets the diverse needs of its clients and attendees.
Conclusion
The appointment of Santiago Olea as General Manager of the KAFD Conference Center heralds a new chapter for venue management in Riyadh. With his extensive experience and proven track record in the industry, Santiago is well-positioned to lead the KAFD Conference Center into a future filled with exciting opportunities. As Riyadh continues to develop as a hub for international events and cultural experiences, the KAFD Conference Center is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s event landscape, under Santiago’s expert guidance.
As the region embraces a new era of growth and development, Santiago Olea’s leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing evolution of the events industry in Saudi Arabia, making the KAFD Conference Center a cornerstone of excellence in venue management.