Majed Alqahtani – GC Powerlist
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Middle East 2025

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Majed Alqahtani

General counsel, Head of legal and compliance and Board secretary | Sela

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Middle East 2025

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Majed Alqahtani

General counsel, Head of legal and compliance and Board secretary | Sela

Team size: Around 40

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

As a seasoned lawyer well-versed in the legislative environment, I bring in-depth industry knowledge across M&A, investments, private equity, real estate, intellectual property, culture, sports, and events. I serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors and senior management, leading complex multi-billion-riyal transactions and contributing to the company’s strategic objectives. I am also an expert in Governance and Compliance, with extensive hands-on experience in designing GRC frameworks aligned with international standards and best practices.

Real estate portfolio: I successfully closed the asset monetisation of a SAR2bn deal in the Blvd District, comprising a Grade A office complex, luxury hotels, and a prime retail strip, funded by a real estate fund. I closed a SAR1bn asset monetisation deal in Malham Zone with SAL, comprising a state-of-the-art logistics hub over an area exceeding one million square meters. I closed a ~SAR1bn monetisation deal with Saudi Military Industries (SAMI), comprising an MRO hub, offices, and supporting infrastructure.

M&A and private equity: acquired a majority stake in Webook ticketing platform; established BigTime Fund for film production and acquired a controlling stake in BigTime Co.; acquired a minority stake in Tahaluf Co.; formed joint ventures with TKO (U.S.) and SMC to launch a sponsorship company; and established Sela Global in the United Kingdom to expand international presence.

What measures has your company taken to incorporate sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how can general counsel contribute to driving such initiatives within the organisation?

Beyond traditional legal responsibilities, my scope includes Corporate Governance (including Subsidiary Governance), ESG, and the Board Secretariat. I took the initiative to establish the ESG & Sustainability Department, assuming the mandate in full alignment with PIF sustainability goals. I set the department’s targets, developed a three-year strategy aligned with Vision 2030, UNSDGs, and GRI, conducted the materiality assessment, and launched multiple initiatives and reports.

As General Counsel, I played a strategic and enabling role in embedding sustainability through: advising the Board and senior leadership on ESG responsibilities and arranging awareness sessions and training; developing company policies reflecting sustainability commitments (e.g., Code of Ethics, Human Rights, Anti-Corruption, Compliance Universe); ensuring compliance with environmental laws and international standards; embedding ESG clauses in supplier and partner contracts and conducting ESG-focused due diligence; and ensuring project master planning aligns with sustainability and regulatory targets.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

As General Counsel, I lead by promoting ethical leadership and integrity, reinforcing that ESG is not merely a compliance matter, but also a core business value. I ensure ESG principles are communicated clearly from the Board and Managing Director throughout the organisation.

I initiated cross-functional collaboration with HR, Operations, Compliance, and Sustainability teams to ensure shared accountability for ESG performance. Our robust compliance mechanisms monitor ESG-related risks — including environmental, anti-bribery, and labor standards — while keeping stakeholders informed on evolving regulations and expectations.

I also launched training programs for the Board, executive management, and employees, ensuring continuous awareness, engagement, and commitment to sustainability and compliance.

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