Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute has appointed Princess Maha Al Saud as its new chief executive, marking a significant leadership transition at one of the world's most high-profile investment summits.
Maha Al Saud brings a distinctive profile to the role. A trained physician and former vice president at Alfaisal University, she has represented Saudi Arabia at major international platforms including the G20 and the Eurasian Women's Forum, experience that positions her well to expand the FII Institute's global diplomatic and investment footprint.
The Institute, established in 2019 in partnership with the Public Investment Fund, has grown into a major force in global investment dialogue, hosting events in Riyadh and Miami, with Rome next on the expansion agenda.
Richard Attias, who has led the FII Institute since its inception and built it into the influential platform it is today, steps down as CEO but will remain as chairman of the executive committee.
No explanation has been provided for his departure from the chief executive role, and neither the Institute nor Attias has commented publicly on the reasons behind the change.
The appointment of a Saudi princess to lead one of the kingdom's most internationally visible institutions signals a continued push by Riyadh to project a modernising image, while keeping strategic assets firmly within the royal orbit.