London Business School to Launch an Office in Riyadh to Support Human Capability and Leadership Development
New Riyadh office will support organisations and people that are playing a key role in realising the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, through the development of human capability.
London Business School (LBS), a global leader in business education, today announced the opening of an office in Riyadh in the coming months and the appointment of Professor Florin Vasvari as Executive Dean of Executive Education, Middle East. Professor Vasvari and Helen Kerkentzes, Associate Dean Executive Education, are appointed General Managers of the office.
The announcements were shared by Professor Sergei Guriev, Dean of LBS at the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) 2025, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee.
Taking place 13-14 April at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center, HCI 2025 convenes global leaders in education and workforce development to explore how learning, inclusion, and action can shape future-ready societies. The announcements from LBS align with HCI’s “Beyond Readiness” vision and reinforce the School’s role in supporting organisations and people that are playing a key role in realising the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, through the development of their human capability.
Strengthening Leadership Development in Saudi Arabia
The Riyadh office marks LBS’s second physical presence in the Middle East, following its Dubai campus. Since opening in 2007, the Dubai campus has gone from strength to strength, with more than 1,600 alumni having graduated from its Executive MBA which is now offered with flexible learning formats – in person or through blended learning – from London or Dubai.
LBS has also seen a significant rise in participation from Saudi executives in its open enrolment Executive Education programmes in recent years, growing by more than 250% in just four years.
LBS also works closely with leading organisations such as Saudi Aramco, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and SABIC to provide customized executive education solutions. By 2030, London Business School is committed to making a significant investment in the development of Saudi leadership, aiming to empower over 10,000 executives through strategic collaborations with leading Saudi organisations in both the public and private sector.
A New Appointment to Lead Regional Growth
Professor Florin Vasvari, newly appointed Executive Dean of Executive Education, Middle East, will lead LBS’s Executive Education initiatives across the Kingdom, focusing on strengthening partnerships, expanding programme offerings, and developing leadership talent.
Investing in Leadership for the Future
LBS has long been a catalyst for leadership innovation in the Middle East, offering programmes rooted in academic excellence and tailored to evolving business needs. With Saudi Arabia targeting 40% female workforce participation by 2030, LBS is committed to advancing women’s leadership through executive education programmes. The School’s initiatives will equip female leaders with the skills needed to drive organisational success and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth.
The number of Saudi women participants on LBS Executive Education programmes has grown by 350% over four years, demonstrating growing momentum toward inclusive leadership development.
The School’s opening of a Riyadh office in the coming months represents the next phase of LBS’s commitment to fostering leadership excellence and supporting people and organisations in the Kingdom for a knowledge-driven economy. The move is part of the School’s ongoing commitment to deliver exceptional service and world-class business education to its valued partners and students around the globe.
