AGDR “Strategic Leadership Programme” Second Cohort Graduation
In a new chapter for the supported and empowered AGDR graduates, Air KSA celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the AGDR “Strategic Leadership Programme.” The programme focuses on empowering women across various fields, aiming to enhance their capabilities and support their journey toward leadership roles within our company.
The ceremony took place in Riyadh and began with an opening speech by the programme’s sponsor, Dr. Abdulatif Al-Shaikh, CEO of BAESAI. Also present were Steve Clutton, Managing Director of BAESSA; Marcus Murgatroyd, Interim CEO of ISE; and other members of our leadership teams. The ceremony highlighted the objectives of the AGDR programme and showcased the graduates’ journey throughout the 12-month programme.
Dr. Abdulatif Al-Shaikh said,
“Empowering women is not just a social commitment; it is a fundamental pillar for growth and sustainability in Saudi Arabia, which is undergoing a strategic transformation where women have become an essential part of shaping the future. The key lies in investing in development and enabling women to reach the highest levels. Preparing female leaders today is what will make a difference in our economy and society tomorrow.”
The AGDR programme was launched in January 2020 to support the development of female employees into senior roles. It consists of a series of training courses, capability development programmes and on-the-job training designed to build on existing skills.
To provide insight into the graduates’ experiences, four graduates joined a panel discussion, sharing their journeys, challenges and key takeaways. After receiving their certificates, the graduates joined Dr. Abdulatif Al-Shaikh, Steve Clutton, other leadership members and programme instructors for a group photo to commemorate their journey.
Highlighting the company’s vision and the programme’s alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Nouf Al-Arify, Strategic Communication and Community Investment Director, said,
“Women have always been and continue to be the cornerstone of social, intellectual, cultural and economic growth. Thanks to programmes such as AGDR, our female employees have moved beyond conventional roles and are delivering innovative and diverse work, especially in areas they had not previously worked in, notably within the defence sector.”