Shoeil Jarallah Mohammed Al Ayed is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a board member of Riyadh Cement Company, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest cement manufacturers. With decades of experience in the industry, Al Ayed has been a driving force behind the company’s growth, sustainability efforts, and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. His leadership emphasizes quality, environmental responsibility, and employee well-being, positioning Riyadh Cement as a regional leader in the cement sector.
Al Ayed earned an undergraduate degree from Jacksonville University in 1983, followed by a graduate degree from Florida Institute of Technology, Inc., in 1985. These qualifications in business and technology have equipped him with the skills to navigate the complexities of the cement industry and lead strategic initiatives effectively.
Al Ayed’s career in the cement industry spans significant roles, culminating in his appointment as CEO of Riyadh Cement Company on December 26, 2016. Before this, he served as CEO of Saudi White Cement Company, which rebranded to Riyadh Cement Company in February 2021. His deep industry knowledge has been instrumental in shaping the company’s operational and strategic direction.
Leadership at Riyadh Cement Company
Since taking the helm, Al Ayed has guided Riyadh Cement Company toward excellence in sustainability, quality, and market expansion. The company, founded in 1997, produces grey and white cement, serving projects across Saudi Arabia and exporting to countries like Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman (Riyadh Cement). Al Ayed’s leadership has focused on aligning operations with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to localize industries and reduce import dependency.
In 2017, while leading Saudi White Cement Company, Al Ayed announced plans to increase production capacity from 320,000 tonnes to 945,000 tonnes per annum to meet rising domestic demand. This initiative supported the kingdom’s industrial growth objectives.
Al Ayed has also prioritized environmental sustainability. In 2024, he spearheaded the company’s participation in the National Tree Planting Season, aiming to plant 4,000 trees within the plant and produce one million trees from 2025 to 2030. He stated, “We are proud to participate in the launch of the National Tree Planting Season 2024… aiming to plant 4,000 trees within the plant and produce one million trees from 2025 to 2030”. Additionally, the company invested in a 12.6 MW waste heat recovery plant, contracted to Sinoma Energy Conservation, to reduce energy costs and emissions.
Employee Engagement and Well-being
Al Ayed places significant emphasis on fostering a positive work environment. In August 2024, he launched a program offering fully funded Umrah trips for employees, aimed at strengthening social bonds and enhancing their spiritual well-being. He noted, “The initiative aims to strengthen social bonds among employees and appreciate their valuable efforts… contributing to their psychological and spiritual well-being”. Other activities, such as Eid Al-Fitr celebrations and Ramadan Iftar gatherings, reflect his commitment to employee morale.
Vision and Values
Al Ayed’s leadership style is collaborative, emphasizing the importance of partnerships. During a client honoring ceremony on January 22, 2025, he expressed gratitude, saying, “We are delighted to host you today as colleagues and key partners in the journey of success… you are the most important reason behind these exceptional outcomes”. This reflects his belief in teamwork as a cornerstone of success.
His vision extends to environmental and social responsibility. Al Ayed has engaged with organizations like King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology to explore environmental solutions and signed a cooperation agreement with the Saudi Institute for Electronics and Home Appliances to train candidates for factory roles, enhancing workforce skills.
Financial Performance
Under Al Ayed’s leadership, Riyadh Cement Company has achieved robust financial results. In the third quarter of 2024, the company reported a net profit of 95 million SAR, a significant rise from 19 million SAR in Q3 2023. Revenues grew to 203 million SAR from 127 million SAR, driven by increased production and market expansion. As of March 19, 2025, the company’s market capitalization stood at $1.15 billion, with a stock price of $9.55 (PitchBook).
Company Overview
Riyadh Cement Company, originally established as Saudi White Cement Company in 1997, is a leading cement manufacturer headquartered in Riyadh. It operates a 3.7 million-ton-per-year plant and is known for producing high-quality grey and white cement. The company has contributed to landmark projects across the Kingdom and holds accreditations for its quality standards.
Strategic Initiatives
Al Ayed has driven strategic investments to enhance competitiveness. The waste heat recovery plant, announced in 2024, is a prime example of his focus on sustainable technology. The company also acquired an airslide analyser from SpectraFlow Analytics to improve raw material consistency, further optimizing production.
International Presence
Al Ayed has expanded Riyadh Cement’s market reach, with exports to multiple Gulf countries. This international presence has bolstered revenue and reinforced the company’s reputation as a reliable supplier of premium cement products.
Shoeil Jarallah Mohammed Al Ayed is a visionary leader whose strategic foresight and commitment to sustainability have elevated Riyadh Cement Company’s standing in the industry. His focus on environmental responsibility, employee well-being, and financial growth aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader development goals. As he continues to lead, Riyadh Cement is well-positioned to support the kingdom’s infrastructure ambitions and maintain its regional prominence.
