SABIC names Faisal Al-Faqeer CEO as Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh retires

SABIC has announced the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer and Executive Member of the Board, Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, and the appointment of Faisal Al-Faqeer as his successor, effective April 1, 2026.

Announcing the leadership transition, SABIC Chairman Khalid Al-Dabbagh acknowledged Al-Fageeh’s contribution to the company during a period of transformation. 

“The SABIC Board acknowledges Engr. Al-Fageeh's outstanding stewardship during a significant period of evolution for the company. During his tenure, he oversaw key strategic initiatives that have strongly positioned the company for its next phase of development, and we thank him for his valuable contributions and leadership,” said Al-Dabbagh.

He also highlighted SABIC’s broader role within the global chemicals industry. “SABIC plays a critical role in the petrochemicals sector by driving industrial transformation and serving as a foundational pillar of economic development and sustainable growth.”

Expressing confidence in the incoming leadership, Al-Dabbagh added, “The Board expresses its full confidence in the incoming CEO, Dr. Faisal Al-Faqeer, whose leadership and experience will help ensure business continuity as we continue to identify opportunities to innovate and unlock value in the global petrochemicals market.”

“Looking ahead, SABIC remains well-positioned for continued growth and positive transformation. With its strong leadership team, robust governance, and a clear strategic vision, the company remains focused on delivering for both its customers and its shareholders.”

Al-Fageeh was appointed SABIC CEO and Executive Member of the Board on March 21, 2023, after serving as acting CEO since September 28, 2022. Over a career spanning more than four decades at SABIC, he held several senior leadership roles, including Executive Vice President overseeing the company’s Petrochemicals, Performance Chemicals and Polymers strategic business units.

His successor, Al-Faqeer, currently serves as Senior Vice President of In-Kingdom Liquids-to-Chemicals Development at Saudi Aramco, SABIC’s majority shareholder with a 70% stake. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Sadara Chemical Company from October 2017 to November 2022.

Al-Faqeer has also held board leadership roles as Chairman of ARLANXEO and the Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, along with a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from Pennsylvania State University.

The company also confirmed that Ibrahim Al-Buainain will join the SABIC Board of Directors as an interim member, filling the seat vacated by Al-Fageeh. Al-Buainain currently serves as Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing at Saudi Aramco.

Al-Fageeh has been a key figure in steering SABIC through a significant phase of strategic optimisation aimed at strengthening the company’s long-term competitiveness and reinforcing its position in the global petrochemicals sector.