Taj Group appoints Zeyad el-Yahya as Chief Executive Officer of TAM Aviation Services

In his new role, Eng. El-Yahya brings over 28 years of leadership experience across the Saudi aerospace and defense sector. “He is recognized as one of the Kingdom’s foremost pioneers in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and is deeply specialized in technology transfer, Saudi industrial localization, and government–industry collaboration,” the company stated. 

Over the course of his distinguished career, Eng. El-Yahya has held several high-impact positions, including Board Member at the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), General Manager for Licensing, Regulations & Compliance at the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), Vice President at the Middle East Propulsion Company, and Aviation Projects Director at the Ministry of Interior. 

Earlier in his career, he also served in several senior roles within the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF). He has played a key role in shaping and implementing Saudi Arabia’s national aviation and defense programs in alignment with Vision 2030, leading major modernization projects, local manufacturing initiatives, and complex international partnerships. 

Welcoming the new CEO, Eng. Omar Henaidy, Founder & Chairman of TAJ Holding Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Eng. Zeyad Saleh El-Yahya to the TAJ Holding family as CEO of TAM Group Aviation Services. His unparalleled expertise in aerospace engineering, defense industrialization, and government partnerships will accelerate TAM Group Aviation Services’ mission to become a national leader in advanced aviation solutions and defense technology transfer. Eng. El-Yahya’s appointment marks a strategic milestone for TAJ Holding as we continue to empower Saudi talent and expand our industrial footprint in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of a resilient, self-reliant defense sector.” 

Eng. El-Yahya also expressed, “I am honoured to join TAM Group Aviation Services at this pivotal stage of growth. The company has an extraordinary foundation of innovation and integrity, and I am excited to work with our teams and partners to drive industrial localization, strengthen Saudi capabilities in aviation and defense, and create sustainable value for our stakeholders and the Kingdom. Together with TAJ Holding Group Founder and Chairman Omar Henaidy, our Board, and the exceptional TAM team, we will drive operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth, positioning TAM Group Aviation Services at the forefront of regional aviation.” 

On the academic front, Eng. El-Yahya holds a BSc in Aerospace Engineering and has completed executive programs at the University of Oxford and Harvard University, along with several specialized courses and professional training programs. “He is widely known for his exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-cultural management skills, which have consistently enabled him to build motivated, high-performing teams across diverse organizations,” the company added.