Khalid Waleed Alkhudair recognised as Executive of the Year - Media & Entertainment at Middle East Management Excellence Awards

This win highlights SMC's transformative journey and Khalid's dedication to innovation, rebranding, and unmatched customer experiences.

In the media and entertainment sphere, change and dynamism are not just encouraged; they are expected. The Middle East Management Excellence Awards proudly honours an individual who has seamlessly blended innovation with dynamism: Mr Khalid Waleed Alkhudair, Chief Executive Officer of SMC.

As the beating heart of SMC, Khalid's vision has spearheaded a transformative journey for the brand, evident through several milestones achieved in recent times. At the helm, he championed the much-needed rebranding of the company. 

As any business stalwart would know, altering an established identity is no simple feat. Yet, under Khalid's astute leadership, the unveiling of a contemporary logo and identity resounded positively, encapsulating the spirit of modern trends whilst enhancing SMC's image as a progressive entity in the ever-evolving media and entertainment domain.

The journey of a media and entertainment mogul often intersects with grandeur and spectacle. This holds true for SMC's illustrious hosting of global sports and entertainment events at their crown jewel, Al Alawwal Park Stadium. These events weren't merely about large crowds and flashing lights. They echoed SMC's commitment to elevating its stature on the global stage, as evinced by their partnerships with premier brands for stadium sponsorship. 

To make this endeavour even more commendable, Khalid ensured the patron experience was nothing short of exceptional. From refining operations to overhauling the ticketing system, the aim was clear: a more streamlined, customer-centric experience.

Yet, the landmarks didn't stop there. SMC's forward momentum under Khalid's leadership saw the birth of a creative branch, aiming to cast its net into newer market waters. This strategic diversification is but a testament to the company's relentless quest for growth, whilst continually echoing its foundational promise of delivering value to its customers.

But every journey has its challenges, and SMC's was no different. Rebranding posed questions about identity and the risk of alienating established patrons. Hosting global spectacles demanded a deep-rooted understanding of intricate logistics. 

Enhancing the stadium's customer experience meant discerning nuanced needs and adapting operations accordingly. Yet, with each challenge arose an opportunity, which Khalid and his team seized with both hands. Feedback was sought, plans meticulously crafted, sponsorships secured, and above all, a culture of continuous improvement was instilled.

A couple of other notable milestones in SMC’s transformative journey include the adept implementation of a novel marketing strategy, which cast a wider net for SMC’s audience engagement, further elevating its brand prominence. 

Additionally, with a keen eye on internal growth, Khalid initiated a holistic training programme for SMC’s employees, ensuring they were equipped with the skills to uphold and amplify the company’s customer service ethos.

To encapsulate, Mr Khalid Waleed Alkhudair's achievements, particularly the modern rebranding of SMC, the grandeur of events at Al Alawwal Park Stadium, and the remarkable enhancement of the customer journey serve as a luminous testament to his visionary leadership. As he is honoured as the Executive of the Year in Media & Entertainment, it’s evident that SMC's narrative under his aegis isn't just about growth – it's about pioneering a legacy.

The Middle East Management Excellence Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's employee engagements and management initiatives, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].