Aramco exec Talal AlMarri named CEO to lead $70b Expo 2030 Riyadh project

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) appointed Talal H. AlMarri as Chief Executive Officer of Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), the entity responsible for delivering the Kingdom’s first World Expo, expected to contribute nearly $70 billion to national GDP.

ERC, fully owned by PIF, will manage all stages of the mega-event—from construction to operations—while aiming to leave a long-term urban and economic legacy. The Expo 2030 Riyadh site spans 6 million square metres and will be located north of the capital, with direct access to key landmarks and the future King Salman International Airport.

AlMarri, a former Aramco executive, brings decades of leadership experience across international operations. He previously served as President and CEO of Aramco Europe, leading digital transformation and investment strategy across key global markets.

As CEO of ERC, he will oversee delivery of a six-month global event projected to attract over 40 million visits, and help position Riyadh as a major cultural and innovation hub. Post-Expo, the site will be transformed into a permanent mixed-use district, including retail, residential, and tourism infrastructure.

The launch of ERC is part of PIF’s broader push to develop transformational real estate projects that align with Vision 2030—Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify its economy and improve quality of life through innovation-led urban growth.

“Expo Riyadh Company benefits from PIF’s diverse local and global ecosystem,” said Saad Alkroud, Head of Local Real Estate Investment at PIF. The company is expected to partner with both local and international players for construction and event programming in the lead-up to 2030.

With operations underway, ERC will now begin infrastructure development to meet key planning and delivery milestones.