NGHC Leadership Team

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  Wesam Alghamdi
  CEO

  Wesam Alghamdi assumed the role of NGHC in January 2024 and will be leading the growth of the project till it’s execution and full operation in 2026. With over 25 years of cross-functional senior leadership experience within the industry in the Middle East, Wesam will drive the progress of NGHC’s project and is looking forward to leading NGHC in its pursuit of building a carbon-free world for future generations.

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  Zahid Hussain
  Chief Finance Officer

  With over 18 years in O&G and energy, Zahid is an experienced industry professional. His recent eight-year role at ACWA Power, including Director of Finance at Jazan IGCC, was instrumental in company growth. Zahid also served as CFO at Shuaibah IWPP and deputy CFO at Rabigh Electricity Company, ensuring financial prudence. Zahid holds degrees in Commerce, CPA, and CMA.

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  Gerrit Viljoen
  Chief Project and Operating Officer

  Gerrit Viljoen is the Executive Project Director at NGHC, leading the timely execution of each phase of construction across the green hydrogen production and power generation sites in NEOM.Previously, Gerrit has worked at Sasol and Denel, holding key senior positions, and driving impactful business optimisation initiatives across research & development, project management and operations. Gerrit holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics as well as a B.Eng. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, bringing a wealth of expertise and leadership to the team and his endeavors.

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  Caroline Whitehead
  Acting Chief Legal Officer and
  Board Secretary

  Caroline Whitehead is an experienced senior lawyer and general counsel with more than 30 years of international legal and business experience across green hydrogen, power, water and industrial gases. At NGHC, she supports the legal and company secretarial functions, advising on project financing, joint venture arrangements, offtake agreements, utility supply arrangements, and key commercial matters.
  
  Caroline has held senior legal and leadership roles at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., BOC Gases and Simmons & Simmons, bringing broad expertise in M&A, regulatory matters, antitrust, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, and complex commercial transactions.

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  Qamer Javed
  Chief Technical Officer

  Qamer Javed is a driven leader with over 18 years of experience in the Strategy, Mergers and Acquisition, Business Development, and the broader Finance function, with leading regional and global organisations, including Maa’den and EGA.
  He has a proven track record in developing and executing multi-billion dollars strategies to create shareholder value and meet their aspirations, successful M&A transactions (buy/sell) and amongst others, Technology Sales & Execution.

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  Komal Bajaj
  Executive Director,
  Marketing & Communications

  Komal has a proven track record of over 20 years’ experience across the technology and energy sectors. Throughout her career, she has excelled in launching compelling integrated communication strategies that not only bolster corporate reputation but also amplify brand impact and propel business expansion. Her commanding executive presence and communications acumen has been instrumental in providing leadership advisory and adeptly handling high-pressure situations with a positive and practical mindset.

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  Ashjan Abdulghani
  Chief People and Culture Officer

  Ashjan Abdulghani is a senior human resources professional with a broad range of HRMS and consultation skills. Specialising in management development and strategy, Ashjan has previously held senior roles at companies such as Arabian International Healthcare Holding Co, ACCUMED, Sanofi, Pöyry, and Beiersdorf Middle East.

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  Joseph Gavin
  Chief Supply Chain Officer

  Joseph Gavin is the Supply Chain Director at NGHC, bringing over 20 years of expertise across the gas, power, and procurement sectors—spanning both private and public industries. His extensive experience includes logistics, contracts, project management, accounts payable and receivable, and process improvement.

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  Abdullah Alrawkan
  Executive EHSS Director

  Abdullah Alrawkan is a senior EHSS leader with extensive experience across petrochemical operations, environmental management, health, safety and sustainability. His expertise spans across petrochemical operations, feedstock coordination, sustainability target management, greenhouse gas emissions, energy optimisation, water preservation and waste minimisation.
  
  Throughout his career, Abdullah has managed production and business operation targets, as well as critical operational activities from an EHSS perspective, including major projects, shutdowns, turnarounds and plant retirement. He has also contributed to the development and integration of EHSS management systems, while leading initiatives that strengthen safety culture, leadership mindset and effective employee engagement.