His Excellency Ahmad Al-Ohali, oversees the transformation and localization of Saudi Arabia’s defense and security sector, leading the development of a comprehensive business ecosystem within a solid regulatory framework.

His Excellency joined GAMI following his 20-year role as Vice Chairman and CEO of the Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem), spearheading its growth and transformation into one of the world’s leading petrochemical companies. Al-Ohali was among the top ten figures distinguished in 2018’s Refining and Petrochemicals Middle East Power 50 list (RPME Power 50).

Al-Ohali holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).

Andrew Pearcey is an inspirational leader with vision and big picture thinking that sets clear direction and, equally importantly, the ability to motivate people to deliver that vision.

Formerly Chief Operating Officer for the World Defense Show, Andrew stepped seamlessly into the role of CEO shortly before the outstanding debut event in 2022. He holds responsibility for the show’s overall organization and success, working in close liaison with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).

As CEO, Andrew oversees a permanent multicultural, multidisciplinary team of 50, which grows close to 150 in the run up to the event and during its execution. Through careful selection and nurturing, he ensures a strong level of Saudization in the team and a program of talent development throughout the organization.

This role builds on a 25-year career as an all-round strategic and commercial professional with challenging positions in events, advertising, brand management and sponsorship with clients ranging from telecoms to food and beverage. These roles have seen him lead and deliver high profile partnerships and events including: Orange Wednesdays; the BAFTAs; Glastonbury, EE’s Wembley partnership, Orange RockCorps, Budweiser’s FIFA World Cup campaign and the London music festival Bud Rising.

Most recently, Andrew spent five years as Chief Marketing & Insight Officer for the ADS Group (UK trade association for Aerospace, Defense, Security and Space) and its wholly owned subsidiary venue and event business Farnborough International. At FI, Andrew was a board director, responsible for the strategic direction and commercial marketing activities of key business units, including media and communications and sponsorship of the international aviation events.

Andrew holds a degree in business studies, with a major in marketing, from Middlesex University in his native UK, and professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

He is married with three children and a dog called Mabel. A fan of the beautiful game, Andrew is an FA qualified football coach and managed children’s football teams in the UK

Sultan Al-Malik is an accomplished, result-oriented executive with more than 32 years of experience in strategic marketing, communications and business development in the private and public sectors, both locally and internationally. He is passionate about spreading the culture of marketing and is one of the few specialists in organizational reputation management in the region.

Sultan joined the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) three years ago, as Adviser and Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of His Excellency the Governor of GAMI and also took on the role of Secretary of the Steering Committee of the World Defense Show.

Sultan’s previous roles in the public sector included  Public Health Authority, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Communications and Information Technology Commission and  Advanced Electronics Company.

Over his 32-year career Sultan has represented the Kingdom in a number of international forums and held leadership roles within consulting associations, including Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marketing Consulting Association, Social Service and Member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Society of Opinion Writers, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Marketing Pioneers Award and Marketing Day.

Since 2004, he has honed his writing credentials as an expert economic columnist in Al-Jazirah newspaper and has published more than 600 articles. He also shares his expertise and experience as an international lecturer in reputation and crisis management.

Sultan gained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration at the King Saud University, Riyadh. He has continued his education throughout his career, earning his Master of Science in International Marketing from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. In addition, he has completed a number of advanced training programs with internationally renowned companies, including the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia, and institutions including INSEAD and Harvard Business School.

A former fighter pilot, Mansour Al-Babtain is a dynamic and result-oriented professional with extensive experience working with high-level government figures and private sector leaders.

Mansour joined the World Defense Show (WDS) in April 2021. His role is to liaise between WDS, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and the key stakeholders involved in the show. The department coordinates and links WDS business owners with the required government entities, ensures the security of the location and people, prior, during and post the show, and manages the WDS committees.

From the initial show license to the security support, Al-Babtain handles the challenges of ensuring that military supplies, technology and personnel, are able to enter and exit the country without problem, as well as delivering an expectational cultural experience.

In addition to his previous roles and responsibilities, he is leading some key show features for WDS2024 second edition such as the delegation program, welcome speech, and welcome reception event that connects delegation and exhibitors.

Having graduated from King Faisal Air Academy, he served 12 years in the Royal Saudi Air Force as a fighter pilot, squadron leader and Tactical Intelligent Officer, before moving to the Minister of Defense’s office, on a protocol and relationship department Then to several government entities.

In addition to his degree in Aerial Sciences, Mansour holds a Masters in Strategic studies, from Air University in Alabama and a Diploma in Diplomatic & Political Relations from the International Arbitration Commission, Cairo.

Amanda Stainer is a world-class exhibition professional, having spent more than 30 years organizing successful events from Botswana to Belfast. Aviation is her passion, and she has established an outstanding reputation and built solid relationships within the global aerospace and defense community.

Amanda joined the World Defense Show as Chief Commercial Officer in 2019, responsible for myriad aspects of the show’s strategy, including but not limited to exhibition and suite sales, sponsorship, and marketing, show content, features and conferences, communications, and static and live displays.

She is responsible for developing the overall show strategy, including sales strategy, and leads the team responsible for creating the foundations, themes and direction of the show from a content, sector and features perspective.

Amanda’s 35 years’ experience in leading roles includes almost 20 years at Farnborough International Limited, where she was Chief Commercial Director and Exhibition and Events Director, developing FIL’s strong links with India, and in more recent times reaching out to the emerging markets including China and the Middle East. Amanda’s exceptional work was recognized by HM Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain in 2016, when she received the Highest Order of the Kingdom of Bahrain for her work in the creation, design and strategic development of the Bahrain International Airshow from its inception.

Her early skills were honed organising conferences and events for the Confederation of British Industry, which she joined having completed her BA Hons degree at Goldsmiths College, London University. Further experience included Show Director of BBC Clothes Show Live and running overseas B2B events from Southern Africa to Northern Ireland.

Before moving to Riyadh, Amanda enjoyed being a non-executive Board Director at the RAF Museum as well as being a member of the Aviation Club.  She remains a member of the RAF Club in the UK.

When home on the sunny south coast of the UK, Amanda enjoys sailing and spending time with friends and family.

Mansoor AlQarni is an accomplished strategic financial leader, with a proven track record of establishing successful cross-functional partnerships in both the private and public sector.

Mansoor joined the World Defense Show as Chief Financial Officer in 2021, a year before its successful inaugural event. Reporting directly to the CEO, he is responsible for all aspects of financial and procurement strategy and implementation, leading a shared services team. Equipped with almost 20 years of experience, Mansoor provides strategic recommendations to the CEO and members of the executive team to accurately benchmark the World Defense Show against other global events.

Mansoor’s present role capitalizes on his extensive experience in both the private and public sector, most recently as Executive Director of Finance & Procurement, for the G20 Saudi Secretariat, the largest event in Saudi Arabia.

Prior to this, Mansoor held numerous public sector roles, including Financial Advisor to the Assistant Minister and General Director of Financial Affairs, Ministry of Transport. In the private sector he has worked with both local and multinational companies across industry sectors including banking, telecommunications, oil & gas and aviation.

Mansoor holds a BSc in Accounting from the King Saud University in Riyadh and an MBA in Accounting from Troy University in Alabama, USA.   

Mansoor spends much of his spare time playing or watching football and loves to spend with his family.