A Conversation with Dr. Ahmed Shawky
In a move that signals growth and renewed strategic clarity, BUNA Holding has appointed Dr Ahmed Shawky, DBA, CPIM, MBA, as its new Strategy and Development Manager. With a career that spans corporate transformation, industrial engineering, supply chain management, and operational excellence across the MENA region, Dr. Shawky brings a depth of insight and a global perspective to BUNA in this exclusive interview with Saudi Projects, Dr. Shawky shares his thoughts on this new chapter, the strategic priorities ahead, and how BUNA Holding is aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
SAUDI PROJECTS: Dr. Shawky. Let’s begin with your reaction. What does this appointment mean to you personally and professionally?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: Personally, this appointment is profoundly meaningful; it validates long-term dedication to strategic leadership. Professionally, it’s a pivotal opportunity to shape Buna’s trajectory and strengthen its position as a national champion, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
SAUDI PROJECTS: Can you tell us more about BUNA Holding’s vision and how your role will support its strategic development moving forward?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: Buna’s vision is to serve as an integrated platform delivering excellence in construction, facilities, and engineering. My role is to convert that vision into strategic roadmaps, establish governance, align business units, and ensure investment in innovation and local expertise.
Strategic leadership drives BUNA’s alignment with Vision 2030
SAUDI PROJECTS: With your global experience in industrial operations and strategy, what key insights are you bringing into this new role?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: I bring with me a cross-sectoral perspective shaped by experiences in complex environments across the MENA region. My approach emphasizes execution excellence, scalable operating models, and data-driven governance. Whether it’s designing KPI frameworks or embedding a performance culture, my focus is on sustainable growth through principles of agility and accountability that are essential in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving construction landscape.
BUNA aims to integrate smart technologies and modular construction
SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you see BUNA Holding’s role evolving within the Saudi market, especially in light of Vision 2030?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: Buna Holding is well-positioned to be a national organization supporting Vision 2030. As the Kingdom intensifies investment in infrastructure, tourism, housing, and sustainability, we see our subsidiaries not only delivering projects but also solving sectoral challenges. From vertical integration to enabling smart infrastructure and local content development, Buna is aligning its capabilities to respond proactively to market shifts and contribute to economic diversification.
SAUDI PROJECTS: What are your top priorities during your first 100 days as Strategy and Development Manager?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY:
- Assessment & Alignment by conducting a maturity review across subsidiaries to understand operational readiness and strategic gaps.
- Governance Frameworks by developing a group-wide strategy execution model, including performance tracking, reporting, and GRC alignment.
- IPO Readiness & Roadmapping by initiating the groundwork for Buna Holding’s IPO trajectory, including stakeholder engagement and organizational structuring.
SAUDI PROJECTS: In terms of organizational growth, what areas of innovation or diversification are you most keen to pursue at BUNA?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: We are actively exploring expansion into applying technologies for modular construction that align with national trends and client demands. Additionally, diversification through strategic partnerships and value chain integration will enable us to capture growth across new vertical businesses.
SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you plan to align BUNA’s development strategies with regional economic and industrial goals?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: We are embedding alignment with regional objectives from the outset, whether it’s contributing to job creation, increasing local manufacturing inputs, or supporting privatization initiatives. Our subsidiaries will act as execution arms for sectoral goals, with clearly defined KPIs linked to Vision 2030 outcomes. We are also strengthening our institutional partnerships to remain responsive to regulatory and investment shifts.
Emphasizing agility and accountability for sustainable growth at BUNA
SAUDI PROJECTS: What role does technology and digital transformation play in your strategy for BUNA?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: Technology is a cornerstone of our strategic evolution. We are embedding digital transformation in project management, supply chain integration, and facilities operations. This includes rolling out ERP systems, AI-based project monitoring tools, and BIM integration across design and execution phases. Digitization will not only drive cost efficiency but also enhance transparency, compliance, and speed, which are key to delivering on our Vision 2030 commitments.
BUNA’s ESG framework supports long-term value creation and innovation
SAUDI PROJECTS: With sustainability becoming a central theme in corporate planning, how is BUNA incorporating ESG principles into its development roadmap?
DR AHMED SHAWKY: Our ESG framework is designed to create long-term value through environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance. From sustainable construction methods and green-certified projects to workforce development and ethical procurement, we’re integrating ESG into how we build, manage, and grow. ESG isn’t a compliance requirement; it’s a strategic differentiator for Buna Holding and its future investors.
SAUDI PROJECTS: How would you describe your leadership philosophy, and how do you intend to apply it in your new role?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: I believe in purposeful leadership, one that empowers, enables, and ensures. I lead through clarity, accountability, and collaboration. My goal is to foster a high-performance culture where teams are motivated by purpose and guided by strategy. At Buna, I aim to create strategic alignment across every layer while maintaining agility and openness to innovation.
SAUDI PROJECTS: Talent development and knowledge transfer are key to building a strong team. How do you plan to shape the internal culture at BUNA?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: Culture is the silent engine of performance. We are building a culture rooted in integrity, innovation, and ownership. Through mentorship, internal capability-building programs, and cross-functional collaboration, I aim, along with the team, to create an environment where every employee feels valued and invested. We’ll focus on leadership development, knowledge systems, and structured succession planning to ensure long-term organizational resilience.
SAUDI PROJECTS: — Finally, what message would you like to share with your team, stakeholders, and the broader Saudi business community as you begin this exciting journey?
Dr. AHMED SHAWKY: We are entering a defining chapter not just for Buna Holding, but for the broader construction ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. My message is simple: We are here to build with purpose, lead with integrity, and grow with impact. To our team, I’m here to support you. To our stakeholders, we are your partners in creating long-term value. And to the Kingdom, we are ready to contribute to your vision with capability, commitment, and clarity.
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