2023 AmCham general meeting
October 1, 2023
Saudi Arabia
The American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia hosted its Annual General Meeting across the Kingdom on Sunday, October 1st in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province. It was our second such event since becoming one unified AmCham in 2021.
The event commenced with opening remarks by AmCham Saudi Arabia Chairman Bill Foster who highlighted the amazing growth of the organization and expressed his appreciation to the members, committees’ volunteers and the executive team.
The guests enjoyed a presentation highlighting a successful year for AmCham Saudi Arabia. The newly elected board members, including David King from Bachtel Company, Ahmed Amonette from AlTamimi & Co., Fernando Vallina from Exxon Mobil, Samar Al Amro from Accenture, and Maxwell Andrews from Kaust, were announced, and the organization's elite Quincy Circle members received a special recognition.
In Riyadh, the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney offered welcome remarks, focusing on the importance of US-Saudi business collaboration ;“As the US Ambassador, it was inspiring to see the best of the United States joining with the best of Saudi Arabia. I want to support all of you in doing so much to advance the US-Saudi Commercial Partnership.”
Newly elected Vice Chairperson David King gave remarks and expressed his appreciation and excitement to embark on the new role. He said: “I am honored and humbled to take up this position. It’s a fabulous role at a strategically important and extraordinary time”. He added, “I see remarkable qualities in the Kingdom, notably the national ambition, coupled with a sense of really exuberant energy. Our job is to bring the expertise that will turn the vision into reality. This is a unique business environment, and it’s a privilege to live and work in Riyadh and to join AmCham Saudi Arabia.”
The event concluded with longstanding board member and outgoing Treasurer, Todd Elledge highlighting AmCham’s astounding transformation and growth over the last two years.
In Jeddah, Chapter President Nasser Bayram gave welcome remarks highlighting the growth of AmCham Saudi Arabia and bilateral partnership between American and Saudi businesses followed by guest speaker the U.S. Consul General to Jeddah, Faris Asad. The State of the AmCham address was presented by Mohamad Tafesh, Jeddah Chapter Vice President, sharing the progress of AmCham and presenting our Quincy Circle Members with certificates.
In the Eastern Province, Chapter President Darrell McGraw gave introductory remarks to the members underscoring the remarkable progress of the chapter since its launch in October 2021. The Vice President Jesse Lapierre noted that the AmCham organization truly embodies its mission to foster US-Saudi business partnership by welcoming both US and Saudi businesses as members.
The event was a great opportunity for all our members and business leaders from around the Kingdom to meet with one another to network and learn more about how AmCham will serve its member businesses in the year ahead!
Photos links:
Riyadh: AGM Riyadh Photos - AmChamKSA - Google Drive