CEO & Board of Directors
Leadership perspectives: A conversation with Bob Wilt, CEO of Maaden
Heidrick & Struggles’ Mohamad Turk and Jane Bargmann speak with Bob Wilt, CEO of Maaden, on leadership in a new cultural context and the capabilities needed to lead transformation in the fast-evolving Middle East market.
February 25, 2026
11m to watch
Since February 2022, Bob has been CEO of Maaden, leading its emergence as a globally significant Saudi mining champion. He previously spent nearly two decades at Alcoa in a range of senior roles, including president of global primary products, leading a global portfolio of mining, refining, smelting, and energy operations. His background also spans leadership roles across manufacturing, aerospace, and industrial metals.
In this video interview, Bob Wilt reflects on his move to Saudi Arabia to take on a new leadership role, including his strategy to build cultural fluency and earn trust within the first 90 days. He shares how listening, aligning with and establishing credibility with the board, and building the right team have shaped his early successes in the role. Finally, he offers practical advice for executives considering cross-border leadership roles, highlighting the capabilities and expertise required to lead complex, growth-oriented organizations.
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Board performance in the Middle East has strengthened over the past two years – but critical gaps remain. Our latest Board Effectiveness Survey, conducted in partnership with the GCC Board Directors Institute, reveals that while most board members recognize strategy as mission-critical, 83% admit they’re not dedicating enough time to strategic value creation.
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