On May 8, 2024, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council (USSBC) commemorated its thirtieth anniversary in Houston, Texas, with a memorable evening of networking and celebration. The special occasion brought together distinguished leaders who have been instrumental in shaping the Council, including board members and senior executives from our esteemed membership. The night was a tribute to three decades of thriving partnerships and shared achievements, marking a significant milestone in the journey of the USSBC. It was also an opportunity to honor our members, whose contributions have made this journey possible.
The dinner and program organized by the USSBC began with opening remarks by Susanne Lendman, USSBC Interim President and CEO; followed by speeches from Abdallah Jum’ah, USSBC Saudi Co-Chairman and Chairman of the Saudi Investment Bank; Steve Demetriou, USSBC U.S. Co-Chairman and Executive Chair of Jacobs (pre-recorded); and Rasheed Al-Rushaid, Al-Rushaid Group Chairman, President, & CEO.
Other distinguished guests include Aramco Americas President Nabeel AlAfaleg, Consul General Shafi Al-Otaibi of the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia – Houston, a number of USSBC Board members including Jack Williams, Exxon Mobil’s Senior Vice President, Clay Neff, Chevron’s President International Exploration & Production, Amb. Stuart Jones, Bechtel’s President, Regions & Corp Relations, and Charles Hallab, Senior Advisor at Mayer Brown / Barrington Global, and over 120 executives representing U.S. and Saudi companies from a diverse range of industries.
“For three decades, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council has been a steadfast facilitator of new business ventures between Saudi and U.S. companies. As Saudi Arabia undergoes significant transformation under Vision 2030, we’re privileged to witness and contribute to its dynamic evolution. With over 60 business development missions and more than 500 seminars and networking events conducted, our efforts have forged connections for tens of thousands of companies. It’s not just witnessing this transformation, but actively being a part of it, that motivates us to drive forward, contributing to a country on the move and supporting a bilateral relationship that is truly important in the world,” said Susanne Lendman, stressing that the ultimate goal of the Business Council is to enable partnerships, enhance growth, and shape the future together.
In turn, Abdallah Jum’ah referred in his speech to the great achievements realized by the Council during three decades of enhancing the bilateral cooperation and mutual benefit in the fields of business and investment, pointing to the great development in the Kingdom, and the expansion in the fields of business to new horizons such as tourism, entertainment, transportation services, and more in conjunction with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plans. Mr. Jum’ah also highlighted the long-standing positive commercial history between Saudi Arabia and the U.S., emphasizing the high regard and respect Saudis have always had for American companies, citing the example of Saudi Aramco and U.S. oil companies. He touched on the significant impact of the USSBC’s work in fostering these relationships and shared many personal experiences of senior leaders in the commercial fields. The program concluded with an MOU signing ceremony between USSBC Saudi Chairman’s Circle member, Front End Limited, and IonQ, a prominent U.S. quantum computing company. This agreement will pave the way for the region to deliver the world’s most advanced quantum computing technology to government and commercial customers across the region.
The USSBC was represented at the program by more than 10 of its professional staff, who have extensive experience assisting U.S. and Saudi companies and their cross-border business interests. Founded in 1993, the USSBC has grown into the premier organization singularly dedicated to serving as a bridge between U.S. and Saudi businesses and fostering mutually beneficial commercial dialogue.
A special thank you to our 30th anniversary Platinum sponsor Al Rushaid Group, Gold sponsor Front End Limited, and Silver sponsor Alturki Holding. The Council appreciates your support and long-term commitment to our mission and to U.S.-Saudi collaboration and economic development on a global stage.
