Abdulaziz Al-Gudaimi has been appointed as the new Senior Advisor and Chairman of EIG's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division. In this capacity, he will advise EIG on investment strategy and continued growth.
R. Blair Thomas, EIG Chairman and CEO, praised Al-Gudaimi's appointment in a press release. "His deep sector expertise and wealth of experience in MENA will be instrumental for EIG in sourcing additional investment opportunities across critical energy and energy-related infrastructure, and for our portfolio companies as they navigate the complex challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon future," said Thomas.
EIG was established in 1982 with a focus on private investment in energy-related infrastructure worldwide. The company has invested hundreds of billions of dollars into the energy sector, funding 400 projects or companies across six continents. According to the company's website, EIG operates seven offices and employs 67 investment professionals along with 15 engineers.
Al-Gudaimi expressed his enthusiasm about joining EIG in a news release. "I have come to know Blair and the EIG team through the firm’s partnership with Aramco and am eager to build on their success in the region. As the energy transition continues in importance and paves the way for a better tomorrow, EIG is well positioned to find opportunities to leverage its operational expertise and bolster the decarbonization of the region’s energy sector. I look forward to helping create value for the firm’s portfolio companies and its investors," Al-Gudaimi said.
Prior to joining EIG, Al-Gudaimi served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Saudi Aramco, according to a news release announcing his appointment. He brings nearly four decades of experience in energy markets to his new role at EIG. His past roles include directorships at Vision Invest Holdings and Saudi Alfransi Bank, as well as chairmanships at Motiva Enterprises, Arlanexo, Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company, Aramco Trading Company, and Petro Rabigh.
Al-Gudaimi holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from King Fahad University for Petroleum and Minerals in the USA. He also earned a Master in Business Administration from the Sloan School of Management and completed a fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., according to his board member biography at Banque Saudi Fransi.