Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has appointed Thamer M. Al-Muhid as its new chief executive officer, effective February 1, 2025, as confirmed by a statement released Thursday.

The decision was made during a board meeting chaired by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

Al-Muhid, who has over 30 years of global leadership experience, is tasked with steering SAMI through a new phase of growth and innovation.

His background includes leadership roles in strategic initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, research and development, and international partnerships.

Before joining SAMI, Al-Muhid served as group CEO and managing director of Saudi Chemical Co. Holding, and has held senior positions at major companies including SABIC, Almarai, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

He replaces Walid Abu Khaled, and will now oversee SAMI's efforts to advance defense technologies and strengthen strategic partnerships.

SAMI, owned by the Public Investment Fund, aims to localize 50 percent of Saudi Arabia's defense spending and build national talent in the defense sector.

Al-Muhid’s leadership is expected to accelerate the company’s efforts to become a global leader in defense manufacturing, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position in the international defense market.