Khalid Alkhudair: Pioneering Social Entrepreneurship and Women’s Employment in Saudi Arabia
Khalid Alkhudair is a visionary entrepreneur and social innovator whose impactful work is shaping the future of employment in Saudi Arabia and beyond. As the Founder and CEO of Glowork, Khalid has dedicated his career to bridging employment gaps, particularly for women, while championing social entrepreneurship on a global stage. Recognized as a proud Ashoka Fellow and a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, Khalid’s contributions have redefined how businesses approach diversity, inclusion, and innovation.
A Trailblazer in Social Impact
In 2013, Khalid spearheaded an unprecedented investment of over $16 million in Glowork, facilitating its expansion into multiple verticals. Glowork has become a trailblazer in enabling women’s employment and career development in Saudi Arabia, offering solutions that align with national and global objectives for gender equality and economic growth. His work has not only provided thousands of women with opportunities but also influenced broader labor market reforms.
From Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurship
Prior to founding Glowork, Khalid served as COO-Markets for KPMG in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. In this role, he gained invaluable expertise in strategic marketing, operations, and organizational leadership. Under his guidance, the firms achieved 30 major awards, a testament to his ability to align corporate goals with measurable success.
Global Recognition and Awards
Khalid’s achievements have earned him accolades on an international scale. In 2015, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by ITP Group and received the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award at the Global Thinkers Forum. He has also been honored as the Best Head of Marketing in the Middle East and was recognized by Saint Mary’s University with their Young Alumni of the Year Award. Rankings in prestigious lists, including third in Gulf Business Magazine’s ‘30 Under 30 Power List’, placement in Arabian Business Magazine’s ‘Top 500 Most Powerful Arabs’, and 17th on Salt Magazine’s ‘World’s Top 100 Compassionate Business Leaders’, further highlight his influence.
Thought Leadership and Mentorship
A prolific writer, Khalid has contributed to international platforms such as the Huffington Post and authored “Communicating Effectively in the Workplace”, a book offering insights into professional communication strategies. As a mentor at Silicon Valley’s Founders Institute, Khalid empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed. He also serves as a judge for the prestigious Hult Prize and Saudi Arabia’s ‘Israr’ TV Program, where he evaluates groundbreaking entrepreneurial ideas.
Global Advisory Roles
Khalid’s expertise is sought worldwide. He sits on numerous advisory boards, including L’Oréal’s Global Panel of Critical Friends, the CMO Council Advisory Board, and Women Campaign International, where he serves as the Country Officer. Additionally, he contributes to the Steering Committee on Talent Mobility at the World Economic Forum, the Saudi Broadcasting Advisory Board, and the Employment Committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, among others.
A Visionary for the Future
Beyond his professional accolades, Khalid is deeply committed to social change. Through Glowork, he has fostered innovative solutions to address unemployment and create inclusive workplaces, leaving a legacy of empowerment and economic opportunity.
As an Endeavor High Impact Entrepreneur and a Stanford University Amends Fellow, Khalid Alkhudair continues to inspire change, proving that business can be a force for good. His tireless efforts, global perspective, and dedication to uplifting communities make him a true leader in social entrepreneurship and a beacon of hope for the future.
