NetApp, the NASDAQ-listed intelligent data infrastructure company, has appointed Saeed Al-Zahrani as its new General Manager for Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in its efforts to support the Kingdom’s rapidly advancing digital transformation agenda.
Al-Zahrani, a seasoned executive with nearly two decades of experience in the Saudi technology sector, takes on the role with a mission to scale NetApp’s operations in the Kingdom. He will focus on expanding the company’s presence in both public and private sectors, helping organizations derive strategic value from their data.
In a statement, Suhail Hasanain, Senior Director and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at NetApp, said Al-Zahrani’s appointment reflects the company’s long-term vision for the region.
“Saeed’s strategic vision, deep customer relationships and passion for execution make him the perfect leader to scale our business in Saudi Arabia,” Hasanain stated. “His appointment reinforces our commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s economic diversification and digital transformation agendas.”
Al-Zahrani brings extensive experience from previous leadership positions at Nutanix, Solutions by STC, Oracle, LinkedIn, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. His track record includes steering complex digital projects and fostering innovation within both government and enterprise environments.
Speaking about his new role, Al-Zahrani emphasized the Kingdom’s ambitions under Vision 2030.
“Saudi Arabia is going through a truly transformative journey,” he said. “I am looking forward to working with our customers, partners, and the wider ecosystem to accelerate the country’s journey toward a data-driven, AI-enabled future.”
NetApp has been steadily increasing its regional footprint, including the opening of a new headquarters in Riyadh earlier this year. The expansion aligns with growing demand for intelligent, secure, and scalable data solutions across critical sectors like healthcare, energy, and smart cities.
The company is investing in hybrid cloud environments and real-time analytics to help organizations modernize infrastructure and improve decision-making. This strategy is in line with Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a leading digital economy.
Beyond business objectives, NetApp has reiterated its focus on nurturing local talent and fostering innovation. Through collaborations with government entities, academic institutions, and enterprise partners, the company aims to build a sustainable, knowledge-based ecosystem.
Al-Zahrani’s leadership is expected to be pivotal as NetApp strengthens its ties with national stakeholders and delivers localized solutions tailored to the Kingdom’s unique needs.
