The gap between vision and reality.
Mario El Khoury, CEO of Logistiya, joins us to discuss how the Saudi logistics sector is evolving, the challenges it's facing, and how leaders bridge the gap between strategic ambition and operational execution. The conversation digs into ecosystem-building, leadership traits, and the balance between speed and sustainability inside a market being rewired in real time.
Mario El Khoury.
Mario El Khoury is a logistics and supply chain senior executive with deep operating experience in the Middle East. As CEO of Logistiya, he leads one of the new generation of logistics operators built to serve the Saudi Vision 2030 infrastructure expansion.
Richard Watts in conversation with
Mario El Khoury.
What major regional challenges have you seen in building Saudi Arabia's logistics sector?
Bridging the gap between the government's big ambitions and the current starting point. The real challenge is ecosystem building, connecting landlords, regulatory bodies, and the road network…and shifting mindsets from basic land sale to strategic development.
Where do cracks show up in today's logistics?
Infrastructure, regulation, facilitation. The Logistics Performance Index shows Saudi Arabia lagging behind its potential. The key: build right the first time, balance speed for mega events with sustainable investment.
You've led teams globally. What are your go-to leadership principles?
Simplicity, keep things direct. Focus on people development and open communication. Make strategy and direction embedded in daily routines, not just announced from the top.
What three skills should new leaders focus on?
Systems thinking, tech literacy (especially AI), and the human touch- building honest relationships inside and outside the organization.
How do you balance adopting tech with protecting the human side of business?
Tech like AI will force us to reskill, not replace, people. Successful adoption depends on simplicity and supporting even those less comfortable with tech. It's not just about age, but mindset.
When things get messy, what keeps you going?
The drive for positive impact. Build a strong North Star around meaningful change, and use that vision to align teams and push for results beyond the bottom line.
Has that ambition for impact ever come at a personal cost?
Absolutely! A constant cycle of decisions about work, family, and personal time. Continuous learning and asking for feedback help improve decision-making and keep leadership resilient and adaptive.
The chat's expanded from logistics to life.any final thoughts?
Structure and prioritization matter. Whether for supply chains or personal growth, keep things simple and sustainable. That's the foundation for lasting leadership.