Jomana R. Alrashid Becomes First Saudi named to TIME’s annual TIME100 Next List of the 100 Leaders shaping the future

Jomana R. Alrashid, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG)

Jomana R. Alrashid, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) and Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, has made history as the first Saudi to be recognized on TIME magazine’s TIME100 Next list.

An expansion of the iconic TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world, TIME100 Next highlights 100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science and activism, and more.

Alrashid’s inclusion highlights her pioneering leadership in business and media and marks a milestone moment for Saudi women on the global stage. Alongside Alrashid, the list includes names such as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, international football phenom Lamine Yamal, Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, and many more influential and emerging leaders in their respective fields.

Time Magazine described Alrashid as “an architect of the Middle East’s shifting media landscape”. Since her appointment in 2020 as the first female CEO of SRMG, she has spearheaded the company’s comprehensive digital-first transformation, launched new innovative media verticals, and forged landmark global partnerships. These efforts have been reflected in SRMG’s rapid growth of its stock, signifying extensive trust by investors in her business development and management strategies across media entertainment and technology sectors. Under her leadership, SRMG has redefined how Arab media engages with audiences, while nurturing new generations of talent.

As Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, she has championed the growth of the film industry across the Arab world, Africa and Asia, driving initiatives to empower filmmakers and foster international collaboration. This commitment has culminated in an unprecedented achievement, with over 80 supported films premiering and garnering awards and international recognition at the world’s most prestigious festivals, including Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Toronto and Sundance, among others.

These are filmmakers and their stories that once struggled to find a place in the international film industry, now making their mark on the global stage. Today, the Red Sea International Film Festival stands as a premier global destination for cinema, culture and creativity.

Jomana R. Alrashid commented on the recognition:

“I am deeply honored to be included in the TIME100 Next list. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the extraordinary teams I have the privilege to work with at SRMG and the Red Sea Film Foundation. It is also a testament to the vision and leadership that have driven the remarkable transformation taking place across Saudi Arabia and the wider region - a future built on innovation, creativity, and storytelling that resonates globally."

Alrashid’s selection underscores not only her growing global influence but also the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia’s creative and media industries in shaping conversations worldwide. As the Kingdom continues its ambitious cultural and economic transformation, her leadership represents both the spirit of progress and the power of storytelling to inspire and unite communities across the globe.