In a significant move within the Saudi professional consulting realm, KPMG has partnered with Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College and the National Center for Family Businesses as a platinum sponsor and knowledge partner for the inaugural Family Business Hackathon in 2024. Held from June 27 to 29 at King Abdullah Economic City, the event welcomed 265 participants from the Executive MBA student body, providing an exceptional educational environment.
This comprehensive knowledge program aimed to equip researchers with the necessary skills for excellence in project management and problem-solving. This initiative is part of KPMG’s commitment to fostering the growth and sustainability of family enterprises, as the firm shared specialized business insights and guidance.
Fouad Mohammed Shabrawi, Head of Advisory Solutions and Private and Family Business Consulting at KPMG Saudi Arabia, delivered a keynote presentation on the latest KPMG publications focusing on the legacy of family businesses. Additionally, six KPMG specialists supported student teams, offering mentorship for potential challenges and serving as judges to evaluate proposed solutions.
The event by Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship aimed to enhance business continuity and sustainable growth for family-owned enterprises, including a blend of lectures, presentations, experiential learning sessions, and case studies on real-world scenarios presented by Saudi family businesses.
Shabrawi expressed pride in the collaboration with the college to develop a new generation of innovative leaders with a deep understanding of family business dynamics. He highlighted the unique balance family businesses maintain between preserving legacy and innovating across generations for sustainability, aligning KPMG’s goals with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives in entrepreneurship, employment, and economic diversification.
Dr. Adnan Maalawi, Professor of Entrepreneurship at the college, noted the collaboration with top consulting firms like KPMG to provide the talent and expertise needed to excel in the evolving global landscape. These partnerships ensure graduates possess employer-sought skills, facilitating the transition from academia to the business sector and contributing to sustainable development and economic growth in line with Vision 2030.
The college, particularly through the MBSC Family Business Institute led by Dr. Tariq Al Masri, focuses on developing entrepreneurial leaders through world-class education and research. The institute addresses the unique challenges and needs of family-owned businesses through academic research, tailored executive education programs, and strategic consulting services, aiming to create a thriving ecosystem for family enterprises to grow and contribute to economic development and harmonious family dynamics.
Located in King Abdullah Economic City, a modern urban hub, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers a contemporary environment for students and faculty, with various graduate programs in King Abdullah Economic City and Riyadh, providing practical, real-world, and experiential education to develop the future’s transformative leaders.
