Corporation reaffirms support for Saudi jobs, farmers, and youth
PepsiCo recently inaugurated its new and expanded Regional Headquarters (RHQ) for the Middle East in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The headquarters spans 2,800sqm and has the capacity for over 150 employees.
PepsiCo’s executive leadership was joined by senior government officials, members of the media and special guests to mark the occasion. A delegation from PepsiCo’s global leadership team, led by Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta, had also visited the new RHQ to mark the milestone.
“Our new RHQ in Riyadh signals our firm and long-term commitment to this region’s future and its people–through job creation, agricultural partnerships, social impact and environmental stewardship,” asserted Ahmed El Sheikh, President and General Manager for Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan Foods, PepsiCo.
Investment
PepsiCo has invested over SAR 9bn (US$ 2.4bn in Saudi Arabia over the last eight years, including SAR 199mn (US$ 53mn) in 2023 in expanding its Dammam facility. Currently, PepsiCo operates across 86 locations in the Kingdom and, together with its franchise partners, employs nearly 9,000 people. The company also sources 100% of its potatoes locally to serve the regional market.
At the inauguration, PepsiCo announced plans to launch a new SAR 30mn (US$ 8mn) regional R&D center this year in Saudi Arabia, serving as a central hub for product and packaging innovations in the GCC.
“The Middle East represents a key global market for PepsiCo. We are not only expanding our footprint but also innovating our product portfolio to meet the preferences of a young and dynamic consumer base,” commented Mohamed Shelbaya, Senior Vice President & General Manager, MENA Beverages.
