Hamad Alsalman Named Among Forbes Middle East’s Most Influential CMOs 2026

Rashad Iskandrni

Forbes Middle East has named Hamad Alsalman, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at TAIBA, a leading player in Saudi hospitality sector, one of the region’s Most Influential CMOs for 2026, recognizing his role in leading marketing transformation and brand-building within the sector.

Alsalman is widely regarded as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading marketing executives, overseeing brand strategy, corporate communications, and marketing transformation at TAIBA, a leading hospitality and real estate company listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), with responsibilities spanning a diverse portfolio of hospitality projects and destinations across Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Tabuk, and Jubail.

With more than 18 years of experience in brand strategy, investor relations, and hospitality development, Alsalman has played a key role in strengthening TAIBA’s market position through several strategic milestones, most notably the acquisition of Dur Hospitality, as well as the development and revitalization of the flagship Saudi hospitality brand, Makarem.

Following TAIBA’s acquisition of Dur Hospitality, Alsalman led a comprehensive brand repositioning and marketing transformation program, including the launch of a new corporate identity centered on the concept of the “Charm of Welcome” and the redefinition of the company’s market positioning, reflecting its ambition to become the powerhouse of Saudi hospitality.

He also oversees marketing strategies for a diverse portfolio of hotel brands operated by leading global hospitality companies, including Marriott International, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Accor, while supporting the growth of Saudi hospitality brands. His efforts focus on delivering high-impact marketing campaigns, enhancing brand equity, and creating hospitality experiences that combine international standards with authentic local cultural identity.

Throughout 2025 and 2026, Alsalman led a series of integrated marketing initiatives across TAIBA’s portfolio, strengthening the company’s market presence and reinforcing Makarem’s position as one of the leading Saudi hospitality brands serving visitors to Makkah and Madinah.