Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Honors & Awards
Volunteering
Timeline
Generic
Shaikha AlMubarak

Shaikha AlMubarak

Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Summary

Highly motivated business development and partnerships leader with 9+ years of experience in business strategy, marketing, and cultural initiatives. Expertise in driving growth through strategic partnerships, managing high-impact projects, and leading cross-functional teams. Passionate about sustainability, cultural promotion, and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision. Driven by ethics, innovation, and impactful ideas, I am dedicated to leading initiatives that elevate our nation's global influence.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Founder & CEO

The Softwear
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
03.2021 - Current
  • Founded in 2021, The Softwear is a Saudi Arabian fashion brand focused on sustainability and innovation.
  • Offers eco-friendly, plant-based fabrics made from repurposed materials like bamboo and citrus.
  • Aims to promote a conscious fashion movement, addressing the environmental impact of traditional fashion.
  • Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand embodies values of kindness, new beginnings, and environmental responsibility.

Business Development & Partnerships Manager

Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
05.2023 - 04.2024
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive partnership framework, fostering strategic alliances with key local and international stakeholders.
  • Played a pivotal role in shaping the art and culture strategy, overseeing the planning and execution of large-scale cultural events.
  • Conducted in-depth market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities within the dynamic art and culture sectors.
  • Successfully managed budgets, negotiated sponsorships, and implemented effective marketing strategies.
  • Collaborated with renowned artists, curators, and cultural influencers to create a vibrant and engaging art scene.

Strategic Partnerships and Investments Manager

Literature , Publishing, and Translation Commission
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
08.2021 - 04.2023
  • Led the Strategic Partnerships Team to develop sector strategy, pipeline, and communication plans, while digitizing processes and tools to drive opportunities and monitor performance.
  • Initiated and managed investment & sponsorship activities, securing new cultural investment opportunities, negotiating partnerships, and fostering local/international collaborations.
  • Directed high-profile international projects, including nominating Riyadh as the World Book Capital (2024-2025) with UNESCO, and coordinating the nomination of Al-Madina Al-Munawwarah as Islamic World Book Capital with ICESCO.
  • Led GSR initiatives and partnerships, including launching the Virtual Kids Cultural Forum and initiating the first storybooks for children with special needs.
  • Developed a comprehensive industry database of partners, sponsors, and stakeholders, and created an Introductory Portfolio for the Commission’s identity.

Business Developer

Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
07.2019 - 08.2021
  • Developed the Commission's 5-year strategy, including business cases, market studies, and industry assessments.
  • Launched Saudi Arabia’s first writer retreats program and developed the Commission’s first edition of short story books.
  • Introduced the first short story platform at major Saudi airport cities and produced short film documentaries showcasing Saudi writers and the history of literature and translation.
  • Delivered impactful pitches and presentations to executive teams and external stakeholders, leveraging strong public speaking skills.
  • Created comprehensive reports and presentations to track and communicate business development activities and outcomes.

Product Marketing Manager

Microsoft
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
07.2013 - 07.2017
  • Developed and executed a go-to-market strategy, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to drive brand awareness and user acquisition, resulting in a 31% increase in Windows brand preference in 2015.
  • Consistently achieved over 100% of sales quotas year-over-year, with a 33%+ annual growth by identifying and capitalizing on optimization and growth opportunities.
  • Led and launched high-impact executive events for EPG, generating new sales opportunities and driving pipeline growth.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally to ensure EPG/SMSP deals remained on track, proactively identifying risks and resolving issues to ensure successful execution.
  • Partnered with retail teams to develop consumer marketing plans, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s recognition as the Top Consumer Experiential Performance winner in the Middle East and Africa in 2016.

Education

International Master in Arts and Culture Management

Rome Business School
Rome, Italy
04.2024 - 04.2025

Società Dante Alighieri Lingua e Cultura Italiane
Rome, Italy
10.2024 - 03.2025

The Poetry School
London, United Kingdom
/2017 - /2018

Bachelor of Business Administration -

AlYamamah University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
/2007 - /2012

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Management
  • Delegation
  • Creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Problem solving
  • Public speaking
  • Teamwork
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Research and development
  • Planning and reporting

Certification

  • Sensory Perfumery Master, [2024] Trieste, Italy
  • Artisan Perfumery Master, [2024] Trieste, Italy
  • FranklinCovey Emotional Intelligence, [2023] Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • PwC Critical Thinking & Decision Making, [2023] Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Harvard Business School Online, certificate on Sustainable Business Strategy, [2022]
  • CCL Leadership Development Program, [2022] Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Microsoft-INSEAD Online Business Strategy and Financial Acumen, [2014]
  • Microsoft Academy for College Hires, MEA [2013]
  • University of Business and Management, certificate in business administration, [2012] Geneva, Switzerland


Languages

Arabic
Native language
English
Master or proficient
C2
Italian
Intermediate

Honors & Awards

Microsoft:

  • Best Annual Performance 2016
  • Best Annual Performance 2015
  • Top Consumer Experiential Performance in MEA

Volunteering

Saudi Social Responsibility Engagement Lead
Led Microsoft's CSR initiatives in Saudi Arabia, partnering with the Disabled Children Association to create an annual skill-building program for children, utilizing Microsoft employees as volunteers.

Middle East and Africa Future Forum Group Lead
Directed the Middle East and Africa Future Forum, fostering innovation and collaboration among young Microsoft employees to develop impactful regional initiatives.

Microsoft's Internship Program Lead
Designed and implemented an internship program to streamline onboarding, providing tailored learning, team shadowing, and networking opportunities to support interns’ growth and integration into Microsoft culture.

Timeline

Società Dante Alighieri Lingua e Cultura Italiane
10.2024 - 03.2025

International Master in Arts and Culture Management

Rome Business School
04.2024 - 04.2025

Business Development & Partnerships Manager

Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City)
05.2023 - 04.2024

Strategic Partnerships and Investments Manager

Literature , Publishing, and Translation Commission
08.2021 - 04.2023

Founder & CEO

The Softwear
03.2021 - Current

Business Developer

Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission
07.2019 - 08.2021

Product Marketing Manager

Microsoft
07.2013 - 07.2017

The Poetry School
/2017 - /2018

Bachelor of Business Administration -

AlYamamah University
/2007 - /2012
Shaikha AlMubarak