Olayan is one of the most influential spokespersons at the World Economic Forum, and successful businesswomen in the Arab region, serving in some of the most high-profile leadership roles around the world. Her influence spans many global economies and sectors, but her biggest impact can be measured in the way in which she has influenced transformative change on women in the global economy.
Her visionary thinking and global impact have earned her international honor. Forbes named her one of The World’s Most Powerful Women in 2016 and 2017. She was also named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people worldwide and has been featured several times by Fortune as one of the Most Powerful Women internationally.
In 2004, she became the first woman to join the board of a publicly listed Saudi company when she became a member of the board of directors of Saudi Hollandi Bank, now known as Alawwal Bank. She serves as a trustee of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology as well as a trustee and member of the Asia Business Council. Olayan is also chairman of Alfanar, the first venture philanthropy organization that works exclusively in the Arab world.
Additionally, Olayan is a board member of several organizations such as Schlumberger, Ma’aden, Down Syndrome Charitable Association, to name a few. She is also on several international advisory boards, including Akbank, Allianz SE, McKinsey & Company and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
The last two Holt lectures at Penn Law were delivered by President Zedillo, former President of Mexico, and President Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and the first woman head of state in Ireland.