Sheila O. Al-Rowaily: Walking the talk in diversity

Sheila O. Al-Rowaily, CEO of Wisayah Global Investment Management Company, an Aramco subsidiary, has been recognized as one of Hart Energy’s 25 Influential Women in Energy for 2021, a program highlighting accomplishments of women who have made their mark globally in the energy industry.

Leadership and responsibility

Since joining Aramco in 1998, Al-Rowaily has led a number of high-level projects, including the creation of Wisayah, which is responsible for investing the company’s pension funds. Before that, she held roles in trading, investment management, and project finance.

Al-Rowaily credited her experiences at Aramco for her leadership development, including roles in finance, investment, and risk management, as well as planning and energy economics.

“Not many people have the fortune to see the outcome of their effort while still on the job,” she said, noting she was proud to serve as Wisayah CEO, “which evolved from a small startup into a highly reputable investment firm that employs an exceptional team, delivers stellar financial performance, and is governed by a strong board.” 

Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, Al-Rowaily holds a bachelor’s degree from King Faisal University and two MBAs, one from the American University of Beirut and one from the MIT Sloan School of Management. 

Her milestones with the company include becoming treasurer of Aramco Services Co. and leading Idikhar, a first-of-its-kind saving scheme in the region. The program was offered to more than 50,000 company employees, and won the Award of Excellence and Innovation in 2016, sponsored by Pensions & Investments and the Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association.

Supporting diversity and inclusion

Al-Rowaily, a passionate advocate of female development and empowerment who has been active in supporting diversity and inclusion industrywide, sits on Aramco’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee where she helps shape company policies while advocating for more women in leadership roles.

“At Aramco, we are so proud of the women employed globally across our business,” said Nabil K. Al Dabal, Aramco’s vice president of Human Resources. 

Sheila Al-Rowaily is an inspiration and role model for our women and men alike.
— Nabil K. Al Dabal 

Al Dabal added that Al-Rowaily isn’t alone and is one in a long chain of female leaders at Aramco.

“Our commitment to supporting female education and the professional development of women spans every phase of their career journey,” he said.