SASCO CEO exits; ex-ENGIE chief takes over Aug. 1

Saudi Automotive Services Co. (SASCO) said its board accepted CEO Riyadh Almalik's resignation on Tuesday, effective July 31, citing personal reasons. Almalik will stay on the board and its committees.

The board appointed Mohammed Al-Hajjaj as his replacement, starting Aug. 1. Al-Hajjaj holds a bachelor's in applied electrical engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and a master's in engineering management from the University of Dayton in the US. He previously ran ENGIE as CEO and has a background in management and investment.

The transition comes as SASCO navigates a shifting retail fuel and services market in Saudi Arabia, where competition from new entrants and margin pressure on traditional stations have pushed operators to diversify into convenience, car wash, and quick-service restaurant formats. Al-Hajjaj's experience at ENGIE, a utility and energy services firm, may signal a push toward broader energy-adjacent services rather than a pure fuel-retail strategy.

Almalik's departure was voluntary, the company said. No further details on his reasons were provided.