The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) has announced a leadership change, with Faisal M. Alfaqeer, CEO, Executive Board Member, and Investment Committee Member at SABIC, stepping in as Chairman of the Association.
Alfaqeer succeeds Abdulrahman S. Al-Fageeh, former CEO and Executive Board Member at SABIC, who served as Chairman of GPCA from 2022 to 2026.
A veteran of the petrochemical and refining industries with more than 30 years of experience, Alfaqeer previously held senior leadership roles at Saudi Aramco, including Senior Vice President of IK Liquids to Chemicals Development. He also served as CEO of Sadara Chemical Company.
Marking his appointment, Alfaqeer said, “I am deeply honored by this appointment at such a critical time for our industry. I look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders and member companies to reinforce our competitiveness and create long-term value.
"By utilizing the Association’s consolidated resources, all of us members can work together to foster the sustainable growth and prosperity of the petrochemical and chemical sectors in the region and strengthen cooperation with peers around the world.”
Mater Aldhafeeri, Secretary General of GPCA, welcomed the appointment, saying: “I wholeheartedly congratulate Faisal M. Alfaqeer on receiving the trust and endorsement of the GPCA Board of Directors and assuming the role of Chairman of GPCA.
"At a time of great significance for the regional chemical and petrochemical industry, I am confident that his leadership and industry expertise will further strengthen the Association’s role on the global and regional stage and deepen engagement with our members and stakeholders.”
He added: “I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Abdulrahman S. Al-Fageeh for his valuable contributions and unwavering support to GPCA and its initiatives under the Networking, Thought Leadership and Advocacy strategic pillars.
"During his tenure as Chairman of the Association, Al-Fageeh played an instrumental role in shaping GPCA’s strategic direction and strengthening its position as the voice of the chemical and petrochemical industry in the Arabian Gulf.”
Alfaqeer holds a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, USA, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
