The Adecco Group Launches in Saudi Arabia with Exclusive Leadership Forum on the Future Workforce

The Adecco Group recently hosted an exclusive leadership forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together some of the most influential voices shaping the Kingdom’s workforce ecosystem. Titled Transformation of the Future Workforce in Saudi, the invite-only event convened government dignitaries, C-suite leaders, global executives, and Adecco partners to explore what lies ahead for talent, skills, and employment in Saudi Arabia.

Set against the backdrop of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, the forum was designed not merely to discuss change, but to help define it. Conversations focused on how organizations can prepare for a rapidly evolving labor market shaped by digitalization, emerging technologies, and shifting workforce expectations.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Mayank Patel, Senior Vice President at Adecco and Head of EEMEA, who set the tone by emphasizing the importance of collaboration between global expertise and local priorities. He highlighted that building a future‑ready workforce requires close alignment across industry, government, and talent partners.

A key highlight of the forum was the address by Denis Machuel, CEO of The Adecco Group, who delivered a compelling session titled The Future of Work Is Here. He underscored how the pace of change is accelerating and why organizations must act now to redesign work models, reimagine skills development, and evolve leadership frameworks to remain competitive.

The forum also showcased the depth of expertise across The Adecco Group’s portfolio, with executive leaders from Akkodis, Ezra, LHH, and General Assembly in the Middle East actively participating in discussions. Their presence reinforced the Group’s end‑to‑end approach to workforce transformation, spanning technology and digital engineering, leadership advisory, career transition, and future skills development. Together, these brands contributed practical perspectives on how organizations can build resilient, agile, and future‑ready talent ecosystems in Saudi Arabia.

Adding a global policy lens to the dialogue, Bettina Schaller, Group Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, delivered an insightful session on Global Workforce Transformation, the Labor Market Landscape, and the New Employment Era. She explored how geopolitical shifts, demographic changes, and technological advancements are reshaping employment models worldwide, with important implications for the Kingdom’s long‑term growth.

The power panel discussions brought together industry leaders and government representatives for candid conversations on the realities of workforce transformation. A key theme that resonated strongly was the role of artificial intelligence, with panelists reinforcing that AI is only as effective as the human intelligence guiding it. The discussions also emphasized the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling Saudi talent to align with emerging technologies and future‑critical roles.

The presence of government dignitaries, distinguished leaders, and valued partner delegates further underscored the significance of the forum. They were felicitated by Mayank Patel and Bettina Schaller in recognition of their contributions to shaping the Kingdom’s workforce landscape.

The forum concluded on a high note, leaving participants with practical insights, strategic clarity, and a shared commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and future‑ready workforce for Saudi Arabia. More than an event, it served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, reaffirming The Adecco Group’s role as a trusted partner in shaping the future of work across the Kingdom and the wider region.