Simon Shaw Steps Down at King Salman Park Foundation, Takes Up Advisory Role

Simon Shaw has concluded his tenure as Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at King Salman Park Foundation in Riyadh, transitioning from an in-house leadership role to independent advisory work.

Shaw announced his departure in a LinkedIn post, describing his time with the foundation as an important professional chapter and an opportunity to contribute to one of the major projects associated with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme.

Shaping King Salman Park’s Brand and Communications

During his tenure, Shaw said he helped shape the organisation’s brand direction and strengthen its marketing and communications capabilities. He also worked on building a team to support the next phase of King Salman Park’s development.

The role marked a shift from Shaw’s previous consulting work across the Middle East into a full-time leadership position in Riyadh. He said the experience gave him a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia, its culture and the scale of the transformation taking place across the Kingdom.

With a professional background spanning strategy, creativity and architecture, Shaw said the opportunity to contribute to a project bringing together nature, culture and community was particularly significant.

Reflecting on His Tenure

In reflecting on his departure, Shaw said he was proud of the direction established for the King Salman Park brand, along with the development of its marketing and communications capabilities and the team assembled to support the project’s future.

He also thanked the colleagues and partners he worked with during his tenure and said he looked forward to seeing the park’s vision develop for the people of Riyadh.

Moving Into Independent Advisory Work

Following his departure, Shaw is now working as an independent adviser as he considers his next professional chapter.

His advisory work will draw on his international consulting experience and in-house leadership background. His areas of focus include strategy, brand development, corporate reputation, creative transformation, communications and marketing.

The move leaves his next permanent leadership position open, with Shaw initially focusing on advisory assignments.

Earlier Career at Burson

Before joining King Salman Park Foundation, Shaw worked with Burson as Global Chief Creative Officer. His broader career has spanned consulting, strategy, creativity and communications across international and Middle Eastern markets.

His transition comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest in large-scale cultural, tourism, entertainment and urban-development projects under Vision 2030, creating demand for senior expertise in branding, communications and reputation management.

King Salman Park’s Wider Vision

King Salman Park is one of Riyadh’s major urban-development projects and is designed as a large-scale destination combining green spaces, cultural facilities, recreational attractions and community infrastructure.

Shaw’s departure marks the end of his current leadership chapter with the foundation, while his move into independent advisory work keeps him engaged with strategy, branding and communications as he evaluates his next long-term opportunity.