Suggestions
Jerry Inzerillo
Five decades of service and hospitality inspiring the next generation - Group Chief Executive Officer at Diriyah Gate Development Authority - Vice Chairman Forbes Travel Guide
Jerry Inzerillo is a renowned hospitality and tourism visionary with over 50 years of experience in the industry.24 He currently serves as the Group CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) and Diriyah Company, overseeing a $63.2 billion project to transform Saudi Arabia's ancient capital into a world-class culture and tourism destination.123
Appointed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2018, Inzerillo is responsible for developing and implementing a master plan for the 67 square kilometer Diriyah Gate project.14 This ambitious development aims to create a global landmark encompassing cultural, heritage, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, and residential areas, with the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif as its centerpiece.14
Throughout his career, Inzerillo has held various leadership positions in prestigious hospitality companies:
- Started at Hilton Hotels, working in the US, Europe, and Middle East2
- President of Middle East and Africa region at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts2
- CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, expanding the company to over 100 countries6
- Co-founder of Morgans Hotel Group, establishing the first 'pop-culture' boutique hotel group in America2
- President of Kerzner Entertainment Group, overseeing properties in multiple countries6
Inzerillo's expertise and contributions to the industry have been widely recognized. In 2021, he was named Corporate Hotelier of the World by HOTELS magazine.6 More recently, in April 2024, he was appointed as a United Nations Tourism Ambassador during the first UN Sustainability week in New York, joining an elite group of global figures in this role.5
Highlights
Earlier this year, I was honored to be recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East for the fourth consecutive year!
I would like to look back at this recognition that reflects the extraordinary journey we are on to transform Diriyah into a global cultural heritage destination. It's a privilege to lead a team that is not only preserving the history of Saudi Arabia but also shaping its future through innovation, sustainable development, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our work is more than just a job—it’s a passion to contribute to the Kingdom’s #Vision2030 by fostering a vibrant tourism industry, creating opportunities for future generations, and ensuring that Diriyah remains a symbol of our national pride and global relevance.
A heartfelt congratulations to my talented colleagues in Saudi Arabia for their inspiring leadership. Together, we are making history. Thank you to Forbes for this recognition, and to my colleagues, partners, and community for your unwavering support. This is just the beginning of what we can achieve together!
What a remarkable journey it has been! We at #DiriyahCompany had the immense honor of being the official sponsor of the #DiriyahSaudiSuperCup 2024, an event that not only celebrated the spirit of competition but also shone a bright light on the rich cultural heritage of Diriyah.
This partnership with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) was a true reflection of our commitment to blending tradition with modernity. The grand finale, hosted in the stunning region of Aseer under the esteemed patronage of the Governor HRH Prince Turki bin Talal Al Saud, beautifully linked our shared goals of promoting tourism and preserving the essence of Saudi Arabia.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this event a resounding success. Together, we’ve showcased the world-class potential of #Diriyah as a destination that marries history with an unparalleled quality of life. And of course, congratulations to both teams for their incredible performance on the field—it was a joy to witness such sportsmanship!
