Board of Trustees

Olfat Al-Mutlaq Juffali, born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, pursued her academic journey in the United States, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the American University in Washington D.C., followed by a Master’s degree in International Development.

 A dedicated philanthropist, Olfat focuses on advancing health and education. She serves on the boards of several esteemed organizations, including the Arab Thought Foundation, Effat University, and the Arab Fund for Arts & Culture, which she joined in 2013. Additionally, she chairs the Board of Trustees for the British International School of Jeddah.

In 2012, Olfat co-founded The Shefa Fund in collaboration with the Gates Foundation. This organization is committed to funding vaccination and health awareness programs in developing countries.  

Additionally, Olfat, alongside her husband and children, founded the Global Philanthropy Initiative in partnership with the Social Impact Lab at Northeastern University to advance experiential philanthropy education, with a focus on expanding programs to undergraduate universities in Saudi Arabia. Through this initiative, she is fostering global collaborations and hands-on learning opportunities that equip students with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful social impact through strategic and effective giving. The Global Philanthropy Initiative first introduced the course at Prince Sultan University and Effat University, with plans for future expansion.

She is married to prominent Saudi businessman Khaled Juffali, and together they have four children.

Cecille joined the Consulate General Jeddah in October 2022.  Most of her career has been focused on bilateral Middle East issues.  Cecille has previously served in Casablanca, Kathmandu, Kuwait, Qatar and three times in Saudi Arabia.  In London she has worked in Middle East Dept, Consular Directorate, Corporate Services Directorate and a Ministerial Private Office.  Cecille is married with one daughter.

Faisal Charara is an accomplished finance professional with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He currently serves as Vice Chairman at Wataniya Insurance Company in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Faisal has held various key roles at E.A. Juffali & Brothers, including Chief Financial Officer since 2010, and Deputy Finance Director from 1996 to 2010.

Earlier in his career, Faisal worked as an Associate in Investment Banking at Lazard Frerès & Co. LLC in New York and as an Investment Manager at the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) in Riyadh. His career also includes a role in investment management at Baring Brothers & Co. Ltd in London.

Faisal holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Ecole Nationale d'Administration in Paris, and a B.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics.

Mr. Hisham El-Farouki is an experienced entrepreneur and business leader with a broad background in sectors including private equity, hospitality, food & beverage, and retail. He is the Founder & CEO of Nai, the first am Arabian natural beverage brand, which has received significant industry recognition, including "GCC Beverage of the Year 2020." Mr. El-Farouki also serves as the Managing Partner of Darat Al Qahwa, the oldest specialty coffee brand in Saudi Arabia, where he has been instrumental in expanding its retail network.

Previously, he held senior positions such as Director at Eastgate Capital Group and Head of Private Equity at Siraj Capital. Throughout his career, Mr. El-Farouki has managed over 50 deals across various industries, successfully driving investment and growth strategies. His professional journey began in investment banking at JP Morgan Chase, where he was involved in high-profile deals in the Middle East, UK, and US.

In addition to his business ventures, Mr. El-Farouki holds an MBA from INSEAD and has been actively involved in social leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Governors for the British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) and contributing to the Entrepreneurs Organisation in Saudi Arabia. He is also an accomplished athlete, having won the Saudi Arabia Junior Tennis Championship three times.

Sami is a senior management executive and independent board member with over 25 years of experience in corporate leadership, business transformation, and strategic growth. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Abdullah Hashim Company Limited, Wataniya Insurance Company, and Al Tala’a International Transportation Co. (Hanco), where he also chairs key committees focused on audit, remuneration, and corporate strategy.

Throughout his career, he has led major restructuring efforts, optimized financial performance, and driven sustainable business growth. As Group COO at Rolaco Trading and Contracting Holding, he transformed the company from a traditional family business into a structured investment holding group. Prior to that, he held leadership positions at Ahmad Mohammad Saleh Baeshen & Co., Emaar Economic City, and Procter & Gamble International, where he spearheaded large-scale brand expansions, operational transformations, and multi-million-dollar revenue growth initiatives.

With expertise in corporate governance, business development, and P&L management, he has been formally trained as a board director and actively participates in the GCC Board of Directors Institute. In addition to his corporate roles, he is committed to education and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at the British International School of Jeddah since 2009.

He holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Top Honors) from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Beyond his professional life, he is passionate about fostering innovation, mentoring future leaders, and supporting initiatives that drive long-term business sustainability.