Headhunting & Recruiting for Companies in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East

In 2008 The National Commercial Bank, the largest bank by capitalisation in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East approached VMA Search, part of VMA Group, to advise on the hire of their most senior Communications Director.

NCB is one of the most recognised brands in the region with a social responsibility programme second to none. Its community projects serve a great purpose and despite the economic climate, NCB continues to grow from strength to strength.

NCB recognised the need for leadership and cohesiveness when it came to corporate communications and through a consultation programme, created the role of Director of Corporate Communications. The purpose of the role would be to lead and set the direction of the communications and public relations function and to work with the CEO and senior management team to align key corporate messages.

Through the consultation process VMA Search worked with the Chief Marketing Officer and a key advising consultant to develop a definite, concise brief and planned the strategy to search the European and Middle East marketplace for the best candidate. The search resulted in an offer to Cameron Walker, a leading UK industry figure in financial services sector, who was previously the Director of Corporate Communications at Scottish Widows.

Cameron Walker has been in communications for over 20 years working across industries as diverse as retail, beverage and financial services. As he settled into his job at NCB, Cameron highlighted his views on the reasons he joined the business, his experience of working with VMA Search and his views on corporate communications and the Middle East market.

VMA Search's approach and original proposition

"Working in Saudi Arabia was not a prospect or option that I had ever considered. However, the original proposition from VMA was intriguing and well positioned as it focused on the issues of location and the client's appetite for communication. This was both astute and refreshing because it addressed the geography issue first and foremost and this was uppermost in my original thinking."

The Middle East region is economically vibrant and robust, but in communications terms it is a bit of an awakening giant. The necessities of good communications practice are being pushed up the business priority agenda and this offers practitioners real opportunities in this part of world. There is a strong desire to nurture and develop local talent, but this is supplemented by a strong belief that 'external' thinking and practice will also be beneficial to enhancing overall capability."

The big move

"The VMA Search team provided ongoing support and counsel throughout the process and I had constant points of contact for guidance. Straight and sound advice was always given and if information was not known, then it was sought out. I never at any time felt 'left out in the cold' and was given the paperwork and personal undertakings needed to move to Saudi Arabia, which I welcomed."

The NCB Role

"The Head of Corporate Communications role at NCB is one requiring a mindset of building capability and putting solid communications foundations in place over a period of time. The initial focus is sorting out and structuring the internal communications of the business. The close alignment of external PR/Communications activities is not overlooked, but the old adage of getting 'our own house in order first' is very apt and this is the initial priority. That and securing trust and buy-in across the business!"

Long term objectives

"The ultimate objective is to build an in-house function at NCB that has a capability and professionalism that spans the range of communication disciplines and delivers enhanced value to all the key stakeholders. That is the goal and that is the challenge.... but never forget to keep your enthusiasm and have fun along the way!

"Corporate Communications is a discipline and profession that I am both passionate about and a firm believer in its value."