Riham El-Gizy: Leading the Charge in the Voluntary Carbon Market
Meet Riham El-Gizy, the powerhouse CEO behind Voluntary Carbon Market, a groundbreaking Saudi company paving the way in the Middle East and North Africa region.
In just 18 months, El-Gizy orchestrated the world’s largest voluntary carbon market auction in Riyadh in 2022, shattering records once again at a second auction in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2023.
Now, she is spearheading the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first carbon exchange, set to debut in 2024.
Recognized as one of New African’s 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023, El-Gizy is at the forefront of uniting individuals and organizations across the voluntary carbon market ecosystem. She is shaping the industry’s trajectory as it becomes an integral player in the fight against climate change.
Voluntary Carbon Market also made waves by hosting the inaugural Global South Carbon Markets Conference at the prestigious Future Investment Initiative Institute in Riyadh. El-Gizy’s influence extends to international platforms like the Africa Climate Summit and COP (Conference of the Parties).
With over 20 years of global experience in mergers and acquisitions, strategy, and business development, El-Gizy’s leadership is driving innovative climate action in emerging economies of the Middle East and Africa.
Before her stellar tenure at Voluntary Carbon Market, she headed Saudi Aramco’s investment valuations and structuring division, advising top-tier corporate and government entities on investment decisions. Her previous roles at BP in North America and North Africa honed her expertise in energy, clean technology, and renewable energy transactions worldwide.
El-Gizy holds a master’s degree in business administration from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her time at MIT focused on sustainable economic growth in emerging markets, utilizing cutting-edge technology solutions and climate change simulations.
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