Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, crown prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has named Gerard Inzerillo chief executive of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.
The body, of which the crown prince is chairman, will spearhead a transformative initiative to restore the historic birthplace of the Saudi state.
Inzerillo, a highly accomplished tourism visionary, was selected to oversee the restoration of Diriyah and to develop a number of major new historical and tourism assets.
These will include museums, academic institutions and “edutainment” facilities, as well as resorts, restaurants, wellness facilities and high-end retail in a 7.1 million square meter development on the west side of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s booming capital city.
The initiative is a key deliverable in the crown prince’s 2030 Vision to modernise the Saudi state, engage Saudi citizens, and welcome guests from all over the world.
“I am deeply honoured to have the privilege to contribute to his royal highness’ Dynamic vision for the nation,” said Inzerillo.
“This is truly an inspired time in this extraordinary country.
“I am particularly grateful to lead a world-class team in the development of this historic site, which will give the world its truest window into the soul and spirit of this land, its welcoming people and their rich history.
“Diriyah will be one of the great gatherings places in the world.”
Diriyah, a UNESCO registered site, holds a historical depth of more than 590 years.
As the birthplace of the first, second, and current Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is the root of the Saudi nation.
Much of the original site, built in adobe brick in the traditional architecture of the greater Najd region, will be authentically restored with new tourism attractions and facilities.
Previously, Inzerillo was chief executive of Forbes Travel Guide, the global standard for the verification of service excellence in hospitality.