Prime Highlights
- ACWA Power named Samir J. Serhan as CEO, replacing Marco Arcelli in a planned transition.
- The move aligns with ACWA’s global expansion in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen.
Key Facts
- Serhan oversaw Middle East operations at ACWA and held senior roles at Air Products, Praxair, and Linde Group.
- ACWA develops power and water infrastructure under public-private partnerships and is a leading private desalination developer.
Background
ACWA Power has appointed Samir J. Serhan as chief executive officer, effective March 1, replacing Marco Arcelli in a planned leadership transition as the company expands its global clean energy portfolio.
The utility listed on Tadawul said the change is part of a planned succession strategy approved by its board. Arcelli, who has led the company since March 2023, will remain an adviser to the chairman to support a smooth handover. His contract is scheduled to run until April 2027.
The leadership shift comes as ACWA scales projects in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen across multiple regions. The company ranks among the world’s largest private desalination developers and continues to invest in large energy transition projects to meet rising demand for clean power and water infrastructure.
Chairman Mohammad Abunayyan said the transition reflects strong governance and the maturity of the company’s platform. He added that ACWA remains focused on its long-term strategy and global growth.
Serhan joined ACWA last year as president for Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, where he oversaw operations in seven markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq. In that role, he managed regional expansion and project execution.
Before joining ACWA, Serhan served as chief operating officer at Air Products, where he held global responsibility for operations, engineering, manufacturing, and project delivery with full profit and loss accountability across major international markets. He also led hydrogen businesses at Praxair and spent 14 years at Linde Group, including as managing director of Linde Engineering.
Serhan said he will focus on profitable global growth and on advancing green hydrogen to help decarbonize heavy industries.
ACWA, which recently rebranded from ACWA Power, develops power and water infrastructure projects under public-private partnership models and plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s energy transition plans.
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