#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #CEO Appointment #Acwa #Samir Serhan

Dr. Samir J. Serhan Appointed CEO of Acwa

On March 1, 2026, the Board of Directors of Acwa announced the appointment of Dr. Samir J. Serhan as the new Chief Executive Officer. This comes as Acwa, the largest private water desalination company globally and a pioneer in renewable energy transition, continues to strengthen its commitment to serve water and energy needs worldwide. Dr. Serhan’s extensive background and leadership experience make him an ideal fit for this pivotal role.

Dr. Serhan succeeded Marco Arcelli, who has played a crucial role in leading the company since March 2023. As part of a structured transition plan, Arcelli will remain available in an advisory capacity to ensure a seamless handover. This decision aligns with Acwa’s commitment to strong governance and meticulous succession planning, which the management considers essential for maintaining stability and continuity in the company’s strategic trajectory.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Serhan served as the President of Acwa’s operations in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region, allowing him to gain firsthand experience with the organization’s strategies and objectives. His background as the Chief Operating Officer at Air Products, a renowned company in the industrial gas sector, further enhances his qualifications. At Air Products, he was responsible for global operations and project implementation across various regions, including Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, showcasing his capability in managing complex, large-scale projects.

Dr. Serhan’s leadership history includes notable roles at Praxair and the Linde Group, solidifying his reputation in the field. With over 30 years of experience in various industrial environments, Dr. Serhan has established himself as a transformative leader adept at fostering operational improvements and ensuring sustainable growth.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Serhan expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the potential for Acwa to continue its growth in the renewable energy sector. He noted, "Each day presents us with opportunities to better serve our clients and to meet the urgent energy and water demands around the globe. It is a privilege to lead Acwa during a crucial time for the company as we accelerate our growth in renewable solutions, especially in advancing green hydrogen technology to reduce carbon emissions in heavy industries."

Marco Arcelli, the outgoing CEO, reflected on Acwa’s journey over the past three years, highlighting the company’s doubling of its portfolio size and its ambitious plans to continue expanding. Under Arcelli's leadership, Acwa now accounts for about 25% of the world’s desalinated seawater and has successfully entered new markets across various countries, including Azerbaijan and China.

Acwa’s role in promoting energy and water security on a global scale is of paramount importance. Currently, the company supplies clean drinking water to nearly 34 million individuals and delivers energy to approximately 76 million people each day. As a truly pivotal player in the renewable energy landscape, Acwa remains focused on addressing the critical needs of communities worldwide.

About Acwa
Acwa (TADAWUL 2082) is a Saudi-based powerhouse in the water desalination sector and a forerunner in global energy transition, particularly in green hydrogen. Established in Riyadh in 2004, Acwa employs over 4,000 professionals and is active in 15 countries across the Middle East and beyond. With a portfolio spanning 111 operational projects and an investment exceeding USD 114.8 billion, Acwa is poised for remarkable achievements in the coming years.