AWAD ALESSA

Healthcare executive with over a decade of strategic leadership experience spanning MedTech, structural heart therapies, and national healthcare investment. As General Manager of Meril Lifesciences MENA RHQ, I established and scaled regional operations from Riyadh, directly aligning commercial growth with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals Adept in regulatory engagement, healthcare localization, and investment readiness, I specialize in enabling multinational healthcare companies to thrive in complex markets.

I bring a uniquely Saudi-born, globally connected lens to healthcare transformation. Translating policy into execution, and capitalizing on innovation to drive local manufacturing, job creation, and strategic partnerships.

• Established Meril Lifesciences’ MENA Regional Headquarters in Riyadh, securing full MISA licensing, MDMA registration for 31 products across Cardiovascular, Orthopedics, and Endosurgery, and 18 NUPCO tender wins, positioning the company for long-term investment under Vision 2030. 2024-2025
• Drove 220% total revenue growth across the full portfolio in Fiscal Year 2025, fueled by the successful launch of 7 new product lines and expanded access across Tier 1 institutions in the Kingdom. 2024-2025
• Recognized as the No. 2 Region Globally by Meril Lifesciences for highest revenue and operational growth, outperforming mature markets through portfolio diversification, execution excellence, and local team development. 2025
• Led the rollout of 47 structural heart and procedural access programs across KSA, GCC, and North Africa. Enabling over 2,000 patients to receive advanced therapies and expanding regional health system capability. 2016-2024
• Co-developed the first MedTech localization roadmap in Saudi Arabia, aligning Cardiovascular, Surgical, and Ortho platforms with national manufacturing and procurement objectives in collaboration with LCGPA, MOH, and MOI. 2020-2025
• Represented Saudi Arabia in its first adult cardiac mission to Mauritania, launching the region’s first TAVR program under KSRelief, strengthening Saudi health diplomacy and regional goodwill. 2022
• Maintained operational and clinical continuity during COVID-19, launching 10 critical therapy programs and generating $2.8M+ in revenue despite systemic disruptions. 2020
• Shortlisted for Medtronic’s EMEA President’s Club Award, exceeding commercial targets by 347% and consistently ranking among top-performing business leaders. 2018
• Recognized as a top performer and promoted exceptionally for building 10 TAVR Programs with more than 2M$ generated revenue during COVID-19 Pandemic 2021.
• Participated at Medtronic First Localization Project outside USA in Partnership with the Saudi Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, Ministry Of Industry, and Ministry Of Health 2022.
• Taking part of the Saudi First Adult Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology Mission to Mauritania and launching First TAVR Program in West Africa under King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre 2022.