“From Global to Local: Ruder Finn Doubles Down on Saudi Arabia with Innovation, Talent & Vision 2030 Alignment”
An Inteview With: Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn And Sophie Simpson, Managing Director of Ruder Finn Atteline – MENA
1. What does this expansion mean for Ruder Finn’s global footprint, and why was now the right time to consolidate operations in the Kingdom?
Kathy Bloomgarden:
Saudi Arabia today stands at the nexus of global investment, innovation, and influence. For a network like ours, that’s a critical inflection point. This expansion deepens our global footprint in one of the most strategically significant markets of the next decade. Consolidating our presence now isn’t just timely—it’s essential. It reflects our belief that the most meaningful global growth comes from long-term, on-the-ground commitment. Riyadh is not a satellite; it’s a cornerstone of our future.
2. Can you elaborate on how RF Tech Lab will support Saudi brands specifically, and what sets your approach apart in the local market?
Kathy Bloomgarden:
Beyond innovation, the RF Tech Lab’s role revolves around delivering meaningful impact. For Saudi brands navigating rapid transformation, the lab offers a tailored, insight-rich platform, with tools like rf.aio—our proprietary, all-in-one AI optimization offering—to strengthen reputation, understand stakeholder behaviors, and drive measurable outcomes.
What sets us apart is not only the technology itself, but how we apply it with cultural intelligence, local expertise, and strategic clarity. We’re helping brands go beyond engagement to influence, and beyond visibility to real value.
3. How is Ruder Finn Atteline preparing the next generation of Saudi communications professionals through your planned educational initiatives?
Sophie Simpson:
We’re big believers in learning by doing, which is exactly what our Executive Training Programme offers. Participants don’t just sit in workshops; they work side-by-side with our teams, handling live briefs and learning how to manage everything from media interviews to digital campaigns.
We’ve designed it to mirror the real world of integrated communications—not just the textbook version. It also comes with international certification and, in many cases, a chance to join us full-time. Our goal is to help nurture a new generation of Saudi communicators who can lead both locally and globally.
4. What are the key sectors or industries in KSA where you see the highest potential for your integrated services to make an impact?
Sophie Simpson:
Vision 2030 has created fertile ground for innovation across several sectors, but a few really stand out. Tech and AI are at the forefront, particularly with the Kingdom’s ambitious digitalization agenda. Lifestyle and culture are also booming as tourism evolves, and corporate reputation is becoming mission-critical for organisations looking to build both trust and visibility.
That’s where we come in—not just as a traditional agency, but as a strategic partner. Our Corporate, Consumer, and Digital divisions operate in sync, offering an integrated, insights-driven approach built for today’s complex communications landscape. Whether we’re launching a global tech brand or helping a legacy business navigate change, we’re equipped to deliver real, end-to-end value.
We’re also keen to deepen our engagement with government and semi-government sectors. These are areas where strategic communications are not optional—they’re essential. We aim to support Saudi Arabia’s most influential institutions with the storytelling, data interpretation, and audience targeting that drive national priorities forward.
5. What are your strategic goals for the Riyadh office in the next 12–24 months, and how do they align with broader regional ambitions?
Sophie Simpson:
Our immediate priorities are centered on three pillars: building strong local partnerships, expanding our Saudi talent pipeline, and embedding our tech-forward services across every brief we handle. We don’t just want to be seen as an agency—we want to be viewed as a global collaborator that deeply understands cultural context, anticipates trends, and delivers impact.
These priorities align completely with the direction Saudi Arabia is moving in—future-focused, values-driven, and intent on leading from the front.
Kathy Bloomgarden:
For us, it’s all about embedding deep, long-term value in the Kingdom. That means aligning closely with Vision 2030—bringing our global strengths in AI-powered communications, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management into the Saudi context while helping shape the next generation of local talent.
In the next 12–24 months, we’re focused on forming enduring partnerships across the public and private sectors, especially in industries like technology, sustainability, and human capital development. Our Riyadh office is more than a regional base—it’s a collaborative innovation hub where global expertise meets local ambition.
