Khalid Al Falih

In a surprise move, Al Falih became Saudi Arabia’s health minister in April 2015 giving up his positions as president and chief executive of state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco. Despite this, his influence over the company he led from 2009 continues in his capacity as chairman and many still look to him for insights into the kingdom’s oil strategy. Al Falih has been on the front-lines media-wise in 2016, discussing the firm’s possible plans to go public. The move would create one of the biggest companies in the world. He also made news last year for his comments on both the volatile oil market and efforts to fix the country’s crumbling health system. Rumours also suggest Al Falih may be a contender to take over the country’s oil ministry after long- standing minister Naimi steps down.