Michael Champion

The British business leader and international events strategist is recognised for his transformative influence on the Middle East’s events landscape. Champion has played a pivotal role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for trade, investment, innovation, and international business engagement through world-scale platforms.

Since co-founding Tahaluf in 2022, Champion has led the organisation through a period of exceptional expansion and global recognition. Under his leadership, Tahaluf achieved more than 100 per cent year-on-year revenue growth, reaching SAR1bn in 2025, while establishing the company among the world’s top 20 events organisers. From an initial team of fewer than five employees in 2022, Tahaluf has grown into a global organisation of more than 300 professionals, delivering internationally recognised events and digital platforms.

Champion has overseen the creation and growth of landmark business events, including LEAP Tech Conference, independently ranked as the world’s leading technology event brand; Cityscape Global, recognised as the world’s largest real estate exhibition; Black Hat MEA, the world’s most attended cybersecurity event; Money20/20 MEA, launched as the largest fintech debut event of its kind; and CPHI Middle East, the largest pharmaceutical launch event in history.

In 2026, Tahaluf continues to build on this momentum under Champion’s leadership, with its platforms attracting nearly one million attendees annually, including more than 100,000 international business visitors. These events continue to strengthen economic diplomacy, accelerate foreign investment opportunities, and contribute significantly to the kingdom’s global positioning. Tahaluf’s platforms generate an estimated SAR11bn annually in direct economic impact, with continued growth expected.