ONE OF THE world’s most influential businesswomen, Olayan manages the billion-dollar Olayan Financing Company (OFC), controlling the investments of a family thought to be worth around $12.4 billion. Established in 1947, the Olayan Group began as a logistics firm, but has grown into a vast conglomerate that owns over 50 companies with stakes in various others. Last year, the company bought a 51 per cent stake in Gulf Union Foods Co, acquired property portfolios in Paris, Maryland and Virginia and saw its CH2M unit selected to lead development of airline Saudia’s technology hub in King Abdullah Economic City.