Megan French-Ritsch

Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Brand, PIF Confidential

Megan is a visionary marketing leader and passionate advocate for the belief that brands can—and must—serve as forces for good. She believes that kindness in marketing is not a compromise but a powerful competitive advantage. At the heart of her philosophy is the conviction that the most successful brands operate with intent and integrity, creating value not only for stakeholders but for society at large. For Megan, modern marketing leadership is about inspiring teams to look beyond transactions and embrace transformative, purpose-driven strategies—redefining marketing as a platform to shape a kinder, more connected world.

As the Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Brand for an upcoming Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) tourism giga-project, Megan brings a wealth of global expertise in leading high-impact marketing and brand strategies. Her impressive track record includes leadership roles with some of the world’s most iconic brands, including BMW, Emirates Airline & Group, Yas Island, NEOM, EXPO2020, and Diriyah Gate Development Authority, where she spearheaded brand development, marketing excellence, and business growth with full accountability.

Megan’s rich life experience—having lived and worked across Australia, America, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East—uniquely complements her academic credentials and professional achievements. This global exposure has instilled in her a deep cultural understanding and strategic perspective, which inform her leadership style and drive her successes.

Currently pursuing a PhD focused on developing a purpose-driven tourism economy aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Megan combines academic rigor with practical expertise. Her qualifications include master’s degrees in Strategic Marketing and Project Management, a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing, and graduate certifications in Interior Design, as well as Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation from Oxford University.

Driven by a passion to empower women, Megan successfully founded and sold an online health and wellness platform. She has mentored numerous female professionals and continues to champion initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for women to thrive, lead, and excel.

Megan’s unique blend of strategic vision, global perspective, and purpose-driven leadership positions her as a transformational force in marketing—committed to building brands that resonate, inspire, and make a lasting impact on the world.