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Mustafa Jalali was born on June 8, 1949, at 6:15 AM in Taif, Saudi Arabia, a city known for its elevated altitude, temperate climate, and picturesque landscapes. Born at home in an era before official birth certificates were issued, his father meticulously documented the birth dates and times of his siblings and him. Jalali completed his primary and secondary education in Taif, excelling academically and graduating as the top student in his high school class in 1967. His academic performance earned him a Saudi government scholarship to study electrical engineering in the United States.
On May 26, 1973, Mustafa Jalali married Ramona Barstow, a native of Window Rock, Arizona. The couple has celebrated over 51 years of marriage and has lived in various countries due to Jalali's professional commitments.
Professional History and Core Competencies
Mustafa Jalali is an accomplished executive with domestic and international experience in the petroleum, real estate, energy transportation, logistics, and venture capital industries. He is known for his visionary leadership, organizational restructuring, strategic planning, public relations, and expertise in government relations. His core competencies also include key partnership development and navigating complex business environments globally.
Apollo Management and Services
Since 2008, Mustafa Jalali has served as the President and CEO of Apollo Management and Services, a multimillion-dollar international holding company with subsidiaries in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its reach into various sectors, including real estate, shipping, and travel.
Bahrain Subsidiaries
Apollo Real Estate Company (2004–present): Owner and operator of luxury furnished apartments in Bahrain.
Acon Travel and Tourism (2009–present): Previously known as Apollo Travel & Tourism, this branch offers comprehensive travel services.
Saudi Arabia Subsidiaries
Delta Engineering (1981–present): Provides professional consulting services across infrastructure and facilities projects.
Power Construction Company (2009–present): Specializes in maintenance and construction services for large commercial and industrial projects.
Romi Food and Catering Company (2011–2016): Operated several restaurant chains in Saudi Arabia.
ARK Capital Company (2014–2018): Owned 25% of Cisco Saudi Arabia, focusing on investment and private equity ventures.
Experience at Saudi Aramco
Mustafa Jalali’s career at Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, spans over two decades. He held several leadership roles that significantly impacted the company's public relations, operations, and financial strategy.
Vice President, Saudi Aramco Affairs (2003–2008)
Jalali was responsible for promoting the company’s image worldwide, managing relationships with high-profile figures such as heads of state, ambassadors, and CEOs. He also led the Vision 2020 transformation project, which streamlined operations and reduced costs while increasing service quality. His efforts helped extend the company’s PR activities into new markets such as Asia and the Far East.
Accomplishments:
Led the development of a global strategic messaging platform.
Achieved an 8% reduction in manpower and 22% cost savings over five years, amounting to $52.5 million.
Jalali oversaw the operation and maintenance of Saudi Aramco’s residential communities and office buildings, managing assets valued at $11.3 billion. He was responsible for an annual operating budget of $300 million and managed a workforce of 16,000 employees.
Accomplishments:
Reduced housing costs by 21%, saving the company $334 million over five years.
Cut office services costs by 31%, saving an additional $20.6 million.
Vela International Marine
From 2000 to 2002, Jalali served as President and CEO of Vela International Marine, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco. Vela provides national and international transportation services for crude oil and refined products.
Accomplishments:
Improved financial performance from a $2 million deficit to a $200 million surplus by the end of 2002.
Positioned Vela as a leader in quality and safety in the maritime industry, managing a fleet valued at $4 billion USD.
In 2014, Jalali founded ARK Capital, a venture capital firm based in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. He continues to serve as the President and CEO of the company, which focuses on long-term, opportunistic investments in strategic sectors, working with high-net-worth individuals and global partners.
Professional Memberships and Board Positions
Jalali has held several prominent roles on various boards, including:
President of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Gulf Chapter (1984–1985)
Vice Chairman of the Instrument Society of America Saudi Chapter (1985–1986)
Mustafa Jalali’s career is marked by his contributions to the petroleum, energy, real estate, and venture capital sectors. His leadership at Saudi Aramco and within the companies he founded has had a lasting impact, improving operational efficiency and promoting strategic growth in each of the industries he has touched.
Jalali is currently the President and CEO of ARK Capital, continuing to lead the companies he founded in Bahrain: Apollo Management and Services, Apollo Shipping and Forwarding Company, and Acon Travel and Tourism. His influence remains strong in the Gulf region, where his businesses continue to make significant contributions to the local economy.
References
Information and images provided by Mustafa Jalali.
Personal communications with Mustafa Jalali (2024).
