NEWS stc Group partners with Kyndryl to develop advanced multicloud management platform
Pieter Bil
stc Group, a digital enabler, announced a multiyear strategic partnership with Kyndryl, a provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, to develop an advanced multicloud management platform strategy.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, this initiative aims to simplify cloud adoption for stc customers and partners by enabling seamless integration of hyperscaler cloud services.
Built on Kyndryl technology, the stc platform will provide a secure, scalable solution to help maximise the benefits of hyperscaler cloud services, along with digital and automation capabilities, while enabling innovation and ensuring governance and operational control.
stc Group and Kyndryl will also leverage their combined capabilities to create new digital services, utilising stc Group’ s digital prowess and Kyndryl’ s multicloud hyperscaleragnostic platforms, skills and processes, as well as its end-to-end industry expertise across sectors.
Anwar I Alsubhi, General Manager of Cloud Services at stc, said:“ Through our unified cloud services brokerage platform based on Kyndryl technology, stc Group is set to become the premier digital gateway for key sectors in Saudi Arabia. This partnership, aligned with Vision 2030, marks a significant step toward elevating our digital leadership expertise and delivering worldclass connectivity.”
Pieter Bil, Vice President and Managing Director of Kyndryl Middle East and Africa, stated:“ This offering will propel modernisation journeys to new heights, delivering hyperscaler capabilities within a single unified platform. By harnessing this integrated solution, stc customers and partners will gain a powerful competitive edge in today’ s rapidly evolving landscape. At Kyndryl, we take pride in being a trusted partner of stc, driving innovation and empowering organisations to lead in their industries.”
stc Group is a digital enabler, offering advanced solutions and driving a role in the digitalisation process.
PepsiCo launches $ 8 million regional R & D centre and immersive sensory studio in Riyadh
PepsiCo inaugurated its new and expanded regional headquarters for the Middle East in Riyadh’ s King Abdullah Financial District. The headquarters spans 2,800 square meters and has capacity for over 150 employees.
PepsiCo announced plans to launch a new SAR 30 million, $ 8 million regional R & D centre this year in Saudi Arabia, serving as a central hub for product and packaging innovations in the GCC. The hub will include a state-of-theart culinary facility for creating live prototypes and testing products and seasonings.
It will also feature a first-of-its-kind immersive sensory studio to generate deep consumer insights and help PepsiCo to tailor its product portfolio to the region’ s consumer preferences.
PepsiCo’ s executive leadership were joined by senior government officials, members of the media and special guests to mark the occasion. A delegation from PepsiCo’ s global leadership team, led by Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta, had also visited the new RHQ to mark the milestone.
Addressing guests, Ahmed El Sheikh, President and General Manager for Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan Foods at PepsiCo, said:“ PepsiCo has been a partner in the Middle East for nearly 70 years, and Saudi Arabia remains at the heart of our growth strategy. Our new RHQ in Riyadh signals our firm and long-term commitment to this region’ s future and its people.”
PepsiCo has invested over SAR 9 billion, $ 2.4 billion in Saudi Arabia over the last eight years, including SAR 199 million, $ 53 million in 2023 in expanding its Dammam facility. PepsiCo operates across 86 locations in Saudi Arabia and, together with its franchise partners, employs nearly 9,000 people. The company also sources 100 % of its potatoes locally to serve the regional market.
Mohamed Shelbaya, Senior Vice President and General Manager of MENA Beverages, said:“ The Middle East represents a key global market for PepsiCo.”
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