Saad Toma: Leading IBM’s Growth and AI Transformation Across the Middle East & Africa

Driving IBM’s Regional Growth

Since July 2021, Toma has led IBM’s Middle East and Africa operations, guiding the company’s growth and innovation across technology sales, consulting, technical communities, and IBM Research.

During his tenure, IBM has expanded its regional presence through initiatives including new headquarters and a software lab in Saudi Arabia, an AI research collaboration with MBZUAI in the UAE, and plans for AI Centres of Excellence in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. IBM has also developed strategic partnerships with organizations including Riyadh Air, e&, and the Saudi Data and AI Authority.

Advancing AI and Hybrid Cloud

AI and hybrid cloud are central to Toma’s regional leadership agenda. His work reflects IBM’s focus on helping organizations adopt transformative technologies while connecting innovation with practical business outcomes.

His regional leadership has also coincided with growing interest in generative AI, positioning IBM to engage with governments, enterprises, and institutions as they explore the opportunities and risks associated with the technology.

A Global IBM Leadership Journey

Toma’s career at IBM spans more than 36 years and multiple markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific.

Before becoming General Manager of IBM Middle East & Africa, he served as General Manager of Global Technology Services in Singapore, where he led IBM’s largest business across multiple countries in Asia Pacific. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer for Global Technology Services, overseeing operational discipline and profit performance.

Earlier leadership roles included General Manager of IBM Global Services Middle East & Africa, General Manager of Global Technology Services in Canada, General Manager of the IBM Americas Group, and General Manager of Technical Services for Northeast Europe.

He also held senior positions in IBM’s EMEA organization, delivery management, and personal systems businesses.

Combining Business Strategy and Technology

Across his career, Toma has worked at the intersection of technology, strategy, operations, and business development. His experience includes managing large-scale technology services organizations, developing growth strategies, supporting client transformation, and leading operations across diverse geographic markets.

This combination of commercial and technology leadership has shaped his approach to helping organizations navigate major shifts in cloud computing, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence.

Education and Global Perspective

Toma holds an MBA in Business and Finance from Southampton University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Oxford Brookes University. His international leadership experience across several regions has further contributed to his understanding of diverse markets and technology ecosystems.

CEO Network Recognition

CEO Network recognizes Saad Toma for his longstanding leadership at IBM and his contribution to technology growth, AI adoption, hybrid cloud transformation, and strategic business development across the Middle East and Africa. His career reflects the evolution of enterprise technology and the importance of combining global experience with regional insight to create sustainable business value.

AI. Growth. Transformation.