Elina Idrisova Promoted to Business Development Executive, Saudi Arabia at IBM

Elina Idrisova has been promoted to Business Development Executive, Saudi Arabia at IBM, marking a significant milestone in her journey of driving strategic innovation and digital transformation across the region.

She is a seasoned technology and business leader with over a decade of experience at the intersection of enterprise technology, government engagement, and strategic transformation. In her current role at IBM, she leads country-level initiatives across AI, data, and digital infrastructure, working closely with government entities and enterprise stakeholders to translate national priorities into scalable technology-driven growth aligned with Saudi Arabia’s transformation agenda.

Alongside her corporate leadership role, she serves as the AI Ethics Focal Point for Saudi Arabia on IBM’s Global AI Ethics Board, contributing to the advancement of responsible, secure, and ethical AI adoption at scale. Her career reflects a strong track record of shaping digital ecosystems, enabling cross-sector collaboration, and delivering impactful outcomes in highly regulated and sovereign environments.

Her professional journey includes key roles such as Executive Account Leader – Strategic Partnerships & Market Development at IBM, Regional Director of Digital Transformation at Elevatus, Startup Mentor at 500 Global, and active contributions as a Technical Committee Member with the International Society of Automation (ISA). She has also represented thought leadership on global platforms including the World Economic Forum, contributing to discussions on digital society and female leadership in technology.

She holds a Master’s degree in International Business and Policy from Georgetown University, along with an Executive Program in Data Leadership from MIT Sloan, and a Bachelor’s degree from MGIMO, reflecting a strong academic foundation in global policy, economic security, and technology governance.