Governance Built Through Human Dialogue
We are ISO 37000 co-authors and systemic governance advisors serving Saudi Arabia and the GCC. For 25 years, we've helped organizations build governance systems that pass scrutiny, satisfy stakeholders, and create lasting value. We believe purpose emerges through structured human conversations, not algorithms—and that governance excellence requires both international standards expertise and deep cultural understanding.
Our Story
Mithaq360 exists because the GCC deserves world-class governance advisory grounded in both international credibility and regional reality.
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 transformation demands governance systems that satisfy sophisticated investors, meet evolving regulatory requirements, and demonstrate authentic contribution to national development goals. Organizations need advisors who understand ISO standards from the inside—because they helped write them. They need partners who know GCC business culture, family enterprise dynamics, and regional stakeholder expectations. And they need practical guidance that works in reality, not just impressive documents that sit unused.
We founded Mithaq360 to bridge this gap. Our team combines ISO standards co-authorship with decades of Saudi board experience, international development expertise, and proven implementation success across 30+ countries. We bring the credibility of having shaped international governance best practice and the wisdom of understanding how governance actually works in complex organizational and cultural contexts.
We're headquartered in Riyadh through Paramount Value Consulting Group. We serve organizations across Saudi Arabia and the GCC—from family-owned businesses to listed companies, from pre-IPO firms to sovereign entities. Our clients share a commitment: they want governance that holds under scrutiny, satisfies all stakeholders, and drives superior long-term performance.
Our Approach: Why Human Dialogue Matters
Purpose Emerges Through Conversations, Not Algorithms
Many consultancies promise to "discover your purpose" through data analysis, surveys, or AI-powered tools. We take a fundamentally different approach: we believe authentic purpose emerges through structured human dialogue—not through software.
Here's why this matters:
Purpose Requires Context and Nuance
Algorithms can process data. They cannot understand the subtle cultural contexts, historical relationships, and unspoken commitments that shape what an organization truly stands for. Purpose discovery requires deep listening, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives into coherent direction. This is inherently human work.
Standards Need Interpretation for Reality
ISO standards provide principles, not prescriptions. Implementing ISO 37000 governance, ISO 37301 compliance, or biodiversity standards requires interpreting principles for specific organizational contexts. This demands judgment, experience, and the wisdom to adapt international best practice to regional business culture. Software cannot make these judgments—people can.
Stakeholders Expect Real Engagement
Board members, executives, employees, and communities know the difference between genuine dialogue and survey forms. When we help organizations discover purpose or implement governance frameworks, stakeholders participate in meaningful conversations. They see their insights reflected in outcomes. This builds trust and commitment that no algorithm can replicate.
Governance Succeeds Through Relationships
Effective governance depends on trust, shared understanding, and aligned commitment among board members and leadership teams. Building this alignment requires facilitated dialogue, cultural awareness, and the ability to navigate complex group dynamics. These are human capabilities that technology supports but cannot replace.
Our Methodology: Structured Dialogue Meets Standards Rigor
We combine systematic stakeholder engagement with rigorous ISO standards implementation:
- We Design Conversations Around Evidence: Our dialogue frameworks follow ISO 37000 principles, ensuring stakeholder insights translate into governance systems meeting international standards.
- We Document for Assurance: Every conversation, insight, and decision is documented to audit standards. Your governance development has a clear evidence trail satisfying regulators, investors, and certification bodies.
- We Facilitate, Not Dictate: We don't arrive with predetermined answers. We facilitate structured dialogue that helps your organization discover its authentic purpose, design governance systems fitting your reality, and build capability for sustained excellence.
- We Respect Culture: We conduct dialogues in Arabic and English, respecting Saudi business norms, family enterprise dynamics, and regional stakeholder expectations while maintaining international standards rigor.
This is why our tagline emphasizes "standards-anchored, assurance-ready, purpose-led." We ground all dialogue in ISO principles, ensure all outputs meet audit requirements, and never lose sight of purpose as the north star guiding governance excellence.
Our Standards Leadership
We Didn't Just Study ISO Standards—We Wrote Them
Mithaq360's governance frameworks are designed by the people who created the international standards for organizational governance. This isn't marketing—it's verifiable fact:
ISO 37000 Series (Governance of Organizations)
Dr. Axel Kravatzky serves as Vice-Chair of ISO/TC309 (Governance of Organizations), the committee that develops all ISO governance standards. He convened the working group (ISO TC309/WG1) that created ISO 37000, the foundational standard for organizational governance worldwide. When you work with us, you learn from the person who literally wrote the principles auditors use to evaluate governance quality.
25 Years Refining Implementation Methodology
Standards provide principles. Implementation requires methodology. Over 25 years, we've refined systematic approaches for translating ISO governance principles into practical organizational systems across diverse industries, cultures, and regulatory contexts. We've implemented ISO governance frameworks in 30+ countries, from family businesses to multinationals, from emerging markets to developed economies.
Contributing Experts Across Multiple Standards
Beyond ISO 37000, our team contributes expertise to multiple governance, compliance, and sustainability standards:
- •ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems)
- •ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery Management Systems)
- •ISO 37002 (Whistleblowing Management Systems)
- •ISO/IEC 42001 (AI Management Systems)
- •ISO 17298 & 17620 (Biodiversity Standards)
- •ISO/UNDP 53001 & 53002 (SDG Contribution)
What This Means for Your Organization
When we design your governance framework, you receive:
- •Authoritative Interpretation: Guidance from people who shaped the standards, not consultants who merely teach them
- •Certification Confidence: Systems designed by standards co-authors pass certification audits reliably
- •Future-Proof Architecture: Governance frameworks anticipating standards evolution because we influence that evolution
- •Peer Recognition: Credibility that comes from having ISO standards co-authors design your systems
This is governance advisory at the highest level of international expertise, delivered with deep understanding of GCC business reality.
Our Team
Bashar Kayyali
Founder & Strategic Lead
Saudi Board Member | Investment Advisor | Strategic Governance Expert
Bashar brings 30 years of experience serving boards across Saudi Arabia's financial services, family business, and corporate sectors. As a former senior banker, private equity advisor, and audit committee chair, he understands governance from the inside—not as theory, but as the daily reality of board decision-making in complex organizations.
Bashar founded Paramount Value Consulting Group to provide Saudi organizations with governance advisory combining international standards expertise and authentic regional understanding. He leads all Mithaq360 client relationships, ensuring cultural sensitivity, strategic relevance, and practical implementation.
His expertise spans:
- •Saudi board governance and committee effectiveness
- •Capital Markets Authority (CMA) regulatory compliance
- •Tadawul listing requirements and governance standards
- •Family business succession and governance professionalization
- •Pre-IPO governance preparation and investor readiness
- •Vision 2030 alignment and contribution strategies
Bashar's unique value: He's the trusted peer who can speak candidly with Saudi board chairs and CEOs about governance challenges, while bringing world-class standards expertise to solve them.
Languages: Arabic, English
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Axel Kravatzky
Managing Partner, International Governance Standards Authority
Vice-Chair, ISO/TC309 | Convenor, ISO TC309/WG1 | Co-Author, ISO 37000
Dr. Kravatzky is one of the world's leading authorities on principles-based governance. As Vice-Chair of ISO/TC309 (Governance of Organizations) and convenor of the working group that created ISO 37000, he has shaped international governance standards used by organizations globally.
His 25 years of systemic governance advisory work spans emerging and developed markets, public and private sectors, family enterprises and multinationals. He brings deep expertise in:
- •ISO 37000 series design and implementation
- •Viable Systems Model (VSM) application
- •Purpose governance and stakeholder value creation
- •Governance effectiveness assessment and board development
- •Integration of multiple management system standards
- •Certification audit preparation and assurance readiness
Dr. Kravatzky's unique value: He doesn't interpret ISO standards—he wrote them. When he designs your governance framework or assesses your board effectiveness, you receive the most authoritative guidance possible.
Languages: German, English
Location: Munich, Germany (serving GCC through Mithaq360)
Tarek Kotb
Governance Strategy & Stakeholder Excellence Specialist
Former World Bank Consultant | LSE Alumnus | Senior OD Advisor
Tarek brings over 25 years of senior advisory experience to the boardroom, bridging the critical gap between structural governance and human behavior. A graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE), he has served as a Country Director and Senior Consultant for major international bodies, including the World Bank and the Near East Foundation. He has led complex institutional transformations and capacity-building programs across the Middle East and North America, ensuring global standards are adapted to local cultural contexts.
His approach to governance is deeply rooted in organizational culture and leadership psychology. As an accredited practitioner of Swiss-based experiential learning (Stucki) and Insights Discovery psychometrics, Tarek moves beyond theory to optimize board dynamics and executive synergy. He has successfully guided private sector conglomerates, banks, and public institutions through restructuring, ensuring that governance frameworks are supported by a resilient and aligned corporate culture.
His expertise spans:
- •Executive Leadership & Board Dynamics
- •Cultural Transformation & Change Management
- •Talent Management & Succession Planning
- •Stakeholder Engagement & Conflict Resolution
Tarek's unique value: His distinct advantage lies in his dual expertise: he combines the rigor of international development policy with the psychological insight of an executive coach. While many advisors focus solely on policy, Tarek specializes in the "human side" of governance—diagnosing the behavioral friction points in decision-making and aligning organizational culture with strategic vision to ensure long-term sustainability.
Languages: Arabic (Native), English (Fluent)
Our Principles
How We Work, What We Stand For
Standards-Anchored
We ground every engagement in ISO principles. Our governance frameworks follow ISO 37000. Our compliance systems meet ISO 37301/37001/37002 requirements. Our sustainability approaches align with biodiversity standards and SDG frameworks. This isn't compliance theater—it's genuine commitment to international best practice as the foundation for all advisory work.
Assurance-Ready
Everything we deliver is designed to pass audit. Board charters satisfy CMA requirements. Management systems pass certification on first attempt. Performance data supports external verification. We document to audit standards, create clear evidence trails, and ensure all work withstands scrutiny from regulators, investors, and certification bodies.
Purpose-Led
We believe organizations exist to create value for stakeholders, not just shareholders. Purpose provides the north star guiding governance decisions. We help organizations discover authentic purpose, embed it in governance systems, and measure whether decisions deliver on purpose commitments. This is governance for long-term value creation, not short-term compliance.
Human-Centered
Purpose emerges through dialogue, not algorithms. Governance succeeds through relationships, not software. Standards require interpretation by experienced professionals, not automated application. We invest in structured conversations, facilitated workshops, and capability development—because effective governance is fundamentally human work.
Culturally Grounded
International standards meet Saudi reality. We deliver services in Arabic and English. We respect family business dynamics, GCC stakeholder expectations, and regional business culture. We understand that governance excellence requires adapting international best practice to local context while maintaining standards rigor.
Practically Focused
We deliver systems organizations can actually implement and sustain. Theory serves practice, not vice versa. Every recommendation is actionable, prioritized, and designed for your organizational reality. We provide quick wins alongside long-term transformation, building momentum through visible success.
Continuously Improving
Governance isn't static—it evolves. Standards advance. Stakeholder expectations shift. Organizational capabilities develop. We design systems enabling continuous improvement, not one-time compliance. We support clients beyond initial implementation, ensuring sustained excellence.
Why Choose Mithaq360
What Makes Us Different
Standards Co-Authors, Not Standards Followers
Most consultancies teach ISO standards. We wrote them. This is the difference between studying governance and defining it. Your frameworks come from the source, ensuring authoritative interpretation and certification confidence.
Regional Presence, International Credibility
We're headquartered in Riyadh with deep Saudi market knowledge and GCC business relationships. We combine local presence with global expertise—board members from the Kingdom working alongside ISO standards co-authors. You get both cultural understanding and international credibility.
Integrated Systems, Not Fragmented Projects
We design unified governance architecture satisfying multiple ISO standards simultaneously—not disconnected management systems creating complexity. One integrated framework serves ISO 37000 governance, ISO 37301/37001/37002 compliance, ISO/IEC 42001 AI management, biodiversity standards, and SDG contribution efficiently.
25 Years Implementation Success
Standards provide principles. We provide methodology refined over 25 years across 30+ countries. We know what works in reality, what satisfies auditors, and how to implement governance frameworks that organizations can sustain.
Board-Level Advisory
We work with board chairs, audit committee chairs, and CEOs as trusted advisors—not junior consultants implementing templates. Our team has served on boards, led governance transformations, and advised at the highest organizational levels. We understand governance from the inside.
Assurance-Ready Everything
Every deliverable meets audit standards. We document comprehensively, create clear evidence trails, and ensure all work supports regulatory submissions, certification audits, and investor assurance. You never need to redo work because we didn't document properly.
Purpose and Performance
We integrate purpose with performance, stakeholder value with shareholder returns, long-term thinking with quarterly accountability. Governance isn't just compliance—it's the mechanism for creating sustainable value. We help you achieve both.
Vision 2030 Alignment
We explicitly connect governance systems to Saudi Arabia's transformation goals. Your purpose maps to Vision 2030. Your performance measurement tracks national contribution. Your governance demonstrates authentic commitment to economic diversification, sustainability, and social development.
Who We Serve
Our Clients
We work with organizations across Saudi Arabia and the GCC committed to governance excellence:
Family-Owned Businesses
Professionalizing governance while preserving family values and long-term vision. Navigating succession, board composition, and the transition from family management to institutional governance.
Pre-IPO Companies
Building investor-grade governance frameworks, achieving ISO certifications, and preparing boards for listing requirements. Demonstrating governance quality that attracts capital and satisfies underwriters.
Listed Companies
Upgrading governance to meet evolving CMA regulations, stock exchange requirements, and international investor expectations. Achieving comprehensive ISO certification portfolios demonstrating governance excellence.
Growth Companies
Scaling governance systems alongside business growth. Implementing integrated management systems efficiently. Building capability for handling increasing complexity while maintaining agility.
Sovereign and Development Entities
Aligning governance with Vision 2030 transformation goals, demonstrating SDG contribution, and meeting international development finance standards.
What Our Clients Share
They're committed to governance that holds under scrutiny. They want systems satisfying all stakeholders—regulators, investors, employees, communities, environment. They value international credibility combined with regional understanding. They invest in capability development, not just compliance documentation. And they see governance as competitive advantage, not bureaucratic burden.
If this describes your organization, we should talk.
Our Commitment
What You Can Expect
Confidentiality
All engagements are conducted with complete discretion. Board assessments are developmental, not punitive. Stakeholder consultations are confidential. We protect sensitive information and treat governance challenges with appropriate privacy.
Cultural Sensitivity
We respect Saudi business culture, family enterprise dynamics, and regional stakeholder expectations. We conduct dialogues in Arabic and English based on preference. We understand that effective governance requires adapting international standards to local reality.
Practical Guidance
You receive actionable recommendations, not academic theory. Clear roadmaps, not vague advice. Prioritized actions with quick wins and long-term strategic initiatives. Everything designed for your organizational reality, not generic best practice.
Ongoing Partnership
We support beyond initial implementation. Board advisory relationships. Certification maintenance. Continuous improvement support. We're invested in your long-term governance success, not one-time project fees.
Standards Excellence
Everything we deliver meets international best practice. ISO compliance. CMA regulatory requirements. Stock exchange listing standards. Audit-ready documentation. You can be confident our work satisfies the highest scrutiny.
Ready to Build Governance That Holds?
Whether you're preparing for IPO, responding to regulatory requirements, implementing Vision 2030 transformation, pursuing ISO certifications, or strengthening board effectiveness—we can help.
Our approach combines ISO standards co-authorship with regional expertise, structured human dialogue with assurance-ready documentation, international credibility with cultural sensitivity. We design governance systems that pass scrutiny, satisfy stakeholders, and create lasting value.
Next Steps:
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Discuss your governance challenges, regulatory context, and strategic priorities
Receive Tailored Recommendations
We'll explain which services and standards apply to your situation
Get a Customized Proposal
Detailed scope, deliverables, timeline, and investment within 48 hours
Email: bashar.kayyali@mithaq360.com.sa
Office: Al-Toukhi Tower, P.O. box 250057 Riyadh 11391, KSA
Website: mithaq360.com.sa