Moody's Opens Riyadh Headquarters, Eyes Middle East Growth With New GM
Moody's Corporation has established a regional headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and appointed Mahmoud Totonji as general manager to oversee local operations. The Riyadh hub aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 capital-market reforms and will expand Moody's data-analytics footprint, diversifying its revenue base beyond Western markets.
1. Riyadh Headquarters Establishment
Moody's has launched a regional headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its commitment to the Middle East. The office will serve as a central point for coordinating credit analysis, data services and client support across Gulf Cooperation Council markets.
2. Leadership Appointment
Mahmoud Totonji was appointed general manager to lead the Riyadh hub. He will oversee local operations, client engagement and regulatory liaison as the company scales its on-the-ground presence.
3. Strategic Rationale and Vision 2030
The Riyadh headquarters aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 market reforms driven by rapid capital market growth. A local base will deepen Moody's ties with regulators, financial institutions and corporate issuers, while accelerating access to regional intelligence.
4. Global Expansion and Diversification
This expansion follows a series of global moves including an August 2025 majority stake increase in Middle East Rating & Investors Service, a June 2025 acquisition of ICR Chile, a 2024 takeover of Global Credit Rating Company and a 2023 purchase of SCRiesgo. These steps have broadened Moody's reach across Africa, Latin America and Central America, diversifying its revenue mix.