Founders
Mazen Selim Hakki
Co-Founder & CEO – SAAF Development / SAAF Contracting
After earning a PhD in Civil Engineering and an MBA from Paris universities, Mazen Hakki began his career managing turnkey hospital projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia (1980–1986).
In 1986, he founded multiple construction firms in Saudi Arabia specialising in high-end buildings, hospitality, retail, and banking projects.
Since 2012, he has served as CEO of Saaf Contracting, delivering landmark projects in healthcare, museums, commercial centres, and financial institutions.
Honours & Elected Positions:
✦ Knight of the French National Order of Merit (Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite, 2012)
✦ Elected Consular Councillor, Jeddah–Sanaa District (2014–2021)
✦ Member of the Assembly of French Citizens Abroad (2018–2021)
✦ President of the Saudi–French Business Club of Jeddah (under the French Consulate, 2024–present)
François Ganneau
Co-Founder – SAAF Development
François Ganneau is a senior executive with nearly 20 years of experience driving growth, transformation, and innovation across the Smart City, Mobility, and Energy sectors. Having spent the last decade in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, he has led regional operations, structured high-value partnerships, and advised governments and private investors on strategic initiatives.
His background spans both corporate leadership and early-stage investment, with a strong emphasis on Sustainability and ESG. François holds an M.Sc. from MIT.
A sports and nature enthusiast, he is deeply committed to supporting international companies entering the Middle East and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious giga-projects.