Q&A: Eva Mattheeussen’s Insights about Saudi ‘s Female Talent Shift | MEA HR Head & Global Project Lead Women at DHL Global Forwarding
Journalism: Dr. Mahmoud Mansi
Eva Mattheeussen (LinkedIn) is the Head of HR for DHL Global Forwarding in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, overseeing HR operations across 24 countries. With a Master’s degree from Antwerp University and over 15 years of global HR experience spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Eva joined DHL in 2005 and has held roles in recruitment, HR business partnering, and leadership. As a member of the MEA Senior Management team, Eva focuses on developing HR functions, fostering a motivated workforce, and leading Talent Management and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, particularly Women@DHL. Her role involves driving HR strategies, designing actionable programs, and coaching employees to achieve effective solutions. Eva was one of the speakers at the Talent World that took place in Riyadh on December 2024, where Women of Saudi Arabia Magazine was a proud media partner.

Women of Saudi Arabia: Since you were a Speaker at the Talent World Summit during December 2024 in Riyadh?
Eva Mattheeussen: I discussed AI and how it can bridge knowledge gaps and create equal opportunities in the workplace, with a strong focus on the logistics sector.
Women of Saudi Arabia: From your personal perspective, how do you see the female Talent Market shifting in Saudi Arabia?
Eva Mattheeussen: Until 2007, women were not allowed to work. Later, in 2014/2015, women began entering the workplace, receiving significant encouragement. Female employment boomed and gained further momentum with the announcement of Vision 2030, marking a key turning point. There has been a strong focus on women in leadership, starting in the government, exemplified by Reema Bandar Al Saud becoming the first female ambassador for Saudi Arabia in the USA in 2019. More female talents have graduated, and at DHL Global Forwarding, approximately 30% of our staff are women, with 70% localization. Additionally, around 50% of the graduates from our partner, the Saudi Logistics Academy, are women. They have a reputation for being hardworking and driven, motivated by a strong desire to prove themselves.
Women of Saudi Arabia: What could be the challenges facing female fresh graduates?
Eva Mattheeussen: I would say that the challenges faced by fresh graduates are not specific to gender. If we consider their starting journey, school provides a strong comfort zone and a protected environment. Now, they are expected to fulfil objectives and perform in the workplace. The journey towards independence starts quite late for graduates.
Women of Saudi Arabia: What about Saudi women who are having roles in mid and top management, what could be the challenges they are facing during this transformation?
Eva Mattheeussen: Male colleagues may find it challenging to navigate working with women, partly due to separate education systems. They need to be cautious and learn how to handle confrontation and the complexities of decision-making. I recommend the book “How Women Rise” by Sally Helgesen, which provides a good overview of the habits that can hold women back from their next raise or promotion.
Women of Saudi Arabia: What could organizations do on a micro and macro level to adjust with the talent shift in Saudi Arabian talent management market?
Eva Mattheeussen: As an organization, we support our employees with various internal programs that equip them with the right tools to be successful in their roles (please see the attached framework for more details from an organizational level.) Since 2019, we have been organizing our Women in Leadership program across different business units and geographic locations, with the most recent session held last month in Riyadh.
Women of Saudi Arabia: If you would like to share case studies or practices from your organization or personal experience regarding women empowerment?
Eva Mattheeussen: One good practice is our Women @ DHL Global Forwarding Circles. This platform aims to equip women interested in giving back by hosting local learning circles on topics of interest. The goal is to further develop local colleagues and expand the project’s scope.
Women of Saudi Arabia: Speaking about transformation, the Kingdom has witnessed a great cultural and arts leap. We are curious to know who is your favorite female Saudi icon?
Eva Mattheeussen: First Female Race car driver Reema Juffali.