Pakistani scientist Dr. Mehmood Khan has been granted Saudi citizenship, joining a prestigious group of global professionals, as reported by Argaam.
Dr. Khan, who also holds American nationality, is the CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to treatments related to aging and extending access to life-enhancing therapeutics.
The Hevolution Foundation, based in Riyadh with a North American hub, has an annual budget of up to $1 billion, making it the second-largest funder in geroscience worldwide. Geroscience is the study of how aging processes contribute to chronic diseases.
Dr. Khan’s citizenship is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to attract top global talent to boost the country’s economic and social development.
A royal decree from November 2021 allows experts in science, medicine, culture, sports, and technology to apply for Saudi citizenship.
Educated at the University of Liverpool Medical School in England, Dr. Khan expressed pride in his Pakistani heritage despite growing up in England. He encouraged aspiring professionals to take risks and follow their passions.
Dr. Khan’s distinguished career includes roles as CEO of Life Biosciences Inc., vice chairman and chief scientific officer at PepsiCo, and president of global research and development at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. He also directed the diabetes, endocrine, and nutritional trials unit at the Mayo Clinic.
A fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the American College of Endocrinology, Dr. Khan chaired the US-Pakistan Business Council and served on the board of Reckitt Benckiser. He advises future leaders to reinvent themselves to stay relevant in their fields.