King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) selects Anaplan’s scenario planning and analysis platform  

Saudi leader in higher education and research leverages the Anaplan platform to drive financial digital transformation

MIAMI, FL - Anaplan, the leading scenario planning and analysis platform for enterprise decision-making, today announced that King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia’s leading science and technology research university, has selected Anaplan to modernize its financial planning and forecasting processes. The initiative will support KAUST’s strategic vision by enabling more agile, transparent, and data-informed decision-making.

As part of its commitment to operational excellence and innovation, KAUST sought a solution to streamline financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes while ensuring seamless alignment across departments. After an extensive evaluation, KAUST selected Anaplan for its proven ability to integrate financial data, optimize resource allocation, and provide real-time scenario modeling to better manage uncertainty. 

"KAUST is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance our financial planning and operational efficiencies," said Richard J Sobieray, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at KAUST. "Anaplan’s powerful enterprise platform, combined with the expertise and partnership of Tru Consulting, will enable us to transition to a dynamic and collaborative planning environment, enhancing our finance performance to support our long-term strategic goals."

By adopting Anaplan, KAUST is investing in a flexible foundation that not only improves financial agility but also drives smarter, faster decisions in a dynamic academic environment. Key benefits of the platform to include:

• Real-time forecasting capabilities to inform strategic decisions
• Enhanced collaboration between finance and operational stakeholders
• Scalable architecture to support long-term institutional growth

"We are thrilled to support KAUST in their journey toward financial transformation," said Andrew Haas, Regional Vice President Middle East and Africa at Anaplan. "Anaplan’s advanced planning capabilities will enable KAUST to improve financial agility and enhance data-driven decision-making, aligning with their mission of pioneering innovation."

The implementation will be led in collaboration with Tru Consulting, which has extensive experience working with leading higher education institutions to ensure a smooth and effective transition. This initiative reinforces KAUST’s commitment to adopting innovative technologies that enhance institutional effectiveness and support its research and educational excellence.

"As KAUST transforms its financial operations, we're eager to apply our expertise in higher education finance and utilize Anaplan’s scenario planning and analysis platform to ensure seamless adoption and maximum value realization," said Mela Fezzy, CEO at Tru Consulting. "Anaplan’s capabilities will provide KAUST with a forward-looking, data-driven planning approach that aligns perfectly with their strategic vision." 

About Kaust

KAUST, Saudi Arabia’s leading science and technology research university, unites the best minds in a culture of invention, providing a catalyst for the discoveries, innovations, and technologies that will shape tomorrow for the good of KSA and the world. KAUST is on a journey to create a new model of university for the 21st century, based on global partnerships, research, and invention. KAUST attracts and offers unique opportunities to world-leading academic and research talent truly allowing them to innovate.

KAUST plays an active role in accelerating impact and innovation in the areas of Health and Wellness, Energy and Industrial Leadership, Sustainable Environment and Supply of Essential Needs and Economies of the Future under Vision 2030 and the Research, Development, and Innovation Ecosystem (RDI).

About Anaplan

Anaplan is the only scenario planning and analysis platform designed to optimize decision-making in today’s complex business environment so that enterprises can outpace their competition and the market. By building connections and collaboration across organizational silos, our platform intelligently surfaces key insights — so businesses can make the right decisions, right now.​

More than 2,500 of the world’s best brands continually optimize their decision-making by planning with Anaplan. To learn more, visit www.anaplan.com.