National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has launched four new cohorts of its Middle Management Program as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen human capital and develop banking leaders equipped to navigate a rapidly changing industry.
The programme is designed for employees moving from supervisory positions into senior management roles, providing them with leadership capabilities to manage teams, make strategic decisions and contribute to organisational performance.
The latest cohorts come at a time when the role of middle managers is being reshaped globally. While middle managers remain critical to translating organisational strategy into day-to-day execution, the layer is also facing growing pressure as companies reassess organisational structures, streamline costs and introduce AI-driven ways of working.
The trend has been particularly visible across the technology sector, where several major companies have reduced management layers or cut middle-management roles as they seek to operate with leaner structures. This has increased the focus on the value middle managers bring through people leadership, coaching, communication and execution.
Against this backdrop, NBK’s programme places emphasis on developing managers who can lead teams while adapting to technological and workplace changes.
Since its launch in 2016, the Middle Management Program has graduated more than 800 middle managers through 40 cohorts across various departments within the NBK Group. The bank said the programme has recorded high satisfaction rates, reflecting the quality of its training content and its impact on leadership development.
The 2026 version of the programme has been significantly updated to reflect emerging global practices in leadership development. New modules cover digital leadership and artificial intelligence applications, with a focus on integrating technology with leadership capabilities while building awareness of related regulatory, ethical and risk-management considerations.
The programme also includes updated content on innovation and creativity in leadership, time and stress management, mentoring and coaching. These areas are intended to help managers improve team performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
NBK is delivering the programme in partnership with Euromoney through a training approach combining interactive learning with practical application. Participants take part in strategic exercises, individual and group activities, personal assessments and case studies, allowing them to apply newly acquired skills directly in the workplace.
The four new cohorts are expected to include around 100 participants from different groups and international locations across the bank. The participants will attend four training sessions scheduled throughout the year.
Najla Al-Sager, SVP – Head of Talent Management and Learning at NBK, said the programme remains a key part of the bank’s leadership development strategy.
“The Middle Management Program is a cornerstone of our leadership development strategy, through which we empower managers at all levels of experience to acquire the competencies and skills necessary to lead high-performing teams, achieve operational excellence, and foster a culture of innovation across the Bank,” Al-Sager said.
“Through this program, we are committed to combining strategic learning with practical application, ensuring that our staff are equipped with the mindset and tools to keep pace with the demands of the evolving work environment and contribute effectively to the Bank’s growth and long-term success,” she added.
Al-Sager also highlighted NBK’s broader focus on training and development, saying investment in human capital remains a key strategic pillar for sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.
The bank said it has positioned itself as a major private-sector employer for national talent, with programmes focused on attracting, developing and upskilling professionals. It also highlighted its employee retention rates and its position as one of the largest employers of national professionals in Kuwait’s private sector.