Article: Movements Round-Up: Leadership appointments in the Middle East's BFSI sector
About Us • Contact Us
People Matters
People Matters Logo
Login / Signup
People Matters Logo
Login / Signup
  • Current
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Research
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Webinars

© Copyright People Matters Media All Rights Reserved.

 

 

  • HotTopic
    HR Folk Talk
  • Strategy
    Leadership Csuite StrategicHR EmployeeRelations
  • Recruitment
    Employer Branding Appointments Recruitment
  • Performance
    Skilling PerformanceMgmt Compensation Benefits L&D Employee Engagement
  • Culture
    Culture Life@Work Diversity
  • Tech
    Technology HR Technology Funding & Investment Startups
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Feedback
  • Write For Us

Follow us:

Privacy Policy • Terms of Use

© Copyright People Matters Media All Rights Reserved.

People Matters Logo
  • Current
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Research
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Webinars
Login / Signup

Categories:

  • HotTopic
    HR Folk Talk
  • Strategy
    Leadership Csuite StrategicHR EmployeeRelations
  • Recruitment
    Employer Branding Appointments Recruitment
  • Performance
    Skilling PerformanceMgmt Compensation Benefits L&D Employee Engagement
  • Culture
    Culture Life@Work Diversity
  • Tech
    Technology HR Technology Funding & Investment Startups
Movements Round-Up: Leadership appointments in the Middle East's BFSI sector

Story • 9th Apr 2024 • 4 Min Read

Movements Round-Up: Leadership appointments in the Middle East's BFSI sector

LeadershipC-SuiteStrategic HRTalent Management#Movements#BusinessTransformation

Author: Anjum Khan Anjum Khan
933 Reads
These leadership appointments in the Middle East's BFSI sector since January 2024 aim to bolster the sector from within, with a key focus on talent management and regional development, aligning with GCC government's efforts for economic diversification.

The Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector in the Middle East is undergoing a rapid transition toward regional growth, driven by digitisation and sustainability efforts despite ongoing challenges. Particularly noteworthy is the GCC government's collaboration with banks and fintech companies to expand services into non-oil sectors, aiming for economic diversification and to mitigate geopolitical instability. This collaboration is poised for significant growth, and BFSI companies in the region are aligning their strategies and efforts accordingly, with leadership appointments being one of them. People Matters brings a curated list of all leadership appointments and movements in the BFSI sector since January 2024. 

#1 Mashreq: AlSalt Mohammed Al Kharusi as Country Head of Oman

In February 2024, Mashreq announced the appointment of AlSalt Mohammed Al Kharusi as the Country Head of Oman, tasked with spearheading the bank's expansion strategy, performance, and operations in Oman while ensuring compliance with local and international standards. Additionally, he will focus on enhancing client experiences, driving digital transformation, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation for the bank in the region. AlSalt brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He commented, “I look forward to contributing to the bank’s growth and success in Oman, leveraging my experience to enhance our services and create value for our clients and stakeholders. This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to Mashreq’s impressive legacy, and I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the bank’s continued growth and success in the region.”

#2 Bessemer Venture Partners: Ariel Sterman as a Partner

Although an investment and asset management company, BVP appointed BFSI leader Ariel Sterman as a Partner to lead its operations in Israel. Sterman also serves as an advisor on the board for several technology startups and as an investor for various software, HRTech, and small financial companies. With over two decades of BFSI industry experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He added, “It's been a career highlight for me to contribute to the growth of the Israeli economy and the tech ecosystem. Only recently have startups in Israel proven their ability to scale into independent, enduring businesses. We’re still in the early innings, and I’m grateful that Bessemer continues to be a major player here.”

#3 Gulf International Bank: Khaled Abbas as the CEO - KSA and Sara Abdulhadi as the CEO - Bahrain

In March 2024, GIB announced the appointment of Khaled Abbas as the CEO of Saudi Arabia, and Sara Abdulhadi as the CEO of Bahrain. Both leaders will spearhead the bank's operations in their respective countries, taking over responsibilities from Group CEO Abdulaziz Al-Helaissi, who has been handling these responsibilities since 2016. Khaled and Sara bring a wealth of industry experience to their new roles. Abdulaziz added, “The appointments of Khaled and Sara will further strengthen and diversify our leadership structure as we accelerate our growth to develop the full potential of our franchise. I am especially pleased that we have been able to fill two such critical roles with internal candidates. This is a testament to the depth of talent across the Group, as well as the exceptional performance and leadership demonstrated by Khaled and Sara. Both are ideally placed to lead our operations in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. I look forward to working with them in this new chapter for GIB and take great pride that we have the people and the culture to move forward with confidence.”

#4 Monroe Capital: Waleed Noor as MD and Head of Middle East

A global financial asset management company, Monroe Capital, has appointed industry leader Waleed Noor as the Managing Director and Head of the Middle East region. He will be based in Abu Dhabi in a new office setup to oversee operations and bolster the company’s market presence in the region. Ted Koenig, Chairman, and CEO of Monroe Capital, commented, “We look forward to our continued strategic growth and expansion in the Middle East. Over the last few years, we have seen more interest and appreciation of the Monroe platform and the private credit asset class from Middle East investors.”

#5 HDFC Bank: Bedour Al Dhamkhi as Head of HR in Kuwait

In March 2024, the leading bank, HDFC in Kuwait, announced the appointment of Bedour Al Dhamkhi as Head of HR, overseeing the bank’s local and regional people policies to strengthen the employee value proposition for new talent and experienced employees. Bedour brings a wealth of HR leadership. She added, “HSBC offers a unique employee value proposition that includes a focus on employee well-being through flexible working, international career opportunities, and a focus on future skills. I look forward to working with the leadership team and everyone in our business to support colleagues with career growth and make HSBC an employer of choice in Kuwait.”

You may also like:

  • Movements: HR Leaders appointed to transform Middle East workplaces
  • Top 10 women HR leaders driving inclusive workplaces in Middle East

#6 GTN Group: Damian Bunce as CEO in the Middle East

A leading financial services company, GTN, appointed Damian Bunce as the Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East region. Damian brings over three decades of industry leadership experience to his new role. He will be responsible for leading the company's strategic growth, fostering innovation, and collaborating with global networks across the region. He added, “I look forward to returning to mainstream B2B and working in a region that has gained global strategic importance for financial services. GTN has a strong leadership team, a market-leading regulated product, an enviable client list, and a high-quality board of investors; the future possibilities are limitless.”

Read More

Did you find this article helpful?


You Might Also Like

Rise of Women Leaders in the Middle East

STORY • 11th Mar 2025 • 6 Min Read

Rise of Women Leaders in the Middle East

LeadershipDiversity#PowerWomen#WomenofChange#DEIB#InternationalWomensDay
How women are redefining empathy in leadership

STORY • 8th Mar 2025 • 4 Min Read

How women are redefining empathy in leadership

Leadership#WomenofChange#DEIB#InternationalWomensDay#DayInFocus
CEO of 2025: A mix of Tech, Biz, People & Culture

STORY • 31st Jan 2025 • 4 Min Read

CEO of 2025: A mix of Tech, Biz, People & Culture

LeadershipBusiness#Movements#Artificial Intelligence#Outlook2025
NEXT STORY: Why must you think about these uncomfortable realities before leading HR transformation?

Trending Stories

  • design-thinking-hr

    Erwin Bamps rejoins Gulf Craft as Chief Executive Officer

  • design-thinking-hr

    Leading by example: How top organisations use HR Tech to sol...

  • design-thinking-hr

    Abu Dhabi’s DoH shuts down 4 healthcare facilities for sic...

  • design-thinking-hr

    Emirates to pay bonus worth nearly 40% of annual basic salar...

People Matters Logo

Follow us:

Join our mailing list:

By clicking “Subscribe” button above, you are accepting our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Company:

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Contact:

  • Contact Us
  • Feedback
  • Write For Us

© Copyright People Matters Media All Rights Reserved.

Get the latest News, Insights & Trends from the world of people and work. Subscribe now!
People Matters Logo

Welcome Back!

or

Enter your registered email address to login

Not a user yet? Lets get you signed up!

A 5 digit OTP has been sent to your email address.

This is so we know it's you. Haven't received it yet? Resend the email or then change your email ID.

People Matters Logo

Welcome! Let's get you signed up...

Starting with the absolulte basics.

Already a user? Go ahead and login!

A 5 digit OTP has been sent to your email address.

This is so we know it's you. Haven't received it yet? Resend the email or then change your email ID.

Let's get to know you better

Be assured your information is confidential with us and we'll never share it with third parties.

And lastly...

Your official designation and company name.