Gulf International Bank elevates Nawaf Kably to Group CHRO

Pan-GCC universal lender Gulf International Bank has elevated Nawaf Kably to the role of Group Chief Human Resources Officer, marking the latest step in a human resources career that has spanned nearly three decades across banking, telecommunications and aerospace sectors.

Kably announced the promotion on LinkedIn, updating his designation to Group CHRO effective June 2026. In his new role, he will lead the human resources function across the entire GIB Group, overseeing workforce strategy, talent management, leadership development and organizational culture across the bank’s regional operations.

The appointment comes after nearly 15 years with GIB, where Kably has held a series of senior HR leadership positions. Most recently, he served as Chief Human Resources Officer, leading HR transformation initiatives aimed at strengthening employee engagement, talent management and performance-driven culture across the organisation.

Prior to becoming CHRO, Kably served as Head of HR for Saudi Arabia, overseeing HR operations for more than 700 employees across the Kingdom. His responsibilities included recruitment, learning and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, performance management and workforce planning.

Kably first joined GIB in 2011 as Vice President and Group Head of Recruitment and HR Operations, managing recruitment and manpower planning across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, while also overseeing HR operations in Bahrain and the Emirates.

Beyond his executive responsibilities, Kably also serves as Secretary of Gulf International Bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee and is a non-executive member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee at GIB Capital.

Before joining the banking sector, Kably held senior talent acquisition and HR roles at Integrated Telecom Company and spent more than 13 years with BAE Systems, where he progressed through multiple HR leadership positions.

His academic and executive education credentials include programs at Harvard Business School, University of Michigan Ross School of Business and London Business School, alongside a postgraduate diploma in HR Development and Performance Management from University of Leicester. He is also a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

The promotion underscores GIB's focus on leadership continuity and talent development as the institution continues to expand its regional footprint and strengthen its people strategy across GCC markets.