Khaleeji Bank appoints Abdulkarim Mohamed Alzakari as Acting CEO

Khaleeji Bank has announced the appointment of Abdulkarim Mohamed Alzakari as Acting Chief Executive Officer, signalling the board’s confidence in his leadership and reinforcing the bank’s focus on continuity and growth.

The decision, approved by the Board of Directors, comes as part of the bank’s broader strategy to sustain institutional performance while advancing its long-term development agenda.

Alzakari brings nearly two decades of experience in the banking sector, with deep expertise in risk management, finance, and credit within Islamic banking. Since joining Khaleeji Bank in 2020, he has held several senior leadership roles, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer. 

In that role, he led key financial decisions, strengthened resource management, and contributed to improved profitability while maintaining financial stability.

His leadership has also extended across critical functions including human resources, business development, and strategy. Earlier, as Chief Risk Officer, he played a central role in enhancing governance frameworks and strengthening the bank’s risk management capabilities.

Commenting on the appointment, Chairman Yousif Abdulla Taqi said, "We are confident in Mr Abdulkarim Mohamed Alzakari’s ability to lead the Bank in the next phase, given his extensive banking experience, clear strategic vision, and strong track record of achievements within the Bank. He has played a prominent role in strengthening the Bank’s risk management framework and enhancing institutional performance, and we are confident that his leadership will support the continued achievement of the Bank’s objectives and further strengthen its position in the banking sector."

Alzakari also commented, "I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Board for their trust, and I look forward to working with the Khaleeji Bank team to build on the Bank’s achievements and drive its journey towards broader horizons of growth and innovation. We will continue to focus on enhancing operational efficiency and developing our services and products to meet our customers’ aspirations and keep pace with the rapidly evolving banking landscape."

On the academic front, Alzakari holds an MBA from London Business School and a bachelor’s degree in Financial Risk Management and Investment from Cass Business School. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a certified Professional Risk Manager (PRM). 

Alzakari succeeds Sattam Algosaibi who stepped down from the role on March 31, 2026.  

Khaleeji Bank said the appointment aligns with its strategy to strengthen institutional stability by leveraging experienced national talent. The bank continues to position itself as a leading Islamic financial institution in Bahrain, offering Sharia-compliant services alongside initiatives supporting education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.