National Bank of Bahrain appoints Hend Mahmood as Group CHRO

In her new role, Mahmood brings over three decades of HR leadership experience across the banking, aviation, and public administration sectors. She most recently served at Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) as the Chief People Officer for over three years. 

Prior to joining BDB, she worked with the Bahrain Institute of Public Administration (BIPA), Airports Council International, Bahrain Airport Company, and Eskan Bank in leading HR roles. Welcoming her to the leadership team, NBB said, “Hend brings with her over 30 years of experience in human capital, organisational transformation, cultural transformation, and people development across Bahrain’s financial services and government-linked sectors.”

It added, “Throughout her career, she has led the HR function and agenda with a track record of exceptional results and internationally recognised engagement and performance programmes. In her most recent capacity, she led the People and Culture pillar at Bahrain Development Bank, and previously, she led the HR transformation of Bahrain Airport Company.” 

“Her appointment underscores NBB’s commitment to advancing a high-performance, people-first culture across the Group and driving long-term institutional growth through strategic human capital development,” the statement concluded. 

On the academic front, she holds an MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology from the University of Nottingham, a BSc in Business Administration & Management from the University of Bahrain, and a Professional Co-Active Coach certification from CTI in the United States. 

Before Mahmood, Maram Buallay had been handling the responsibilities as the Acting Group CHRO after Sarah Abdulaziz Jamal stepped down from the role in July 2025. Mahmood will likely take over full responsibilities of this role, and Buallay will continue serving as Head of HR Strategy & Planning, but an official communication regarding this transition is pending.