Peter Kelly steps down as Group HR leader at National Bank of Kuwait

Peter Kelly has stepped down from his role as Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of Group Human Resources at the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), citing concerns over the current uncertainty in the region.

Kelly, who joined NBK in 2024, announced his departure in a LinkedIn post, saying the decision was driven by his family's relocation.

"With the current unpredictability of the situation in the country, I have decided to relocate my family, and as a consequence will relinquish my Group HR leadership position at The National Bank of Kuwait."

Reflecting on his tenure, Kelly described NBK as a benchmark for people management and leadership.

"NBK is a fantastic organisation, and a role model for how Banking, Business, and Development of Human Resources should be done - not just in the region, but truly, internationally."

He added that his time at the bank had been one of the defining moments of his career.

"I regard working with everyone there as a career highlight, and I know that their resilient, aspirational, and inspirational 'ever-forward' path will sturdily carry them and Kuwait through current tribulations, and on into the future that they have so significant a hand in creating for Kuwait."

Kelly also shared a tribute from a colleague, highlighting the impact of his leadership. "Some leaders leave a lasting impression not because of their title, but because of the way they treat people. Grateful to have crossed paths with someone as professional, dedicated, and genuine as Peter Kelly. Thank you for believing in me, recognising my talent, and leading us with integrity. I've learned a great deal from a true gentleman who saw me and inspired me to be a better person everyday."

As Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of Group Human Resources, Kelly led the continued development of NBK's HR function, focusing on strengthening organisational capability, enabling business growth, and mentoring HR teams to support the bank's long-term strategy.

Kelly brings more than three decades of global HR leadership experience across banking, financial services, oil and gas, telecommunications, retail, FMCG, EPC, marine, and the public sector. Before joining NBK, he served as Executive VP and Head of HR at Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz), where he helped shape the organisation's HR strategy and organisational effectiveness.

Earlier in his career, he worked as an independent consultant and in association with Ernst & Young, leading large-scale transformation initiatives spanning the full human resources lifecycle.

A Chartered Fellow of the UK's Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Kelly holds a master's degree in Human Resources and is qualified in psychometric testing and assessment. His international career has taken him across the UK, Ireland, the Middle East and Asia, where he has led transformation programmes and advised organisations on culture, leadership and talent strategy.

Widely recognised as a keynote speaker and conference chair, Kelly has addressed regional HR forums on topics including organisational culture, digital transformation, diversity and inclusion, the future of work, and the evolving role of chief human resources officers.