Dubai, 4th of May, 2009: Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD), the largest banking group in the Middle East in terms of assets, announced today, the promotion of 4 of its UAE National management members to take up key leadership position at the Group. Mr. Abdul Wahed Al Fahim, who has been the General Manager, Wholesale Banking, is promoted to Group Deputy CEO and remains in charge of Wholesale Banking activities of Emirates NBD Group, Mr. Jamal bin Ghalaita, who has been the General Manager, Consumer Banking and Wealth Management, is promoted to Group Deputy CEO and remains in charge of Consumer Banking and Wealth Management activities of Emirates NBD Group in addition to assuming responsibility for Group Marketing. Mr Sulaiman Al Mazroui remains General Manager, Group Corporate Communications reporting directly to the CEO. Mr. Abdullah Qassem, who has been the General Manager of IT, Operations and Administration, is promoted to Chief Operating Officer and remains in charge of IT, Operations and Administration of Emirates NBD Group. Mr. Suhail bin Tarraf, is promoted to General Manager, Human Resources.
H.E. Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman, Emirates NBD said: " As we approach the end of our integration process, and as part of Emirates NBD's efforts to give UAE Nationals the responsibilities of key leadership positions in the Group by availing their expertise and skills, it has been decided to promote 4 UAE National Management Members to play an even bigger role in leading Emirates NBD to achieve its objectives. We would like to take this opportunity to wish them the best in their new endeavors and we are confident that they will achieve more successes in their new roles."
Mr. Rick Pudner, CEO, Emirates NBD said:" With the dedication, commitment, skills and expertise of these leaders, I am confident that the group will tremendously benefit by ensuring a balanced growth in its profitability and maintaining excellence in managing its businesses. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them and wish them all the best."
Mr. Abdul Wahed Al Fahim has been with the Group since 1986. He joined the bank as a Trainee Officer upon completion of his studies in the United States of America. Mr. Abdul Wahed worked in various Branches prior to moving into a credit role. A career in credit was the beginning of his long and illustrious professional journey. His exceptional credit expertise provided him an opportunity to expand the asset base of the Bank and participate in leading it into new avenues of Banking from Factoring, Cash Management & other Corporate Banking services to the customer through ECTS and Trade Finance. Mr. Abdul Wahed's long standing, wise, and balanced management approach led to the emergence of Emirates NBD as the most dominant player in Wholesale Banking and with one of the largest market shares in UAE.
Mr. Jamal Bin Ghalaita joined the Group in 1990, immediately after the completion of his graduation in the United States of America. Mr. Ghalaita worked across various managerial domains in Banking, covering Corporate, Retail and Human Resources. He subsequently headed the Corporate Centre function consisting of Human Resources, Marketing, Administration and International. With the emergence of Emirates NBD, Mr. Ghalaita played a major role in the development of its Consumer Banking, Priority Banking, Asset Management and Wealth Management. He also lead the launch of Emirates Money as well as the Private Banking arm of Emirates NBD.
Mr. Abdulla Qassem has been with the Group since 1989, most recently as General Manager, IT, Operations and Administration. Over this period, Mr. Qassem has made exemplary contributions to the bank's growth, leading the crucial business enablers of IT and Operations. As member of the Executive Committee and board member of several of Emirates NBD's subsidiaries, he has pioneered the introduction of new technologies into the country's banking sector. And as Chairman of Network International, he shaped the creation of a regional leader and National champion in Card Processing and Merchant Acquiring, with a 65 % market share in the UAE, serving 42 institutions in the region and presence in 8 countries
Mr. Suhail Bin Tarraf, holds a Masters of Business Administration and Diploma in Business Leadership. A Chartered Psychologist; Mr. Tarraf is professionally accredited in various HR subsystems with International Associations. Having joined the Bank as a Trainee Officer; the foundation years provided him the opportunity to work at various front line positions; spending practical time in each of the facets of Human Resources. Over the years, he successfully worked in areas covering Reward; Employee Services; Resourcing and HR Projects. The strategic perspective and operational delivery in each of these roles was delivered with exceptional enthusiasm and perseverance.
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About Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is the biggest banking group in the Middle East by assets. At 31st December 2008, total assets were AED 282.4 billion and a combined market share of 20.5%.
The Group has a leading retail banking franchise in the UAE, with over 120 branches and over 650 ATMs. It is a major player in the UAE corporate banking arena, with a combined market share of almost a fifth of corporate loans. It also has strong Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management and brokerage operations.
The Group has operations in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Kingdom and Jersey (Channel Islands), and representative offices in India, Iran and Singapore.
For more information, please contact:
Ibrahim Sowaidan
04- 609 4113
050 653 8937
Ramy Lawand
04-201 2204
050 8420729
Claire Andrea
04-609 4143
© Press Release 2009


















