Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11th September 2011: Mashreq, one of the UAE's leading financial institutions announced the appointment of Julio de Quesada as the new Head of the Corporate and Investment Banking Group.

With over 33 years experience in the banking and financial industry globally, de Quesada held numerous senior positions with Citigroup in various countries.  He was the CEO of Citibank in Pakistan and Mexico and headed the Wholesale Bank (Corporate, Investment Bank & Treasury) for Banamex, the largest financial group in Mexico after it was acquired by Citigroup in 2001.  He has been a Board member of various groups including Banamex, its insurance and pension fund companies.

His Excellency Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO of Mashreq said, "I would like to welcome Julio to Mashreq and emphasize on the factor that it's critical for organizations to identify skilled individuals.  Julio's extensive years in the banking and financial industry will definitely add value and assist in achieving the short and long term objectives of our Corporate Investment Banking Group.".

Upon his departure from Citigroup in early 2009, de Quesada became a Senior Advisor to the Chairman of Bank Al Jazira, a fully Sharia'h Compliant bank, in Saudi Arabia, a country not unfamiliar to him since he had worked there for a number of years for SAMBA in the 1980's.   He was heading Bank Al Jazira's Institutional Banking Group before joining Mashreq Bank.

Julio de Quesada commented on his appointment, "I am delighted to join a reputable organization such as Mashreq, which is known for its solid history in the region.  The next period will witness an on-going development of the corporate business focusing on achieving various goals and accommodating market requirements.  I certainly look forward to implement my extended experience and be part of an enthusiastic team."

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About Mashreq:
Mashreq is one of the UAE's leading financial institutions. Founded in 1967 as Bank of Oman, the bank has played a pioneering role in the industry, particularly in retail banking. Among its many firsts, it was the first to launch such products as travelers' cheques, credit cards and ATMs.

Mashreq has received numerous international awards such as the Best Bank in the UAE in 2008 from Euro money and various awards particularly for quality management. It's most recent acknowledgement was Best Consumer Internet Bank in Qatar 2009 & 2010, Best Consumer Internet Bank regionally by Global Finance Awards 2009 and Best Emerging Market Banks Middle East  by Global Finance Awards 2010.

As a leading financial Institution in the UAE Mashreq aims to be world class in every facet of its business, including its social responsibility to the community it serves. Towards this goal the bank pays particular attention to recruiting, training, developing and retaining UAE National employees.

© Press Release 2011