Dubai, October 1, 2009: R Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank has been conferred with the Bharat Shiromani Award for his outstanding achievement in Banking. The award was present by the Governor of Orissa H.E M.C. Bhandare during the 30th Series of the Bharat Shiromani Awards for the year 2008- 2009 on September 30, 2009 at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi, India.  Mr. Seetharaman was recognized and honored for his contribution towards Indo Arab Trade Investment Banking, as a philanthropist and dignified citizen of India.

Other recipients of this prestigious award also include Indian cinema actress turned politician, Member of Parliament, Jaya Prada, Cricketer and Member of Parliament, Mohammed Azharuddin.

Mr. Seetharaman is one of the most respected and experienced bankers in the Middle-East. Mr. R Seetharaman is credited to change the fortunes of Doha Bank as the best performing bank in the region. A banker par excellence and a highly sought after economist, Mr. Seetharaman was conferred "The Phenomenal Banker Achievers Excellence Award" in April 2009 , selected as the 'Banker of the year' in 2007 and also conferred the 'Best CEO in Middle-East Banking Industry" title in 2008, alongside many prestigious awards for his pioneering contribution to the world of banking. 

Mr. Seetharaman, a Chartered Accountant by qualification, has more than two decades of experience in banking, information technology and consultancy.  Mr. Seetharaman is accredited with transforming Doha Bank as the best performing bank in the region and sustaining the position over the last 6 years.   During his stewardship since he took over the management, the bank has become an extremely vibrant entity with sustainable performance.  Mr. Seetharaman is also very active in promoting the economic cooperation between Qatar and India.  He has taken strong initiatives towards showcasing India as an attractive investment destination.

Mr. Seetharaman was conferred "The Phenomenal Banker Achievers Excellence Award" in April 2009. He was also conferred with "Gullands Excellence Award 2008 for Excellence in Banking" by the UK Chapter of NRI Institute World-wide and "Brand Leadership Award" during the 17th Asia Brand Congress both in the month of September 2008, "Best CEO in Middle East Banking Industry 2008" conferred by Honourable Dominique de Villepin, Former Prime Minister of France, during the 5th Leading CEO Summit in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Banking industry in the Middle East, in March 2008, "Certificate of Appreciation" from the USA-Commercial Services attached to USA Government - Commerce Ministry in November 2007 for his tireless efforts and outstanding creativity in promoting US-Qatari trade and financial ties, "Banker of the Year" at the 2007 Banker Middle East Industry awards in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Banking industry in the Middle East in May 2007 and "Arab Asian Banker Excellence Award - 2006" at the Annual Arab Asian Forum in Singapore in September 2006. 

Mr. Seetharaman is highly committed towards social causes such as environmental protection. He has organized a series of environmental seminars across the globe on "Global warming and Climatic challenges" creating awareness about the subject and the steps every corporate and individuals in society needs to take to conserve the ecological balances. These efforts have been very well appreciated by society, corporate houses and government dignitaries.

Mr. Seetharaman is also one of the most sought after Economist in the GCC region.  On a regular basis, he is called on by CNBC, BBC World, Reuters, Forbes, Dow Jones, Bloomberg etc., and host of regional media channels for sharing his opinion and for seeking his expert comments on recent developments and issues in economics, banking, environment etc.

In fact Mr. Seetharaman is one of the role model to all fellow Indians and has contributed significantly in enhancing the profile of India at the global stage.

-Ends-

About Doha Bank
Doha Bank is the largest private commercial bank in the State of Qatar. It was incorporated in 1978 and commenced its banking business (including its International Banking services) in Doha, Qatar on March 15, 1979.

As one of Qatar's leading financial services company, Doha Bank is committed to making banking work for customers and clients like it never has before. Through innovative technologies and the ingenuity of its people, Doha Bank provides individuals and commercial, corporate and institutional clients across Qatar and even internationally, new and better ways to manage their financial lives. The company enables customers to do their banking and investing whenever, wherever and however they choose through an extensive network, and multiple access channels.

The Dubai branch of Doha Bank was opened in 2008.

For further information, please contact:
Ms Tasneem Raza
Watermelon PR
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971-4-2833655
Email: tasneem@watermelonme.com

© Press Release 2009