London/Dubai - Giles Cunningham has been appointed CEO of BLME Holdings plc with effect from 17thNovember 2016 subject to regulatory approval.
Giles Cunningham brings a breadth of experience across a broad range of wealth, corporate and international banking activities. His appointment at BLME continues a successful career following four years as CEO, International at Qatar Islamic Bank and at Lloyds Banking Group where he held various prominent positions including CEO, Middle East.
Adel Al Majed, Chairman of the Board of BLME Holdings plc said;
“Giles has been well known to BLME for several years. His experience, drive and proven track record of building banks made him the ideal candidate for this position.”
Giles Cunningham said;
“I am delighted to be joining BLME; it is a unique opportunity to lead a bank that has great potential. I look forward to working with the Board and the management team to return BLME to a period of sustainable growth.”
Giles Cunningham succeeds Jabra Ghandour who has chosen to step down as CEO for personal reasons. Jabra will remain a member of the Board of BLME Holdings plc and will focus on business development in the Middle East and building the BLME brand in the GCC region.
In addition, BLME has recently taken steps to strengthen the senior management team with Trevor Jones appointed as Chief Compliance Officer, a Chief Risk Officer and Chris Power, BLME’s Chief Financial Officer, appointed to the Board of BLME Holdings.
Adel Al Majed added;
“The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Jabra for his hard work and his commitment to the Bank since becoming CEO and in particular in guiding the Bank through its legacy issues. We look forward to continuing our work with him as he develops the Bank’s business in the Middle East.”
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Giles Cunningham Biography
Giles Cunningham joined BLME in October 2016 having previously served as Chief Executive Officer, International at Qatar Islamic Bank. Prior to that appointment Giles was Chief Executive Officer of The Zubair Corporation from 2008 until 2011. He started his career at Kleinwort Benson, the investment bank before moving to Lloyds TSB Bank where he spent 17 years. Giles held a number of senior roles with Lloyds, both in the UK and internationally. This included two years as Chief Financial Officer in Lloyds Bank, Brazil and three years as the Bank's Middle East Chief Executive Officer, based in Dubai. Most recently he was based in London and responsible for the Lloyds TSB International strategy and business.
Giles is a mathematics graduate, an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, holds an MBA and is an active Harvard Business School alumnus. He speaks fluent Portuguese.
About BLME
BLME is an independent wholesale Sharia’a compliant bank based in London and is a leading provider of finance to the UK mid-market. BLME received FSA authorisation in July 2007 and is the largest of its peers in Europe. BLME is led by a management team that brings together a combination of experienced international bankers and leading experts in Islamic finance, BLME has three key business areas; Wealth Management, Corporate Banking and Treasury providing a wide range of financing solutions and investment opportunities.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Arnold
Head of Marketing & Communications
BLME, London
T: +44 (0)207 618 0078
M: +44 (0)741 234 5844E: Michelle.Arnold@BLME.com
© Press Release 2016
