British Arab Commercial Bank (BACB), the international London-based bank dedicated to specialist markets, has appointed Dr Yousef Abdullah Al Awadi KBE to head its Board of Directors.
Dr Al Awadi will take over from the outgoing Chairman Michael Stevenson, who is retiring from BACB after four years of dedicated service as Chairman of the Board. Dr Al Awadi will provide strategic direction, leadership and oversight as the bank continues to grow and strengthen its business in core markets
Dr Al Awadi brings to the role a wealth of experience in UK-Arab banking and international finance, having served as Chief General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait’s Gulf Bank as well as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kuwait Investment Office in London. Dr Al Awadi is currently Chairman of Bank ABC Egypt and an Independent Director of Fidelity Funds, Luxembourg. Previously he was an Independent Director of Bank ABC Group, Bahrain and ABC International Bank plc, London. Dr Al Awadi formerly served as a member of the International Advisory Board of Goldman Sachs and the Higher Planning Council in Kuwait and has been an active figure in numerous governmental bodies, private sector companies and professional associations around the world. In January 2005 Dr Al Awadi was awarded the Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire KBE.
“Dr Al Awadi is a proven leader and senior banker with a deep understanding of BACB’s core markets,” comments BACB CEO Eddie Norton. “As BACB delivers trade finance and investment expertise to our clients, the Board will continue to be a crucial source of knowledge and guidance for the Bank’s leadership team. We are delighted to have Dr Al Awadi in this vital position and I look forward to working together. On behalf of BACB, I would also like to thank Michael Stevenson for his leadership and commitment throughout his time on the Board of BACB.”
Based in London and regulated in the UK, BACB prides itself on a proven track record of excellence. The Bank’s strong relationship-banking approach and deep product and region expertise make it the partner of choice in financing trade flows to and from Africa and the Middle East.