AlRayan Bank appointed Usman Ahmed as group chief executive after receiving Qatar Central Bank approval. The bank said Fahad Al Khalifa concluded his tenure on 30 September and moved to an advisory role with the chairman. Omar Al Emadi became acting group chief executive from 1 October. Ahmed will assume the position after completing the required joining formalities.
Ahmed has more than 30 years of banking experience across the Middle East, Asia and Europe. He previously served as group chief executive of National Bank of Bahrain. His earlier Citigroup roles included leading operations in Malaysia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. He also served as global head of Citi Islamic Banking.
AN INTERIM APPOINTMENT COVERS THE HANDOVER
Al Emadi will combine the acting chief executive role with his existing position as group chief operations and administration officer. The acting arrangement runs until the new group chief executive formally takes up his duties. AlRayan did not provide a precise date for Ahmed to take office.
Chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani thanked Al Khalifa and said the board looked forward to drawing on his experience in his new advisory role. The chairman said the board was confident Ahmed's experience and track record qualified him to lead the bank and continue implementing its strategic priorities.
EXPERIENCE SPANS COMMERCIAL AND ISLAMIC BANKING
Ahmed’s record covers corporate and investment banking, capital markets, commercial and consumer banking, Islamic finance and strategic transformation.
The next milestone will be confirmation that Ahmed has completed his joining formalities and formally assumed office. Until then, Al Emadi remains acting group chief executive while retaining his operating role.