Gulf International Bank (GIB) has unveiled new leadership appointments for its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Khaled Abbas, who has served as the Group Wholesale Banking Head, steps into the role of CEO for GIB Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Sara Abdulhadi, the Group Chief Investment and Treasury Officer, has been named CEO for GIB in Bahrain. These pivotal appointments, effective from 3 March 2024, mark a significant milestone in GIB’s commitment to leadership excellence and operational growth in the region.
Abdulaziz Al-Helaissi, the Group CEO of GIB, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, highlighting them as a reinforcement and diversification of the bank’s leadership structure. This strategic decision aims to accelerate GIB’s growth and unlock the full potential of its franchise across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Al-Helaissi praised the exceptional performance and leadership qualities of both Khaled Abbas and Sara Abdulhadi, emphasizing that their internal promotion reflects the depth of talent within the bank and GIB’s confidence in its people and culture to drive forward its mission.
Khaled Abbas joined GIB in October 2018, initially as the UAE Country Head, leading the bank’s operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. His promotion to Group Wholesale Banking Head in 2019 expanded his responsibilities across GIB’s wholesale banking business, not only in the Gulf but also in strategic locations such as London and New York. Abbas boasts an impressive educational background, with degrees and professional development programs from the Lebanese American University, INSEAD, Darden Business School at the University of Virginia, and Harvard.
Sara Abdulhadi came on board at GIB in November 2019, overseeing the bank’s Treasury and Investment activities across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE. Abdulhadi’s educational credentials include a BSC in Accounting from King Saud University and an MSC in Investment Management from Bayes Business School, City University, London, complemented by the AMP from Harvard.
Abdulaziz Al-Helaissi, who previously held both CEO positions, will continue to lead GIB at the group level, focusing on delivering the bank’s strategic vision and overseeing its expansion in regional and international markets. The appointments of Abbas and Abdulhadi are a testament to GIB’s dedication to nurturing internal talent and ensuring robust leadership to guide the bank through its next phase of growth and innovation.
