Where strategic leadership and innovation are critical in the banking sector, there are not a lot of leaders who stand out like Ahmed Abdelaal in the Middle East. Ahmed has proven to be an influential figure in the industry, owing to his exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to delivering excellence. His outstanding career spans over 30 years and across numerous organisations, where he has demonstrated through hard work, steady cooperation and commitment that digital innovation in the banking sector is possible.
Ahmed has refined his expertise and exhibited amazing leadership abilities over the course of his career. He has served in significant roles at highly esteemed institutions, including 4 years as an Assistant Manager in Corporate Banking at American Express, Middle East and North Africa, and over a decade at HSBC, where he established his abilities as a Senior Manager and then rose to higher positions . Currently at Mashreq for the last 5 years, Ahmed serves as a powerhouse of change, contributing extensively to the bank's tremendous growth.
Ahmed's career in banking demonstrates his impressive management abilities. Recognising his ability and capacity for leadership, when he was eventually entrusted with the role of the Group Chief Executive Officer at Mashreq, he took over from Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair and emerged as the first non-Ghurair family member to lead the bank. Ahmed has created a new precedent for the bank and the industry as a whole by breaking down boundaries and challenging traditional norms. His rise through the ranks is evidence of his unwavering dedication and ability to attain results even in the most difficult conditions.
Apart from his extensive experience, Ahmed's impressive academic background also contributes to his expertise and leadership abilities. He graduated from Harvard Business School, where he refined his skills and gained crucial insights into the fields of business and finance. He additionally holds an MBA from the London Business School, which further reiterates his competence in the discipline. He also has a BA in Economics and Political Sciences from Cairo University in Egypt. His educational accomplishments, paired with practical experience, establish him as a well-rounded and proficient leader.
“Digitalisation is not a differentiating factor, but a hygiene factor that we all need to have.” Ahmed is at the forefront of spearheading revolution in the banking sector as a keen advocate for change and innovation. He is convinced that digitalisation not only has a distinguishing function, but additionally has an environmental component that every bank should implement. Through his career, his persistent belief in the power of technology has inspired him to push the boundaries for innovation. Ahmed acknowledges the value of digital platforms in expanding banking and offering a better customer experience. He seeks to revolutionise banking services by embracing transformation of technology and digitisation, ultimately delivering clients customised and unique experiences.
Ahmed Abdeelal envisions a future where banking embraces technology to create much more improved and robust client experiences. He exemplifies the ideals of a compassionate leader, as he constantly attributes the success of his initiatives to his very diverse teams and regularly applauds them for their profound contributions.
