BLME Holdings has announced the appointment of Michael Williams as CEO of BLME Holdings and NASDAQ Dubai-listed Bank of London and The Middle East plc (BLME).
Mr. Williams has been Interim CEO since 13th May 2015. Prior to this he was BLME Holdings plc’s Senior Independent Non-Executive Director.
Adel Al Majed, Chairman of BLME Holdings plc and Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of Boubyan Bank, said: “Michael is an experienced banker who brings a wealth of expertise to BLME, having held several high profile CEO positions to date, including International Bank of Qatar in Doha and National Bank of Fujairah, based in Dubai.”
Other former roles include Managing Director of Nomura Bank International Plc, London and Managing Director of Barclays Global Services. Michael was also Senior Independent Non-Executive Director at BLME until he accepted the position of CEO.
Adel Al-Majed added: “We are confident that with his experience across the UK and Middle East, Michael will enable BLME to build on the relationships between the two regions, promoting the continued growth of BLME. His appointment will ensure continuity for BLME as he works with senior management to implement the strategic initiatives developed over the past three months. Most notably, Michael will oversee the strengthening of BLME’s GCC distribution capabilities and the development of Asset Management products.”
Separately, Richard Williams, Chief Financial Officer, will be retiring from the Board of BLME Holdings plc and BLME in 2016. A clear succession plan is in place and the recruitment for a replacement CFO is already well advanced. Richard was instrumental in the launch and key to the success of the Bank and will continue to work with BLME’s Board and Senior Management well into 2016 to ensure an an orderly transition.