Kuwait, 3 December 2023: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ma’ab Mohammed Qassem as General Manager of the International Banking and Financial Institutions Department. This appointment reinforces KIB's commitment to fostering talent and empowering women in key leadership roles within the organization. Qassem brings a wealth of expertise, a proven track record in the international banking sector, and a fresh perspective to the Bank. In her new role, she will be responsible for developing and managing the Bank’s international relationships, growing the bank’s international portfolio, in addition to promoting the Shari’a-compliant banking solutions offered to international corporate clients. 

Commenting on the Bank’s newest hire, Feras Al Darmi, General Manager of the Human Resources Department at KIB, said: “Qassem represents a rising force in the banking industry, challenging traditional norms and setting new standards for leadership. We anticipate her leadership will contribute significantly to the success and growth of the International Banking Department and further solidify the Bank’s position as an industry leader.” 

Al-Darmi added: “Qassem’s appointment aligns with the Bank's core values and its ongoing efforts to position itself as a forward-thinking institution by attracting national talents while empowering its employees across all departments. To this end, KIB is committed to fostering an inclusive and merit-based workplace where talent is recognized and rewarded, regardless of gender or age. Promoting the growth of talented Kuwaiti professionals is an essential component of our comprehensive sustainable development plan, which aims to, among other things, foster leadership capabilities and cultivate cohesive work teams.” 
Before joining KIB, Qassem was the Deputy General Manager of Financial Institutions and Sovereigns at Gulf Bank. She was responsible for a global portfolio of assets and relationships via loan syndication and secondary participations, where she successfully managed and developed a healthy portfolio of assets and correspondent banks, yielding profits and value to the bank. Starting at Gulf Bank in 2006 as a Management Associate, Qassem was promoted multiple times throughout the years up until her most recent managerial position.

Qassem has completed a number of leadership development programs at Harvard Business School, the latest being the General Management Program (GMP 31) in 2021. In addition, she completed the Kuwait Investment Authority’s 18-month post-graduate training program at the start of her career. She also trained with and obtained a certification from a number of renowned financial institutions throughout her banking experience. In addition to her impressive banking career, Qassem has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Richmond, The American International University in London.

It is worth noting that KIB strives to provide opportunities to local talents through vocational training, promoting employees who stand out, and hiring exceptional cadres. Following its “Bank for Life” slogan, the Bank continues its endeavors to create a brighter future for both its staff and the local community, in fulfillment of its national, social, and banking obligations.