“If we understand our customers, and that is not always straightforward, then we are halfway there.” This fundamental belief of Ahmed Abdelaal is his guiding light on his route to success. His pursuit of absolute excellence keeping in tune with customer needs, has proven to be exemplary. A dedicated professional, he has always been known to deliver the best. And over time, Ahmed came to be known as a visionary in the banking business. .
Ahmed honed his expertise and demonstrated remarkable leadership abilities spanning over a 30-year career by sustaining significant positions at prominent organisations such as Mashreq. He joined Mashreq as group head of corporate and investment banking in 2017 and has since been a driving force for over five years, providing momentum and direction to the business, thereby contributing significantly to the bank’s success.
Ahmed’s profound confidence in new windows of opportunity in the advancement of financial infrastructure is the motivating force behind his efforts to improve the banking experience. He is convinced that by building on the current solid base, banks can create solutions suited to their clients’ needs. Ahmed strives to deliver new products and services that truly resonate with individuals and organisations, allowing them to reach their financial goals more effectively and effortlessly. According to Ahmed, the key distinction in the banking sector is embracing advances in technology and digital platforms to provide an enhanced client experience. He envisions a future in which banking becomes more efficient, convenient and customer-centric by leveraging the advantages of digital innovations.
Ahmed’s remarkable competence as a leader and dedication to his trade, in addition to his innovative approach to banking, contributed in propelling him to success. He has an enviable record of fostering growth while achieving exceptional outcomes by using his leadership skills. Furthermore, his educational background, an MBA from the prestigious London Business School and a BA in Economics and Political Sciences from Cairo University have provided him with a thorough understanding of the global financial landscape, enabling him to navigate complex challenges with confidence and poise.
Looking ahead, Ahmed anticipates a revolutionary moment for the banking sector. He estimates that industry ecosystems will become more dynamic, with innovation taking centre stage. With a focus on hyper-personalisation, retail and wholesale banking will be ushering in a new era whereby customer journeys are tailored to their particular requirements and preferences. Ahmed’s foresight illustrates his commitment to staying ahead of forthcoming industry changes while providing his customers with the most innovative and personalised banking services imaginable.
“…give the customer what he or she wants, needs, and expects. Never forget that a customer can walk away.” Ahmed’s devotion to customer-centric solutions, advocacy for innovation, and comprehensive understanding of the current economic climate gives an indication of his ability to inspire transformation and attain remarkable results. He continues to make significant contributions to Mashreq Bank’s expansion through his impressive leadership skills, visionary mindset, and dedication to excellence. Ahmed is forging the future of banking and establishing his place as an industry visionary.
