GIB Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

GIB has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, operations, and human resources.

Focused on delivering comprehensive wholesale banking and asset management solutions, GIB maintains a commitment to excellence in the financial sector while driving sustainable growth across regional and international markets.

Leadership Roles at GIB

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sara Abdulhadi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Stephen Williams
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Marwan Abiad
  • Chief Operating Officer - Mohannad Farouky
  • Chief Operating Officer, Retail - Walaa Saif
  • Chief Information Officer - Mohammed Althbiti
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Cornel Fourie
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Derek Sham
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Jamal Al-Saud
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Nawaf Kably
  • Sara Abdulhadi - Chief Executive Officer

    Sara Abdulhadi, the Chief Executive Officer at GIB, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing wholesale banking and investment services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives across the Middle East and international markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the commercial banking model. By optimizing capital allocation and market positioning, Sara Abdulhadi directly impacts the financial stability of the institution. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of treasury operations to ensure compliance with global standards. Through proactive engagement with stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation and operational excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive advantage of the firm by navigating complex regulatory landscapes and identifying emerging opportunities within the global banking sector.

    Stephen Williams - Chief Financial Officer

    Stephen Williams, the Chief Financial Officer at GIB, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting and treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accuracy in all wholesale banking activities. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions and asset management strategies. By optimizing liquidity and risk management frameworks, Stephen Williams directly supports the long-term profitability of the firm. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the Board to maintain robust financial controls and regulatory compliance. Through the implementation of efficient budgeting processes, the Chief Financial Officer drives cost-saving initiatives across the enterprise. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the financial insights necessary to sustain growth and stability while navigating the diverse economic conditions inherent in the regional and international banking landscape.

    Marwan Abiad - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Marwan Abiad, the Group Chief Financial Officer at GIB, directs the consolidated financial strategy for the entire organization. Overseeing group-wide accounting and financial planning, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures that all business units adhere to strict fiscal policies. This leadership role involves managing the capital structure and investor relations to support the growth of wholesale and investment banking services. By analyzing group performance, Marwan Abiad identifies opportunities for efficiency and revenue enhancement. The Group Chief Financial Officer coordinates with regional finance leads to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with international standards. Through the oversight of group-level financial risk, the Group Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the firm. Ultimately, the Group Chief Financial Officer provides the financial leadership required to sustain the long-term viability and market success of the organization.

    Mohannad Farouky - Chief Operating Officer

    Mohannad Farouky, the Chief Operating Officer at GIB, directs the internal processes and operational workflows that sustain wholesale banking services. Overseeing the efficiency of back-office functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless execution of investment and asset management transactions. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-departmental collaboration to improve service delivery speed and quality. By refining operational protocols, Mohannad Farouky enhances the overall productivity of the organization. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify bottlenecks and implement corrective measures. Through the management of complex logistical requirements, the Chief Operating Officer supports the expansion of service capabilities across regional markets. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational rigor required to uphold the reputation of the firm as a premier provider of commercial banking and financial services.

    Walaa Saif - Chief Operating Officer, Retail

    Walaa Saif, the Chief Operating Officer, Retail at GIB, directs the operational delivery of retail banking services. Overseeing the customer-facing infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer, Retail ensures that individual banking products meet the needs of the market. This leadership role involves optimizing branch operations and digital retail channels to improve client satisfaction. By implementing efficient service models, Walaa Saif enhances the accessibility of financial services for retail customers. The Chief Operating Officer, Retail collaborates with the broader operations team to ensure consistency in service quality across all regional touchpoints. Through the management of retail-specific workflows, the Chief Operating Officer, Retail drives growth in the consumer banking segment. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer, Retail maintains the operational excellence required to deliver high-quality retail banking solutions within the competitive financial landscape.
    Walaa Saif

    Mohammed Althbiti - Chief Information Officer

    Mohammed Althbiti, the Chief Information Officer at GIB, architects the digital infrastructure supporting wholesale banking and asset management. Overseeing the integration of secure financial platforms, the Chief Information Officer ensures data integrity across all regional operations. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to improve transaction efficiency and client service delivery. By implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols, Mohammed Althbiti protects the digital assets of the bank against evolving threats. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with the executive team to align technology investments with the broader business strategy. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation initiatives that enhance the overall customer experience. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the technological backbone required to support the complex financial services provided by the organization in a competitive global market.

    Cornel Fourie - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cornel Fourie, the Chief Human Resources Officer at GIB, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Overseeing workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the alignment of human capital with the strategic goals of the wholesale banking division. This leadership role involves fostering a high-performance culture through comprehensive training and leadership development programs. By implementing competitive compensation and benefits structures, Cornel Fourie attracts and retains top-tier financial talent. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to promote diversity and inclusion across all regional offices. Through the management of employee relations and performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives engagement and operational excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds the organizational capacity necessary to support the long-term mission and growth objectives of the firm.

    Derek Sham - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Derek Sham, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at GIB, directs the strategic implementation of enterprise-wide information systems. Overseeing the development of proprietary banking software, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that technology solutions facilitate complex asset management and treasury operations. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between technical capabilities and business requirements to drive innovation. By leveraging data analytics, Derek Sham provides actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making across the organization. The Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer manages large-scale technology projects that enhance the competitive positioning of the bank. Through the oversight of IT governance, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital initiatives remain compliant with international standards. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer secures the technological future of the firm.

    Jamal Al-Saud - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Jamal Al-Saud, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at GIB, supports the execution of the technology roadmap for wholesale banking. Overseeing the daily maintenance of critical IT infrastructure, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures high availability for all financial systems. This leadership role involves managing technical teams to resolve complex system issues and improve network performance. By assisting in the implementation of new software, Jamal Al-Saud facilitates the transition to more efficient digital banking processes. The Deputy Chief Information Officer coordinates with the Chief Information Officer to ensure that all technical operations align with security policies. Through the oversight of system upgrades, the Deputy Chief Information Officer minimizes downtime and enhances operational reliability. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Information Officer provides the technical support necessary to maintain the integrity and performance of the banking platform.

    Nawaf Kably - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Nawaf Kably, the Chief Human Resources Officer at GIB, directs the human capital strategy focused on organizational transformation and change management. Overseeing the development of internal talent pipelines, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce possesses the skills required for modern wholesale banking. This leadership role involves designing incentive programs that align employee performance with the strategic objectives of the firm. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, Nawaf Kably supports the professional growth of the staff. The Chief Human Resources Officer manages the implementation of HR technology to streamline administrative processes and improve employee experience. Through the oversight of organizational design, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the structure of the firm remains agile. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds the human infrastructure necessary to drive the long-term success of the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding GIB Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads GIB?
    GIB is led by Sara Abdulhadi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Stephen Williams (Chief Financial Officer) and Marwan Abiad (Group Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of GIB’s executive team?
    The executive team of GIB includes leaders such as Sara Abdulhadi (Chief Executive Officer), Stephen Williams (Chief Financial Officer), Marwan Abiad (Group Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does GIB have?
    GIB has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in GIB’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of GIB includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Retail.