AlRayan Bank announces new Group CEO

01/10/2026 05:37 AST

AlRayan Bank has announced the appointment of Usman Ahmed as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, as approved by the Qatar Central Bank.

The bank also announced that Fahad al-Khalifa concluded his tenure as Group CEO Wednesday and transitioned to Advisor to the Chairman.

Ahmed is an internationally accomplished banking executive with more than 30 years of experience across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. His extensive experience spans corporate and investment banking, capital markets, commercial and consumer banking, Islamic finance, and strategic transformation.

Before joining AlRayan Bank, he held several senior leadership positions, including GCEO of National Bank of Bahrain and Citigroup. He was the CEO of Citi Malaysia and CEO of Citi Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, and served as Global head of Citi Islamic Banking.

Ahmed is expected to assume his duties after completing the necessary joining formalities.

Omar al-Emadi, will serve as Acting Group CEO from October 1, in addition to his existing role as Group Chief Operations and Administration officer, until Ahmed formally assumes office.

AlRayan Bank chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Thani said, "The board believes that Mr Usman Ahmed's extensive banking experience, leadership capabilities, and track record position him well to lead the bank through its next phase of development and the continued execution of its strategic priorities."

He added: "The board expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr al-Khalifa for his leadership, commitment, and valuable contribution to the bank during his tenure as Group CEO, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his experience and strategic insight in his new advisory role."

Gulf Times