Coutts Adds Four New Members To Middle East Advisory Board

Stephen Little

23 April 2014

, the private bank and wealth manager owned by Royal Bank of Scotland, has appointed four new members to its Middle East advisory board as part of its ongoing expansion plans in the region.

Coutts said in a statement that it had expanded its Middle East advisory board with the appointments of Saleh Ali Al Turki, Sohail Al Mazrui, Rami El Nimer and Bader Al Kharafi.

The firm's Middle East advisory board was created in October 2013 and meets twice a year to provide counsel to management in the region.

Saleh Ali Al Turki is chairman and president of Nesma Holding Company and chairs several companies outside the Nesma Group. He has also served as chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Albir Society in Jeddah for over a decade.

Sohail Al Mazrui is the partner and chairman of Abu Dhabi Business Hub, Senaat, Emirates Conversion Industry Abu Dhabi and chairman of Dubai Investments Company PJSC.

Rami El Nimer is chief executive of the First National Bank group of companies, chairman and general manager of Capital Finance Company, chairman and general manager of Middle East Capital Group and general manager of Beirut Building Society.

Bader Al Kharafi is chairman, vice president and board member of a number of businesses including Zain Mobile Telecommunications, Gulf Bank, Gulf Cables and Electrical Industries and the British-Kuwait Friendship Society. He is also an executive director of the Al Kharafi conglomerate.

“This is a very exciting time for Coutts in the Middle East. We have a strong commitment to the region and we are looking forward to receiving advice on our regional growth strategy from these distinguished individuals,” said Michael Dismorr, chairman for Coutts Middle East advisory board.

There have been a number of moves at the bank recently. In March, Coutts’ chief investment officer for Asia and the Middle East, Gary Dugan, left the firm to join the National Bank of Abu Dhabi as chief investment officer.

Meanwhile, earlier this month Coutts appointed Sophie Chapuisat as executive director, head of products and services strategy and business management, Europe.