KUWAIT: World Finance, the premier London-based global banking and finance journal, has named Sheikh Mohammed Jarrah Al-Sabah, Chairman of Kuwait International Bank (KIB), its "Islamic Banking Chairman of the Year" for 2017. This is the second time that Al-Jarrah has been recognized by World Finance for his leadership and outstanding record of excellence in the realm of finance, after having previously been named "GCC Chairman of the Year" in 2015. The prestigious magazine has also bestowed several awards on KIB over the past few years, including "Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait" for three consecutive years - in 2014, 2015 and 2016 - as well as "Best Islamic Bank in the GCC" in 2016.
Receiving the Award, Chairman Al-Jarrah said: "It is both a great honor and a privilege to be receiving such a prestigious award and I am absolutely humbled by this recognition. This award is much more than a personal or individual accolade; rather it is a testament to the overall success of KIB. A success which simply would not have been possible without the incredible support and dedicated efforts of every single person at the Bank; from our Board of Directors, to our executive management team, to each and every employee in our organization."
A seasoned veteran of the banking industry with extensive experience in the financial sector, Al-Jarrah has served as Chairman of KIB since 2010, after having first joined the Board of Directors in 2007. His strong leadership and focused vision have proven to be vital components driving the Bank's continuous growth and success over the past few years; helping to position KIB at the forefront of the Islamic banking sector not only in Kuwait, but across the region as well.
Throughout his prolific career, Al-Jarrah has established himself as an influential figure in the Arab banking industry, earning a reputation for being a first-class leader and savvy financial strategist. In addition to his role at KIB, Al-Jarrah currently serves as Chairman of the Union of Arab Banks (UAB) and Board Member of the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA). Al-Jarrah is also as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences, and serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Warba Insurance Company.
During his tenure as Chairman of UAB, Al-Jarrah has been an instrumental force in furthering the Union's efforts to augment the reputation of the Arab banking sector on the global stage. Al-Jarrah has been a keen advocate of joint Arab-International banking cooperation, and has sought to promote greater collaboration and unity amongst financial institutions across the Arab World.
Al-Jarrah concluded his statement saying: "I am proud of the immense success that KIB has achieved in the decade that I have been with the Bank, but I am confident that this is simply the beginning for us. I am confident that our fast-paced growth and expansion will continue to propel KIB to the forefront of the Islamic Banking sector, not only in Kuwait but across the region as well."