FAB Appoints Two New Executives

Abu Dhabi, 2 June 2023: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has announced the appointment of two new executives to the senior leadership team, as the UAE’s largest bank moves forward in shaping the future with purposeful action for sustainable growth, and adding depth and specialisation to its offering. Sameh Al Qubaisi has been appointed Group Head of Global Markets. Eric Shehadeh has been named Group Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Development, post regulatory approval, succeeding Karim Karoui, who will retire. The new appointments to FAB’s Executive Committee reflect the bank’s strategic focus on growth. Martin Tricaud, Group Head of Investment Banking, will continue to lead Investment Banking growth and expansion globally.

In his role, Sameh Al Qubaisi will lead the Group’s Global Markets function, expanding the business regionally and internationally. He will assume responsibility for the Global Markets business line, which encompasses trading, sales, products, and research. Thomas Spitz continues in his current role leading Global Markets’ operations, reporting directly to Sameh.

Martin Tricaud will continue overseeing the development and growth of FAB’s Investment Banking Group globally, including expanding into new markets and adding new capabilities to the business.

Eric Shehadeh will support FAB’s regional and international expansion strategy, as he leads the Group’s M&A function and strategic investments. He also will oversee FAB’s Corporate Development efforts. Karim Karoui, who will retire, will assume an Advisory role overseeing strategic projects across the group, after two decades of significant contributions to the bank.

Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer at FAB, said: “At FAB, we are proud to attract talent that not only adds tremendous value to the organisation, but also brings the diversity of expertise and experience that contributes to our ability to strengthen and expand our relationships with clients, locally, regionally and globally.”

Sameh Al Qubaisi joins FAB from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, where he has served as Director General of Economic Affairs and as Executive Director-Executive Affairs Office. He has also held senior roles with Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Finance House Group, and with FAB predecessor the National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

Eric Shehadeh joins FAB from My Money Group in France, where he was President and CEO. Prior to that, he held senior roles at GE and GE Capital for 20 years, with a base in European, Asian and other markets, including the UAE. In previous roles, he consistently led and delivered ambitious growth and transformation projects across complex global organisations.