NBK honors Ibrahim Dabdoub

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) honored Ibrahim Dabdoub, NBK Ex-Group Chief Executive Officer, for his 53 years of excellence at NBK.

The honoring ceremony was attended by Anas Al Saleh, Kuwait Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammad Yousef Al Hashel, the Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Isam Jassim Al Sager, NBK Group Chief Executive Officer, Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar, Deputy Group CEO along with NBK Board members, Executive Management and VIP clients.  

Nasser Al Sayer, NBK’s Vice Chairman expressed his and NBK’s Board of Directors’ appreciation to Dabdoub for his accomplishments at NBK, highlighting his contributions to the bank’s success for the past 53 years.

“Dabdoub will remain a figure for NBK and Arab Banking in general,” said Al Sayer.” On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank him for the passion, dedication and loyalty to NBK.”

Al Sayer added: “Since his appointment as the CEO and even earlier in his different roles since joining the bank in 1961, Dabdoub played a major role in transforming the bank into a well-established regional financial institution. NBK will continue to strengthen its leading position both locally and regionally, building on its strong reputation and long track record of solid performance and remarkable achievements.”

In his turn, Al Sager said: “Dabdoub has been an inspirational leader for many generations. He has over the years served NBK unconditionally, devoting his life to build a well-recognized organization, both domestically and internationally, with over USD 70 billion in assets and a presence in 16 countries.

NBK Group CEO Isam Al-Sager particularly emphasized on Dabdoub’s role in leading NBK in two major crises that faced the bank during his career; the stock market crash in 1982 and the Iraqi occupation in 1990. NBK was the only Kuwaiti bank that survived the 1982 stock market crash while remaining intact. During the 1990 Iraqi occupation, NBK continued to fully operate out of its London branch, a precedent in the financial industry throughout history.

Dabdoub, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to NBK’s Board of Directors for their trust and support over the years for him and for all the Executive Management team. Dabdoub confirmed that NBK’s attributes and achievements over the years are mainly a result of the Group’s clear strategic direction, its institutional framework and conservative approach to management.

Dabdoub applauded the dedication and commitment of all his colleagues and staff members in their contribution to the Group’s success and in supporting him to accomplish all these achievements.

Dabdoub has retired in March 2014, stepping down from his post as NBK Group CEO. Dabdoub’s successful career at NBK extends for over 53 years. He joined NBK in 1961 right after his graduation and has never served elsewhere during his career life. He joined the bank as a junior officer and advanced through the years in different positions till becoming CEO in 1983.