Managing Director - Private Bank (GCC)

Our prestigious international Private Bank is seeking to appoint an accomplished Executive Director to act as a senior strategic partner to the CEO and become the natural successor for the leadership of the London Branch. This is a high-impact leadership mandate requiring a seasoned private-banking professional with strong exposure to HNW and UHNW clients across the Middle East and GCC, and the ability to oversee all key business and control functions. Arabic language capability and direct experience engaging the GCC market will be viewed as highly advantageous.

The Executive Director will provide day-to-day strategic oversight across the Bank's key divisions - Compliance, Finance, Treasury, Trade Finance, Credit, Operations and Client Services - ensuring seamless coordination between Head Office, local management, and UK regulators.

• Provide executive leadership across the full operational and commercial agenda of the London Branch, ensuring robust governance, sound risk management and regulatory alignment with the FCA, PRA and Bank of England.
• Act as a senior relationship figure for the Bank's HNW Middle Eastern and GCC client base, promoting growth in deposits, lending and cross-border wealth propositions.
• Lead and mentor divisional heads including the MLRO, Head of Credit, Head of Treasury, Head of Finance, and Head of Customer Services, embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Chair and contribute to the Management Committee, Credit Committee and ALCO, providing informed challenge, commercial insight, and ensuring adherence to Head Office and regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee the Bank's credit operations - evaluating loan proposals, ensuring balanced risk appetite, and maintaining oversight of credit reviews, stress testing, and portfolio performance.
• Monitor profitability, liquidity, and balance sheet movements; drive efficient deployment of financial resources to maximise sustainable returns.
• Review and refine operational policies, risk frameworks and procedural manuals to align with best practice and regulatory expectations.
• Ensure all internal and external audit findings are addressed promptly, maintaining a strong control environment and culture of compliance.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including regulators, auditors, and legal advisors, on all governance and operational matters.
• Deputise for the CEO in their absence, and take a visible leadership role in all aspects of business management, strategic decision-making and staff engagement.
• Champion special initiatives and transformation projects directed by senior management or Head Office, ensuring operational excellence and readiness for future growth.

• Minimum 15 years' experience within Private or Commercial Banking, ideally within a London branch of a GCC or international financial institution.
• Demonstrated track record of leadership across multi-functional banking operations with exposure to governance, credit, treasury, and compliance.
• Deep understanding of UK regulatory frameworks, local market dynamics, and Head Office liaison in a cross-border environment.
• Fluent command of English; Arabic language an advantage.
• Proven ability to operate as part of a small senior management team, influencing strategy, culture, and performance outcomes.
• Credibility and ambition to assume CEO / Country Manager responsibilities in due course.

This role offers a clear pathway to Chief Executive Officer / Country Head succession within a stable and well-capitalised banking institution. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the bank's long-term UK franchise, ensuring operational excellence, prudent risk management and profitable balance sheet growth in line with Head Office strategy.