BLME has announced that it has appointed Jabra Ghandour as its new chief executive officer and board member effective March 25, 2016. Jabra has more than 30 years experience in private, corporate and retail banking, having managed major institutions across the Gulf. He joined BLME in late 2015 and has been instrumental in refining the Bank's strategy and business plan.

During the last 13 years Jabra held senior positions within the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Group, latterly as managing director and board member of the International Bank of Qatar representing NBK. As CEO, Jabra will be responsible for driving BLME's growing Wealth Management arm alongside its revitalized Corporate Banking offering. Jabra succeeds Michael Williams, who was appointed as interim CEO in May 2015.

BLME is delighted that Michael will be resuming his role as non-executive director on the board of BLME Holdings plc and the Bank plc where his insight will be invaluable.