Arif Shaikh is to retire as Group Chief Risk Officer (GCRO) of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) later in 2020, after nearly two decades with the bank and legacy First Gulf Bank (FGB).

Mr. Shaikh joined FGB in January 2001 as the GCRO to steer and define the bank’s global risk framework, and went on play an integral role in the successful completion of the FAB merger and subsequent integration journey. He has been a key decision maker in the bank’s local and international expansion strategy, and an integral advisor to the board for many years.

Abdulhamid Saeed, Group Chief Executive Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), said: “Arif has been an exceptional member of the bank’s senior leadership team, playing a crucial role in every major FAB milestone from our successful merger and integration journeys through to our ongoing local and international expansion strategies. On behalf of everyone at FAB, I thank him for his significant contribution to the bank and wish him well for the future.”

Commenting on his upcoming retirement, Arif Shaikh said: “It has been a privilege to serve the bank for the past two decades and to be part of the senior leadership team who built one of the world’s foremost financial institutions. I am proud of our collective achievements and I wish the bank and my successor all the best for the future.”

While he is stepping back from corporate life, he will continue to reside in the UAE and apply his decades of experience to new pursuits, including a number of charitable interests in India and in an advisory capacity to the wider Group entities.

FAB’s Board of Directors and leadership thanks Mr. Shaikh for his contribution to the FAB Group and wishes him well for his upcoming retirement.

The Board is currently assessing candidates to succeed Mr. Shaikh and will make an announcement in due course. Mr. Shaikh has assembled an exceptionally strong team who will continue to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.

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