The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, has appointed Mark Watts as the General Manager, Head and Chief Investment Officer of NBAD’s Asset Management Group.

Mr. Watts set up the Group’s fixed income business when he joined the Bank in 2010. Under his direction, the fixed income business has grown to be the largest in the UAE and one of the largest in the region. He led the launch of successful funds, namely the Cautious Income Fund and Sukuk Income Fund.

“Mark Watts has contributed significantly to distinguishing and differentiating NBAD’s Asset Management Group in the market place. The products he helped shape and manage have provided much needed income and growth to our client base,” says Rüdiger Von Wedel, the Senior General Manager of Global Wealth of NBAD. “I am convinced that Mark’s innovative approach, passion and leadership qualities will continue the Asset Management Groups successful track record.”

Mr. Watts is tasked with enhancing the development of the investment proposition for NBAD’s segregated institutional business and mutual fund products as well as managing the independent investment process and performance. He also serves on NBAD’s mutual fund and REIT board positions.

“I am extremely excited at the opportunity of leading the Asset Management Group. Having worked closely with the team for the last few years, I am convinced that we have the energy, drive and expertise to cement our market leading position,” says Mr. Watts. “Over the coming months we look to extend the solid positive track record that our clients have enjoyed and look forward to bringing new and innovative products to the market.”

NBAD’s award-winning Asset Management Group is one of the largest asset managers in the region with circa AED 6.15 billion under its management as of March 2013.

NBAD’s Asset Management Group offers money market products, equity funds, structured products, portfolio services, hedge funds, and advisory. The Group also offers the region’s first exchange-traded fund (ETF), NBAD OneShare MSCI UAE ETF, which trades on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) under the ticker 1UAE.

Its list of recent accolades includes being named the Best Asset Management House in the Middle East by International Takaful Awards in 2012 and 2013; and Fixed Income Fund Manager of the Year by Global Investor magazine. Other awards include the UAE Asset Manager of the Year in MENA Fund Manager Performance Awards from MENA Fund Manager magazine, and last year’s Best Asset Manager in the UAE, also from Global Investor.

Mr. Watts has over 26 years of asset management experience having worked in London, the US, and with Asian clients. He is a certified financial analyst (CFA) Charter holder and Chartered Fellow of the CISI in London.

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