As part of the “Kafaa” initiative launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait and managed by the Institute of Banking Studies

• Salma Al-Hajjaj: At Gulf Bank, we believe that our employees are the foundation of our success and the drivers of our excellence.

As part of its continuous efforts to develop human capital, Gulf Bank announced the graduation of its senior leaders from the Harvard Business School executive program – a custom executive development program for banking and finance executives that are part of the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies. The program is designed to support and develop leaders in the banking and financial sector, under the theme "Strategic Leadership in a Changing World".

This program is part of the “Kafaa” initiative launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait, in cooperation with Kuwaiti banks to help develop and qualify national talents; and is managed by the Institute of Banking Studies, in cooperation with Harvard Business School.

The Bank celebrated the leaders for completing the program and receiving the Harvard Business School certifications, namely: Deputy General Manager – Mr. Basel Asad from Branch Banking, Assistant General Manager of Card Products – Mr. Mohammad Taqi, Assistant General Manager of Enterprise Core Services – Mr. Rami Al Zaid

The program focuses on two primary themes: Financial markets strategy and leadership, equipping participants with concepts and tools for successful leadership in a rapidly changing financial landscape, and ways to impact the performance, innovation, and culture of their organization.

On this occasion, Gulf Bank’s General Manager of Human Resources, Mrs. Salma Al-Hajjaj, said: "At Gulf Bank, we believe that our employees are the foundation of our success and the drivers of our excellence. Therefore, we are continuously working on training and developing them, which contributes towards consolidating Gulf Bank's leading position in the banking sector.”

Al-Hajjaj mentioned that the major transformations recently witnessed by Gulf Bank as part of its 2025 strategy, especially when it comes to digital transformation, makes the Bank’s employees’ participation in such specialized programs a top priority. Noting that digital transformation requires strategic leaders capable of facing market fluctuations, and to make the most of the opportunities they generate; ensuring the best results are achieved with the fast-changing financial technologies.

She pointed that the program provides an opportunity for participants to anticipate and respond quickly, and effectively, to strategic opportunities and threats in financial markets, such as: Understanding risks and appropriate responses to cyber threats, managing, and leading digital innovation, and ways to understand and manage investor concerns around ESG and sustainability.

Al-Hajjaj also expressed her pride in Gulf Bank for being one of Kuwait’s leading banks that generously invests in human capital in order to enhance the competencies of its employees – as they are the key for achieving its strategic objectives. This is accomplished through providing employees with the latest expertise and skills necessary to keep pace with the major banking developments that the banking industry is undergoing locally and internationally.

Gulf Bank's vision is to be the leading Kuwaiti Bank of the Future. The Bank is constantly engaging and empowering its employees as part of an inclusive and diversified workplace in recognition of every employee’s role in delivering customer excellence and serving the community at large. With its extensive network of branches and innovative digital services, Gulf Bank is able to give its customers the choice of how and where to conduct their banking transactions, all while ensuring a simple and seamless banking experience.

Gulf Bank is committed to maintaining robust developments in sustainability at environmental, social and governance levels through diverse sustainability initiatives, strategically selected to benefit the Bank both internally and externally. Gulf Bank supports Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait” and works with various parties to achieve it.