Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar: A Visionary Leader in Banking

Company: National Bank of Kuwait Group (NBK Group)
Title: Deputy Group CEO
Nationality: Kuwaiti
Sector: Banking and Financial Services

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar has served as the Deputy Group CEO of the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) since 2014. With over 30 years of extensive industry experience, she oversees a workforce of more than 8,500 employees. Under her leadership, NBK reported a robust profit of $1.5 billion for the first nine months of 2023.

In October 2023, Al Bahar launched NBK RISE, a groundbreaking global leadership program designed to train 20 women for executive management and board roles. Her commitment to empowering women in leadership is a significant aspect of her tenure.

Al Bahar also chairs the National Bank of Kuwait France S.A. and the National Bank of Kuwait (Egypt), and serves as a board member for the National Bank of Kuwait (International) P.L.C., the group’s UK subsidiary. Her diverse portfolio highlights her influential role within the global banking sector.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in International Marketing, Kuwait University
• Advanced management programs at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, Stanford University, Wharton School, and Duke University.

Positions:

• Deputy Group CEO, National Bank of Kuwait (2014–present)
• CEO, NBK-Kuwait
• Director, Mobile Telecommunications Company KSC
• Vice Chairman, Watani Investment Company KSCC
• Board Member, International Bank of Qatar
• Member, Kuwait’s Supreme Council for Planning and Development
• Chairman, Al Asima Real Estate

Recognition:

• Ranked 85th most powerful woman globally by Forbes in 2012
• First place in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen in Listed Companies
• Eighth most powerful Arab woman in 2012 by Arabian Business

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar continues to set benchmarks in the banking industry with her visionary leadership and dedication to advancing women in executive roles.