MANAMA, 5 August 2007 — The board of directors of Bahrain-based Gulf Finance House (GFH) has elected Esam Janahi as new chairman of the investment bank.
Dr. Fuad Al-Omar, the former chairman of the bank, will continue in his existing role as chairman of Khaleeji Commercial Bank (KHCB), a subsidiary of GFH. And Peter Panayiotou, who is currently deputy CEO, will assume the role of acting CEO of GFH effective immediately, until the next board meeting.
“GFH will remain focused on its core business of accelerating economic development through the conception and implementation of unique projects based around economic drivers mainly in the Mena region. It will also build its profile and reputation in the international capital markets to supplement its client base in the GCC,” said Janahi, who had been the CEO of the investment bank since its inception.
“I congratulate Esam Janahi on his election to the chairmanship of GFH Investment Bank. This recognizes the vital role he has played in building the bank since it started in 1999 and his contribution in developing and implementing the bank’s strategy. We are confident that in his hands, GFH will establish international leadership in its core business of economic development” said Al-Omar.
A seasoned investment banker and recognized leader at the forefront of Islamic banking, Janahi is the recipient of a number of international accolades which include “Islamic Banker of the Year,” “Young CEO of the Year” and “Young Global Leader.”
He is one of the founders of GFH and holds numerous directorships including Chairman of Bahrain Financial Harbor, chairman of Energy City Qatar and chairman of Bayan Holding Company. Janahi is also a member of the Shoura Council of Bahrain.
