In a recent royal decree, Bahrain‘s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has appointed Khalid Ibrahim Hamidan as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, effective from February 1, 2024. This significant appointment follows the remarkable tenure of Rasheed Mohamed Al Maraj, who held the pivotal position as the Governor of the Central Bank since January 2005.
Experience
Khalid Ibrahim Hamidan’s ascent to the position of Governor brings with it a wealth of expertise and a distinguished career in the realm of finance and economic development. His journey to this role has been marked by notable achievements and contributions to Bahrain’s financial sector.
One of his key roles was serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Bahrain, which undoubtedly provided him with invaluable insights into the financial policies and regulatory landscape of the country. Furthermore, his tenure as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, which commenced in August 2019, allowed him to play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and attracting investments to Bahrain.
With over two decades of experience in capital markets and investment, Khalid Ibrahim Hamidan has built an impressive professional portfolio. His early career was marked by various roles at Bank BNP Paribas, a leading global banking institution. These experiences would have honed his financial acumen and understanding of international economic dynamics.
Other professional involvement
Khalid’s involvement in Bahrain Bay Fintech since November 2019 demonstrates his forward-looking approach, recognizing the importance of emerging financial technologies in today’s digital age. His leadership as a board member of Mumtalakat since 2014 speaks to his commitment to promoting economic development and investment in Bahrain. It is clear that his diverse experiences have prepared him well for the role of Governor.
The new governor’s journey is also rooted in a strong educational foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commercial and administrative economics, earned from Lehigh University in the United States in 1996. This academic background provides him with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and financial systems, which will undoubtedly inform his approach to guiding Bahrain’s financial landscape.
Khalid Ibrahim Hamidan steps into the shoes of his predecessor, Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, who had an illustrious career before becoming the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain. Al Maraj held several significant leadership positions, including his role as the General Manager and Executive Chief Officer of the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP) from 1999 to 2005. His extensive leadership journey included chairing the Board of Bahrain Telecommunication Company (BATELCO) in 2004 and being a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait from 1999 to 2005.
Al Maraj’s contributions extended to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in Bahrain from 2002 to 2003, showcasing his ability to navigate diverse sectors. He was also a member of the Bahrain Economic Development Board since 2000 and actively participated in various international financial commissions and organizations.
His academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Houston, USA. His educational background and extensive experience were instrumental in shaping the financial landscape of Bahrain during his tenure.
New era in financial leadership
The appointment of Khalid Ibrahim Hamidan as the Governor of Bahrain’s Central Bank marks the beginning of a new era in the country’s financial leadership. His extensive experience, educational foundation, and commitment to economic development are expected to make a significant contribution to Bahrain’s financial landscape, furthering the nation’s growth and development on the global stage. As he takes the helm, he has the opportunity to build upon the foundations laid by his predecessor and steer the country’s financial sector toward a prosperous future. Bahrain’s financial future holds great promise under the guidance of leaders like Khalid Ibrahim Hamidan.
The new central bank governor brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, having served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Bahrain. Since August 2019, he has held the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bahrain Economic Development Board. With over two decades of experience in capital markets and investment, Hamidan has held various positions at Bank BNP Paribas. Furthermore, he has been at the helm of Bahrain Bay Fintech since November 2019 and has been a board member of Mumtalakat since 2014.
Hamidan’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in commercial and administrative economics, which he earned from Lehigh University in the United States in 1996.
His predecessor, Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, had an illustrious career before his tenure as the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain. Al Maraj held several leadership positions, including the role of General Manager and Executive Chief Officer of the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP) from 1999 to 2005. He also chaired the Board of Bahrain Telecommunication Company (BATELCO) in 2004 and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait from 1999 to 2005.
Al Maraj’s contributions extended to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in Bahrain from 2002 to 2003. He has been a member of the Bahrain Economic Development Board since 2000 and has actively participated in various international financial commissions and organizations. Al Maraj holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Houston, USA.
The appointment of Khalid Ibrahim Hamidan as the Governor of Bahrain’s Central Bank marks the beginning of a new era in the country’s financial leadership. His extensive experience and expertise are expected to make a significant contribution to Bahrain’s financial landscape.
