Mark Robinson, who has been the CEO of Commercial Bank International (CBI) since October 2014. With decades of experience and working across continents, Mark has left a lasting impression in the financial sector by bringing CBI into a new era of growth and innovation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Mark Robinson had his initial banking experience with Citibank, where he held multiple regional CEO roles, operating in India, Russia/CIS, Turkey, and Central Europe. Until 2010, the time at Citibank was foundational to his expertise in handling complex markets and diverse economies. After Citibank, Mark became the Regional CEO of ANZ Bank, based in London and overseeing operations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and India. This role further helped him hone his leadership ability to manage large-scale operations and cross-border financial strategies.

Mark’s educational background is as impressive as his professional career. He graduated with a BA from The College at the University of Chicago and later earned an MBA from the university’s prestigious Booth School of Business. These credentials equipped him with the analytical and leadership skills necessary for a career at the forefront of global banking.

Commercial Bank International was founded in 1991 as a leading player in the UAE banking industry. Shareholders include Qatar National Bank (QNB) with a 40% shareholding, as well as several UAE entities and individuals. When Mark Robinson became CEO in 2014, the bank was at a crossroads, and the new leader needed to be visionary enough to drive the bank through the increasingly changing financial landscape. Mark brought a strategic focus to CBI, emphasizing customer-centric banking, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. Under his guidance, the bank has enhanced its offerings to cater to retail, corporate, and institutional clients, aligning with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global financial hub.

Mark Robinson understands how digital technology has the capability to transform banking. Leadership under Mark has ensured CBI embraced new digital alternatives that improve the experience of the customer and enhance its operations. From mobile applications for bank services to AI-based support for customers, CBI under Mark’s leadership was a forward-thinking institution within the region. This use of technology, in fact, enhances the satisfaction levels of customers but also works towards operational efficiency, enabling CBI to compete with banks that are more sizeable and well-established.

Sustainability is one of the core principles guiding Mark Robinson’s leadership. Through his efforts, CBI has been transformed into practices that ensure long-term value creation for shareholders and society. By lending responsibly and assisting local businesses, CBI will help achieve the UAE’s economic development goals. Mark’s leadership resonates with a philosophy of financial inclusion, seeing that banking services reach more customers, particularly small and medium enterprises that form the backbone of the UAE’s economy.

While Mark Robinson’s career is well-documented, it is his personal life that adds another dimension to the story. He is married to Lesley, with whom he has four children. Mark balances his demanding career life with his personal life; he is a model for leadership and commitment in every aspect of his life.

Mark Robinson’s career, from Citibank to ANZ Bank and finally to Commercial Bank International, has been a career of resilience, adaptability, and innovation. His ability to blend global insights with local strategies has positioned CBI as a significant player in the UAE’s banking sector.

Nabil Habayeb’s name resonates across industries and continents, embodying a legacy of innovation, strategic leadership, and transformative impact. As the Senior Vice President of General Electric (GE) and the President and CEO of GE International Markets, Habayeb leads GE’s operations across vast geographies outside North America and Europe. His 38-year tenure at GE is a testament to resilience and vision, overseeing revenues of $36.8 billion in 2019 and driving initiatives that go beyond business, fostering healthcare, education, and women’s leadership. Here’s a closer look at the journey and influence of a leader committed to shaping a better global future.

Nabil Habayeb, a Lebanese-American leader, has spent nearly four decades with General Electric (GE), where he has spearheaded growth and innovation across diverse global markets. As the Senior Vice President and President and CEO of GE International Markets, Habayeb oversees operations in regions that account for significant revenues—$36.8 billion in 2019 alone. His leadership extends to territories beyond North America and Europe, making him instrumental in GE’s success in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Habayeb’s focus lies in building strategic impact in these regions, strengthening relationships with stakeholders, and mitigating enterprise risks. With a keen eye on future opportunities, he positions GE as a leader in addressing global challenges, ensuring that the company remains an essential contributor to sustainable development.

One of Nabil Habayeb’s standout contributions is his advocacy for access to healthcare and education. Under his leadership, GE has partnered with governments and organizations to promote solutions that improve healthcare delivery systems in underserved regions. Habayeb is deeply invested in projects that bring cutting-edge medical technologies to developing countries, addressing the critical need for accessible and affordable care.

Similarly, Habayeb champions education as a pillar of sustainable growth. Through partnerships with institutions and nonprofits, he works to enhance opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized communities, paving the way for a more equitable future. Recognizing the transformative power of diversity, he has implemented policies and initiatives within GE that empower women to take on leadership roles. By fostering an inclusive corporate culture, Habayeb ensures that GE remains a model for gender equality in the regions it serves.

Habayeb’s influence extends beyond his role at GE. He serves on the boards of several prestigious organizations, including INJAZ Al Arab, which focuses on youth empowerment through education and entrepreneurship, and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, which strengthens economic ties between the two nations. His contributions to the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington and the Arab Forum for Environment and Development reflect his commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth in the Arab world.

As a trustee of the American University of Beirut, his alma mater, Habayeb actively supports higher education initiatives that equip students with the tools to address regional and global challenges. His work emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve meaningful progress.

Under Nabil Habayeb’s leadership, GE continues to solidify its presence in international markets by focusing on innovation and sustainability. Habayeb’s strategic vision is centered on adapting GE’s operations to the unique challenges and opportunities of each region. From renewable energy initiatives in the Middle East to industrial advancements in Africa, his leadership drives GE’s mission to build a world that works. By prioritizing stakeholder engagement, enterprise risk management, and social impact, Habayeb ensures that GE remains not just a global company, but a global leader in driving progress. His ability to navigate complex markets and foster meaningful partnerships has made him an indispensable figure in GE’s success story.

Nabil Habayeb’s career at General Electric is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to making a difference. His efforts to bridge business goals with social impact have set a benchmark for leadership in the corporate world. Whether it’s championing access to healthcare, supporting education, or driving gender diversity, Habayeb exemplifies the values of a visionary leader who balances profitability with purpose.

With over three decades of experience, he has effortlessly dovetailed his expertise in extracting resources, energy transition, and sustainable practices. Today, as the Chairman at Terra Mining, he’s leading a revolutionary approach toward gold production in Zimbabwe and beyond, while his United Terra Enterprises leadership underscores integration with renewable energy.

The journey of Patrick Allman-Ward is a testament of dedication and expertise in managing resources. Equipped with a Ph.D. in Mining Geology from Imperial College, London, his career began in 1981 in jobs that took him around the world and industries. In his early years, he worked in the oil and gas industry where he achieved high ranks; at Shell, he became Vice President of Exploration for the Asia-Pacific region. His time at Shell also included some key positions, including Chief Executive Officer for South Rub Al Khali Company, demonstrating his capacity to lead and innovate in complex environments.

In 2012, Patrick took up a Country and General Manager’s role in Dana Gas Egypt, moving swiftly to CEO of the Dana Gas Group in 2013, during which he consolidated Dana Gas’ position in the UAE and more broadly throughout the Middle East, adding further proof to his identity as a strategic thinker with a predisposition toward operational excellence.

At Terra Mining, Patrick Allman-Ward is changing the story of gold production in Africa. As Chairman, he has led the company toward sustainable mining practices, especially in Zimbabwe. The organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community impact sets it apart in an industry often criticized for its ecological footprint. Terra Mining’s approach involves integrating modern technologies to minimize environmental damage while maximizing resource efficiency. This includes adopting responsible mining techniques that ensure the well-being of local communities and the preservation of natural ecosystems. Patrick’s leadership reflects his belief in aligning corporate goals with global sustainability objectives, making Terra Mining a model for ethical resource management.

Aside from mining, Patrick is the Vice Chairman of United Terra Enterprises, where he is taking the lead in creating an energy portfolio that is in balance. The company intends to integrate renewable energy in three years and is therefore assessing different initiatives that match global trends toward decarbonisation.

Patrick’s approach to diversifying energy is pragmatic yet visionary. United Terra Enterprises will focus on renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring energy security. This dual commitment to innovation and sustainability puts the company at the center of Africa’s energy transition, with Patrick’s leadership being the driving force.

Patrick Allman-Ward is an experienced consultant in the petroleum and mining industries. He has extensive experience that equips him with the right insights on resource management, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. As a mentor, he has inspired so many professionals to embrace innovation and sustainability in their careers.

Patrick’s advocacy for sustainable practices extends to his consultancy work, where he emphasizes the importance of aligning industrial activities with environmental and social goals. He can deal with sophisticated problems but puts ethical considerations first in advice or thoughts that make him the go-to person for advisory work in his field. Patrick Allman-Ward is a career of unmatched fusion of technical skills and strategic vision with a clear-cut commitment to sustainability. He has left his footprints on the industries wherever he worked, whether that be Terra Mining, leading on gold production, or at United Terra Enterprises, speaking to renewable energy.

His story is more than one of professional success but also profound dedication towards making a positive impact upon the planet and its people. For aspiring leaders and industry professionals, Patrick Allman-Ward’s journey is a source of inimitable lessons in resilience, innovation, and the power of purposeful leadership.