BNY Mellon has appointed Bill Williams as its new chairman of Middle East & Africa (MEA), following a series of executive moves in its Asset Servicing business. He takes over the position from Hani Kablawi, who has been appointed head of EMEA Asset Servicing.
Williams also continues to be head of Developing Markets Client Management. He will still report to Jim Palermo, head of Global Client Management.
Kablawi had been head of Client Management for EMEA and also served as chairman of MEA. In his new role, he reports to Tim Keaney, CEO of BNY Mellon Asset Servicing.
Tarek Elrefai continues as senior executive officer for BNY Mellon’s branch located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). He also retains his role as head of Client Management for MEA, with responsibility for country management and franchise clients across the Middle East & Africa.
Elrefai is responsible for leading the BNY Mellon team within the region and for implementing the company’s regional strategic growth plans. He is also responsible for ensuring that business activities operating out of the Dubai branch are in accordance with Dubai Financial Services Authority regulatory requirements and any other relevant international legislation. He will now report to Williams.
“With a wealth of experience in serving clients in the Middle East & Africa region that stretches back 30 years, Bill is ideally placed to ensure we continue to support the future growth of our clients’ businesses and our own strategic goals in the region, Palermo says. I’d like to commend Tarek for his continued leadership on the ground in Dubai, and also thank Hani for the key role he has played in building our business in the region over the past 14 years.”
(CG)