Ramy Zambarakji
Dubai
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented banking executive with 20+ years of experience in Banking, Business Development, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Leadership, and Transformation. Proven ability in driving multibillion-dollar investment growth, perfecting operational performance, and leading start-up and proven financial institutions. Known for successfully maximizing market share, enhancing shareholder value, and fostering digital transformation in both corporate and retail banking sectors.
Visionary leader with proven track record in steering organizations toward success through strategic planning and effective management. Skilled in building cohesive teams, driving innovation, and enhancing operational efficiency to achieve business objectives. Demonstrated ability to transform challenges into opportunities, resulting in significant impact on company growth and profitability.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Chief Corporate Officer
International Development Bank (IDB)
Dubai
03.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: Third-largest Iraqi bank with 30 branches across Iraq and UAE
- Increased profits by 100% through strategic planning and financial acumen
- Developed a corporate credit portfolio in Dubai, generating over 50 million dirhams in revenue
- Streamlined workflows to improve operational efficiency, reducing turnaround times and boosting productivity
- Led the digital transformation of bank operations, upgrading IT systems to improve technology support and agility
- Fostered a positive work culture that improved employee satisfaction and team collaboration
- Third-largest Iraqi bank with 30 branches across Iraq and UAE
Master Franchisee & General Manager
Ziebart World Corporation
Barcelona
10.2022 - 01.2024
- Company Overview: Global leader in automotive care with 1,200+ outlets worldwide
- Launched Ziebart’s entry into Spain, securing a Master Franchise and setting up the first Spanish franchise
- Grew market share in automotive care, building partnerships with BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari, and luxury car retailers
- Developed and executed expansion strategies covering the full Spanish territory, driving revenue growth
- Global leader in automotive care with 1,200+ outlets worldwide
General Manager
Construction Consultants
Melbourne
12.2021 - 10.2022
- Company Overview: Specialized in construction economics, quantity surveying, and project management
- Launched business operations in Melbourne, growing a portfolio worth over $60M
- Built strong relationships with corporate partners, government bodies, and high-net-worth clients, securing consistent revenue
- Developed long-term growth strategies, positioning the firm as a market leader in Melbourne’s construction industry
- Specialized in construction economics, quantity surveying, and project management
Chief Executive Officer
First Digital Global
Muscat
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Company Overview: Leader in digital transformation for financial services and fintech solutions
- Pioneered a B2C/B2B payment platform, securing Oman’s first fintech license for payment systems
- Spearheaded digital transformation across Oman and the GCC, perfecting business models and increasing growth
- Collaborated with regulators, central banks, and telecom providers to launch innovative financial technology products
- Managed a portfolio of digital investment projects across Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan, achieving significant revenue growth
- Leader in digital transformation for financial services and fintech solutions
Chief Executive Officer
Bank of Beirut
Muscat
09.2006 - 11.2018
- Company Overview: Launched and grew the bank into one of the leading foreign banks in Oman
- Founded Bank of Beirut-Oman, growing assets to USD 500M and liabilities to USD 1B
- Secured Best Foreign Bank Award (2016, 2017) by the Central Bank of Oman
- Expanded trade finance turnover to over USD 1.2 billion annually
- Led expansion efforts, opening 5 branches, and proving a workforce of 150+ employees
- Directed day-to-day operations, including credit approvals, financial structuring, and market growth strategies
- Played a pivotal role in securing USD 2B in government infrastructure projects, positioning the bank as a major local player
- Launched and grew the bank into one of the leading foreign banks in Oman
Corporate Division Head
Gulf Bank
Kuwait
01.2000 - 01.2006
Credit Relationship Manager
CitiBank
Tunisia
01.1999 - 01.2000
Managing Partner
Perekhid Outdoor
Ukraine
01.1996 - 01.1999
Marketing Manager
Art Agency
Lebanon
01.1990 - 01.1996
Education
Masters - economics, Finance & Banking
Oxford University
01.2019
Digital Business Strategy -
MIT Sloan School
01.2018
Certified Risk Analyst -
American Academy of Financial Management
Certified Risk Management - Kuwait
Institute of Banking Studies
Certified Asset Management - KAMCO
Asset Management Financial Services
Certified Financial Analyst - Oil & Gas
Kuwait British Institute
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Management
- Strategic Business Development
- Financial Growth & Investment Management
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Digital Transformation & Fintech Innovation
- Stakeholder Relations & Investor Management
- Operational Efficiency & Process Optimization
- Team Building & Leadership
- Financial Analysis & Risk Management
- Market Expansion & Client Acquisition
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Organizational development
- Budgeting and cost control
- Goal setting
- Regulatory compliance
- Innovative and visionary
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Revenue growth
- Digital marketing
- Market analysis
- Problem-solving
- Client relationship building
- Strategic partnerships
- Teamwork
- Interpersonal skills
Awards
- Best Foreign Bank Award, 2016, 2017, Central Bank of Oman
- Banker of the Year, 2002, Financial Times
- Award of Excellence, 2017, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon
- Appreciation Award, Oman American Business Council and CSR activities (e.g., Sablat Oman, Dar Atta’a)
Languages
- Arabic, Native
- English, Fluent
- French, Fluent
- Russian, Fluent
- Spanish, Basic
Earlierroles
- Corporate Division Head, Gulf Bank, Kuwait, Kuwait, 01/01/00, 12/31/06
- Credit Relationship Manager, CitiBank, Tunis, Tunisia, 01/01/99, 12/31/00
- Managing Partner, Perekhid Outdoor, Ukraine, Ukraine, 01/01/96, 12/31/99
- Marketing Manager, Art Agency, Lebanon, Lebanon, 01/01/90, 12/31/96
Languages
Arabic
First Language
English
Proficient
C2
French
Proficient
C2
Russian
Intermediate
B1
Spanish
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Group Chief Corporate Officer
International Development Bank (IDB)
03.2024 - Current
Master Franchisee & General Manager
Ziebart World Corporation
10.2022 - 01.2024
General Manager
Construction Consultants
12.2021 - 10.2022
Chief Executive Officer
First Digital Global
01.2019 - 12.2021
Chief Executive Officer
Bank of Beirut
09.2006 - 11.2018
Corporate Division Head
Gulf Bank
01.2000 - 01.2006
Credit Relationship Manager
CitiBank
01.1999 - 01.2000
Managing Partner
Perekhid Outdoor
01.1996 - 01.1999
Marketing Manager
Art Agency
01.1990 - 01.1996
Masters - economics, Finance & Banking
Oxford University
Digital Business Strategy -
MIT Sloan School
Certified Risk Analyst -
American Academy of Financial Management
Certified Risk Management - Kuwait
Institute of Banking Studies
Certified Asset Management - KAMCO
Asset Management Financial Services
Certified Financial Analyst - Oil & Gas
Kuwait British Institute