Global: IFSB appoints new Secretary-General
The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has appointed Dr Bello Lawal Danbatta as its Secretary-General.
He succeeds Mr Jaseem Ahmed, who retired in April 2017, having held the helm of the IFSB since April 2011. In the interim, the post was held by Acting Secretary-General Mr Zahid ur Rehman Khokher.
Dr Danbatta, previously the Director of the Centre of Consultancy and Executive Programmes at INCEIF, has over 25 years of combined experience in private, academia, regulation and supervision sectors across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
He has also been active in providing Islamic finance training and consultancy, and has a number of publications on Islamic banking, corporate governance and earnings management.
He is a member of the Accounting and Auditing Board of the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), and has chaired various working groups for the issuance of financial accounting standards for Islamic financial institutions.
Dr Danbatta has also been involved in the development and drafting of standards, guidelines and frameworks for capital adequacy, accounting, as well as supervision and regulation of Islamic finance for various countries.
He is also a member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA-UK), the Licensed International Financial Analyst (LIFA-UK), Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (CIIFP), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria (CPIN), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and International Council for Islamic Finance Educators (ICIFE).
The IFSB is guided by its Strategic Performance Plan (SPP) 2016-2018, which provides the organisation a strategic focus and a clear framework of activities streamlined towards sharpening the focus of the mission, goals and objectives of the IFSB over the medium term. Dr Danbatta is expected to be at the forefront of the international organisation, leading it into the next SPP cycle.
Jordan: Arab Orient Insurance names industry veteran as CEO
Arab Orient Insurance Co (AOIC), the largest insurer in Jordan and part of the gig group, has named Dr Ali Al Wazani to be its CEO with effect from the end of February.
Dr Al Wazani joins AOIC from Solidarity First Insurance, where he served as CEO for the past 10 years.
Prior to that, he held various positions in the banking and insurance industry in Jordan, including serving as the Deputy CEO of AOIC between 2000 and 2008.
He is presently the Chairman of Jordan Insurance Federation (JOIF) for the second consecutive term and is a Council Member of the General Arab Insurance Federation (GAIF). AOIC Chairman Nasser Al-Lozi said that with his vast professional experience and academic qualifications, Dr Al Wazani’s leadership would help the company achieve its objectives and overcome the various challenges within the sector.
Jordan: New Chairman & Asst Director for the Federation
Jordan Insurance Federation (JOIF) has named Mr Majed Smairat its new Chairman for the 2017-2019 term.
In line with the Federation’s bylaws, Mr Smairat, previously the Vice Chairman of JOIF, replaces Dr Ali Al Wazani.
Mr Smairat has an extensive experience in the local and regional insurance industry. He is currently the General Manager of Middle East Insurance Co.
Separately, JOIF has promoted Mr Maher Mohammad Awaad to be its Assistant Federation Director for Studies, Training.
Mr Awwad joined JOIF in 1996 and previously headed the same department of Studies and Research where his tasks included overseeing its published studies, statistics and research, in addition to working with media and arranging training and educational events for the Federation.
Malaysia: Great Eastern Takaful welcomes new CEO
Great Eastern Takaful Berhad (GETB), a JV company between I Great Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd (i-Great), a subsidiary of Great Eastern Holdings and Koperasi AngkatanTentera, has appointed Mr Shahrul Azlan Shahriman as its new CEO.
With his vast experience and established track record in the business, coupled with strong leadership and vision, Encik Sharul is responsible for overseeing GETB’s business direction and performance.
Prior to joining GETB, he was the Chief Distribution Officer in Prudential BSN Takaful, with local and international experience in multichannel distribution, including banking and insurance/takaful.
Oman: Al Madina Takaful names new CEO
Al Madina Takaful has appointed Mr Usama Al Barwani, previously acting CEO, as its new CEO.
He has an extensive work experience in various positions, including General Manager – Human Resources & Administration, Board Secretary & Sharia Supervisory Board, Deputy CEO of Al Madina Insurance, Acting CEO of the company.
He was one of the key people involved in transforming the company from a traditional insurance company into a takaful entity.
UK: RSA appoints Managing Director of Global Risk Solutions
RSA’s UK & International business has appointed Mr Tony Buckle as Managing Director of Global Risk Solutions (GRS).
In his new role, Mr Buckle heads GRS which provides wholesale and specialty insurance solutions to large and multinational customers through RSA’s operations in the UK, Europe and DIFC.
He reports to Mr Steve Lewis, CEO RSA UK & International, and joins the UK executive board.
Mr Buckle joins RSA from Swiss Re where he led its global engineering business from 2006-2013 and its Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Corporate Solutions business until mid-2017. As CEO of EMEA at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, he drove profitable local development of the business across the region.
He has a strong understanding of specialty lines, notably engineering and construction, as well as marine, agriculture and weather.