Dr Bernd van Linder

Dr. Bernd van Linder serves as Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Dubai, a position he has held since January 2017. Van Linder set an ambitious goal upon joining to double the bank's size, and six years into his tenure has accomplished this while positioning CBD as a leader in Dubai and setting it on a path for growth in the Gulf region. Under his leadership, the bank's net profit doubled to nearly US$545 million, balance sheet nearly doubled, and Commercial Bank of Dubai boasts one of the lowest cost-to-income ratios of any bank in the UAE.

Van Linder brings an unconventional background to banking: he received a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, and later completed an MBA in Financial Management from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. After a year with Philips Electronics, he joined Dutch bank ABN AMRO in 1997, before moving to the Middle East and joining Saudi Hollandi Bank, which later became Alawwal Bank.

Career History

• Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Bank of Dubai (2017–present)
• CEO, Saudi Hollandi Bank (2009–2016), where he doubled the bank in size, balance sheet size, and profitability between 2010 and 2015
• General Manager Treasury, Saudi Hollandi Bank
• Executive Director, ABN AMRO Bank in the Netherlands (1997–2006)
• Research Scientist, Philips Electronics (1996–1997)

What van Linder could bring to Commercial Bank of Dubai: Based on his documented track record of strategic transformation, van Linder has demonstrated the ability to execute ambitious growth targets while maintaining operational efficiency. His background in artificial intelligence positions him to drive digital innovation—he emphasizes that his AI background allows him to appreciate the importance of technology and digitization. His experience managing through the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with his focus on talent development and operational excellence, suggests he is well-positioned to navigate evolving market dynamics while scaling Commercial Bank of Dubai's regional footprint across the GCC.