Are you Shadi Zahran?
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Dr. Shadi Zahran was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of Ahli United Bank effective April 13, 2025. He brings over two decades of expertise spanning Islamic banking, financial management, and corporate strategy. Zahran is well-equipped to lead AUB into its next phase of growth and innovation.
Career History
- Senior Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer – Finance at Kuwait Finance House (2023-2025)
- Group Chief Financial Officer at Kuwait Finance House (2014-2023)
- Chief Financial Officer at Ahli United Bank in Kuwait (2009-2014)
- Head of Group Financial Control at Ahli United Bank in Bahrain (2005-2009)
- Head of Financial Systems Management & Operations Department at Al Rajhi Bank in Saudi Arabia (2000-2005)
- External Auditor at Ernst & Young
Education
Dr. Zahran earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from Hult International Business School in 2024, an MBA in Finance from the University of Manchester in 2014, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Jordan in 1992. He completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2021.
Professional Credentials & Leadership Roles
Dr. Zahran holds certifications including Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from Illinois since 1996, Certified Bank Auditor (CBA) since 1999, and Certified Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA) since 2006. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and Vice Chairman of the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI). He serves as a Board Member at Kuwait Finance House in the UK and as a board member at Kuwait Turk Participation Bank in Turkey.
What Dr. Zahran Could Bring to Group Chief Executive Officer at Ahli United Bank
Dr. Zahran's appointment represents a return to Ahli United Bank where he previously held senior finance leadership positions. His extensive background in Islamic banking and financial management—developed through 25+ years in regional banking—positions him to drive strategic growth at AUB. His previous role as Senior Deputy Group CEO at Kuwait Finance House, combined with his advanced educational credentials and deep expertise in financial performance optimization, suggests he will focus on strengthening AUB's regional competitiveness, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing the bank's Islamic financial services capabilities during a transformative period.
Sources
- Ahli United Bank appoints Shadi Zahran as Group Chief Executive Officer | Executive Moves
- Ahli United Bank welcomes Shadi Zahran as Group Chief Executive Officer | The Daily Tribune
- Shadi Ahmed Yacoub Zahran – Kuwait Finance House PLC
Auto-generated profile. Facts compiled by Executive Moves' AI editorial assistant from publicly available news and press releases on 22 May 2026. Spotted an inaccuracy? Email us and we'll review within 1 business day.




