Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) has announced the appointment of Yaser Alsharifi as the new group chief executive with effect from August 18 this year.
The bank said it has received approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain on the appointment.
Mr Alsharifi will take over from Dr AbdulRahman Saif who retires after 16 years of exemplary service, over four of which were spent as group chief executive.
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Mr Alsharifi
Reflecting on Dr Saif’s legacy, whose last working day at BBK will be August 31, 2024, the bank said during his tenure, it experienced transformative growth, introduced innovative digital banking solutions, and strengthened customer service standards.
His strategic vision and dedication have been instrumental in solidifying BBK’s position as a leader in the financial sector.
BBK chairman Tariq AlSaffar expressed profound appreciation for Dr Saif’s contributions.

Mr AlSaffar
“Under Dr Saif’s leadership, BBK has reached unprecedented heights. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” the chairman added.
Mr Alsharifi brings close to 30 years of experience. He has served in key leadership roles within the banking and financial services sectors, where he demonstrated remarkable innovation and strategic acumen. Known for his forward-thinking approach and ability to drive growth, Mr Alsharifi is well-positioned to lead BBK into its next phase of development.
Mr Alsharifi shared his enthusiasm about the new role: “I am honoured to join BBK, an institution with a rich heritage and a commitment to excellence. I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Dr Saif and working with the talented team at BBK to drive innovation, growth, and value for our customers and stakeholders.”

Dr Saif
Dr Saif remarked, “It has been an incredible journey at BBK. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, from expanding our market reach to enhancing our service offerings. I wish BBK Group and Mr Alsharifi all the success and prosperity.”
Mr AlSaffar added, “We are delighted to welcome Mr Alsharifi to the BBK family. His impressive track record and visionary leadership will undoubtedly propel BBK to new heights. This transition marks a new chapter in BBK’s history, one filled with promise and exciting opportunities.”