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Tech giant Microsoft appointed Samer Abu-Ltaif (LinkedIn) as president of Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), according to a company statement. He succeeds Ralph Haupter (LinkedIn), who now leads Microsoft’s Small, Medium Enterprises and Channel partner organization.
Abu-Ltaif previously held the roles of president for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, as well as regional director for the Gulf. He led Microsoft’s USD 1.5 bn investment in Abu Dhabi’s G42 in April. He also played a key role in launching Microsoft’s first African data center in South Africa, as well as UAE, Qatar, and Poland data centers, with new regions planned for Greece, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya.
Abu-Ltaif will manage operations across 120+ markets, with a focus on AI-driven innovation, customer empowerment, and sustainable economic growth.
New C-suite hires at KPC Trading: KPC Trading, the Dubai-based oil trading arm of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), appointed Abdullatif Almukhaizeem (LinkedIn) as CEO, Bloomberg reports. Almukhaizeem, who previously managed KPC’s London office, will lead the company as it prepares to launch in 2Q 2025. Robert Johnson (LinkedIn), with a background at BP and Klesch Group, was appointed CFO. The new unit is focused on boosting production and maintaining control over operations, from exploration to petrochemicals.
Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade (Al Masraf) appointed Fuad Mohamed (LinkedIn) as the lender’s new CEO, according to a press release. Mohamed brings 25 years of experience in banking and finance, with stints in banking operations, fintech, and restructuring. He served as COO at Emirates Islamic Bank, COO and board member at Emirates NBD Egypt, and head of IT Application at Emirates NBD.
HSBC appointed Farah Farooq (LinkedIn) as head of communications for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region, according to a press release. Farooq, who most recently headed the bank’s UAE communications department, will develop and implement its regional communications strategy from Dubai.
