Sami Mahfouz

Acting Chief Executive Officer – Gulf Bank, Kuwait

Sami Mahfouz serves as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Bank, one of Kuwait’s leading financial institutions. With over three decades of experience across regional and international banking markets, he brings a wealth of expertise in financial markets, public-sector coverage, and corporate leadership.

Professional Background

Mahfouz began his banking career with HSBC in Lebanon before taking on various financial markets roles across the UAE, Bahrain, and Lebanon. His career later flourished at Standard Chartered Bank, where he spent 18 years and rose to become Head of the MENA Public Sector Coverage Group.

In 2018, he joined Gulf Bank, where his strategic insight and leadership have guided the institution through a period of growth and transformation. Under his stewardship, the bank has reinforced its position as one of Kuwait’s strongest and most innovative financial entities.

Leadership and Achievements

As Acting CEO, Mahfouz has overseen Gulf Bank’s sustained profitability, solid asset quality, and prudent capital management. He has been instrumental in advancing the bank’s digital transformation journey, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and promoting a culture of innovation and customer-centricity across the organisation.

One of his key strategic initiatives is leading the transition of Gulf Bank into a fully Sharia-compliant institution. This historic shift is being implemented with strong governance, operational restructuring, and a focus on aligning talent and systems with the highest industry standards.

Mahfouz also represents Gulf Bank in major international financial forums, strengthening the bank’s regional and global presence. His leadership has been marked by a forward-looking vision that integrates technology, sustainability, and regulatory alignment into the bank’s long-term strategy.

Education and Outlook

He holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik in Lebanon and has completed numerous executive programmes in leadership and financial strategy.

Sami Mahfouz is widely recognised for his strategic acumen, collaborative leadership style, and ability to drive transformation in complex banking environments. His tenure at Gulf Bank continues to shape the institution’s evolution as a resilient, future-ready, and customer-focused financial leader in the region.