- Retail Banking
- Accounts and deposits
- Loans
- Insurances
- Cards
- Global transfers & Non Resident Banking
- Sohar rewards
- Digital banking
- Global Market
The inspiring, ongoing story of Sohar International is one that was shaped as a direct result of a deeper purpose to help people ‘win’ by delivering banking for their ever-changing world. It’s a story which relies on a vision to be a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities and people, to prosper and grow. Sohar International has quickly become the fastest growing bank as well as one of the most profitable banks within the Sultanate of Oman designed for success by putting into motion the organization’s applauded strategy resulting in milestones that have been attested by numerous local, regional, and international accolades covering a wide spectrum of the bank’s activities and initiatives.
Chairman
Mr. Al Aufi is Head of Investments at Mars Development & Investment “MDI”, he is responsible for managing a multi-asset class portfolio in the financial services, Fintech, technology and commodities sectors. Before joining MDI, Mr. Said worked in the Asset Allocation and Business Strategy team in the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF).
Mr. Said Al Aufi has a Double Degree in Commercial Law & Banking and Finance from Monash University in Australia, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst “CFA” and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst “CAIA”. He has also completed several executive management programs in the areas of executive leadership, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IOT) and Venture Capital. Mr. Al Aufi is member of the Board of Oman Telecommunication SAOC and the Board of Oman Broadband Company SAOC.
Deputy Chairman
Tareq Al Mugheiry is the Chief Investment Officer of Oman Investment Corporation SAOC (OIC). Prior to joining OIC, Tareq worked with a number of international companies including: Philips Electronics in corporate strategy and mergers & acquisitions; J.P. Morgan in investment banking covering the European technology sector; and Oman LNG’s project finance team. He holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) and Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) from the University of Western Australia. Tareq serves on the boards of Innovation Development Oman, Takaful Oman Insurance, Sembcorp Salalah O&M Company and TMK GIPI. Mr. Tareq Al Mugheiry is a member of the Credit Approval Committee (CAC), and the Executive, Nomination and Remuneration committee (ENRC).
Director
Sheikh Salim Mohamed Masaud Al Mashikhi Holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, he is currently employed in the Expenditure Department of the Royal Court Affairs.
Sheikh Salim is Deputy Chairman of Oman Fixed Income Fund (OMFI)
In addition to his role as a member of Sohar Internationals’s Board of Directors, Mr. Salim Al Mashaiky is a member of the Board Audit Committee, and the Board Risk Committee (BRC).
Director
Mr. Said Ahmed Safrar holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Hull in the UK, a Business Management Diploma from King’s College Bournemouth in the UK and a Specialised Diploma from the Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Science in Jordan.
Mr. Said has over 24 years of experience in the Banking and Telecommunications’ Sector, he is Board member of The Financial Corporation (FINCORP) and Dhofar Power, currently Mr. Said holds the position of Chief Executive Officer of Oman Investment & Finance Co. SAOG.
In addition to his role as a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors, Mr. Said Safrar is also the Chairman of the Credit Approval Committee (CAC) and member of Executive, Nomination and Remuneration committee (ENRC).
Director
Sheikh Ahmed Al Mashani holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Staffordshire University. He works in Muscat Overseas Group which provides services in the scope of investments, industrial, education, mining, real estate, media, and agricultural. He was a previous board member of the Financial Center, and he is currently a board member in Oman Investment and Finance Company, and Wasel Exchange, besides his work in the Governmental sector.
Director
Mr. Bipin Dharamsey Nensey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance. He is the Director of Dharamsey Nensey Company since 1977. He is currently Independent Non-Executive Director of Al Suwadi Power Company SAOG as well as Muscat Insurance Company SAOG since 14th July 2007. He served as the Vice Chairman of one of the local Banks for over 15 years.
Director
Mr. Ahmed Al Busaidi holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Tanta in Egypt since 1987.
Mr. Ahmed has over 30 years of experience in both the government and private sectors, with expertise in auditing, financial management, economic analysis, diplomacy and logistical management. His career includes notable roles at State Audit Institution, Oman Development Bank, The Royal Office, and Embassy of Oman in Turkey.
In addition to his role as a member of Sohar International’s Board of Directors, Mr. Ahmed is also the Chairman of the Board Risk Committee (BRC).
Chief Executive Officer
Mr Ahmed Al Musalmi joined Sohar International in May 2018 as the Chief Executive Officer. He has been a catalyst in the bank’s transformation and a proven leader who combines business vision and people skills. Mr Musalmi has more than two decades of experience. He is a results oriented and strategic thinker with extensive industry and functional expertise that includes Wholesale Banking, Capital Markets, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Trade Finance, Risk Management, Operations Management, Information Technology, Human Resources, Finance and Strategy Development & Business Planning.
Mr Al Musalmi is a talented leader who uses keen analysis & insights, and team approach to drive organizational performance and motivate employees to peak performance. He held leadership positions and has worked across several national and international financial institutions in his career. He was the CEO and successfully led transformation of National Bank of Oman prior to his move to Sohar International.
Mr Al Musalmi is a graduate of Harvard Business School and holds an MBA degree with distinction from the University of Bedfordshire, UK. He also holds an International Diploma in Financial Services. Mr Al Musalmi is a Chartered Market Analyst with Financial Analyst Designate, a Chartered Portfolio Manager and a Chartered Wealth Manager to add on to his wealth of expertise. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Financial Management and has been a part of several advanced programs including in IMD-Switzerland and Stanford Graduate School of Business-USA.
Mr. Al Musalmi is the Deputy Chairman of ASYAD Group and Chairman of its Board Audit Committee. He is also a board member of the College of Banking and Financial studies’ board.
Chief Wholesale Banking Officer
Dr. Manish is a seasoned banking professional with over 23 years of working experience, during which he worked in UAE, Africa & across various cities in India. He is an Engineer, MBA & CFA. He has joined fromStandard Chartered Bank, where he held multiple leadership roles and led many businesses & large teams. Dr. Manish strength lies in establishing and growing new and large businesses, improve business profitability, client connections & team engagement.
Chief Government & Private Banking Officer
Mr. Khalil joined Sohar International in October 2018 as the Chief Retail Banking Officer. One of his key responsibilities is to develop the bank’s business franchise. With over 19 years of experience, Mr. Khalil is a dynamic leader with pioneering experience in achieving business growth objectives in mid-sized as well as large, established organizations. His vast experience brings him expertise in banking business in general and in areas of Retail Banking, Wealth Management, Strategic Planning, Product Management, and People Management. He started his career in the year 2000 with a local bank in Oman and has worked with other national and international banks in Oman and Qatar throughout his professional life before joining Sohar International as the Retail Banking Division Head.
Mr. Khalil holds an MBA degree from Northampton University and has also received an Administration Certificate from Oxford Cambridge and RSA.
Chief Retail & Premier Banking Officer
Mr. Abdul Qadir Al Sumali joined Sohar International in August 2023 as Chief Retail & Premier Banking Officer. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Abdul Qadir is an experienced banker with vast knowledge and expertise in field of Retail Banking.
Prior to Joining Sohar International, Mr. Abdul Qadir was General Manager and the Head of Wealth and Personal Banking at one of the prominent local banks and has made notable contributions in the retail banking business. He is a knowledgeable leader with rich experience who combines his passion for customers and investing in people with personal integrity and discipline.
Mr. Abdul Qadir holds an MBA from Durham University Business School, United Kingdom.
Country Chief Executive Officer of KSA branch
Mr. Khalid Al Guthami joined Sohar International in September 2023 as Country Chief Executive Officer of KSA Branch With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Khalid is an experienced banker with vast knowledge and expertise in corporate and commercial banking, trade operations, investment, and risk management. Prior to joining Sohar International, Mr. Khalid Al Ghuthami was the Head of Corporate Bank Group at one of the prominent banks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he made significant contributions to the development of business and banking transactions.
Mr. Khalid Al Guthami holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics with emphasis on International Business from the University of Southern Mississippi. Mr Khalid has completed an Accelerated Management & Executive Leadership Program at Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires (INSEAD). Additionally, he holds notable financial certifications from SAMBA, Euromoney, and Citibank.
Chief Priority Banking Officer
Mr. Aziz Al Jahdhami has joined Sohar International in December 2018 and currently serving as the Chief Priority Banking Officer at Sohar International. Mr. Al Jadhami is a highly experienced banking professional. With a career spanning over 15 years in the banking industry, Mr. Al Jahdhami has developed a strong expertise in various aspects of Wealth Management, Private Banking, and Investment Management. His proven track record & achievements in these areas have been instrumental in the growth of several local and international banks.
Al Jahdhami holds two Executive Management certifications from prestigious institutions such as the University of Cambridge and the London Business School. These qualifications have further enhanced his skills and knowledge in managing financial institutions effectively. Additionally, he has also achieved both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of London in the United Kingdom.
Chief Islamic Banking Officer
Mr. Abdul Wahid has been associated with Sohar International since July 2019. Coming with over 18 years of professional experience across different functions of the Banking sector including Audit, Finance, Investment, and Islamic Banking. Prior to his role in Sohar International, he was the Deputy General Manager at one of the prominent local Islamic banks.
Mr. Abdul Wahid holds an EMBA degree from London Business School and has completed his Bachelors in Science from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU)
Chief Digital Officer
Mr. Sajeel Bashiruddin joined Sohar International in 2021 and currently holds the Chief Technology Officer role, wherein he is responsible for Information Technology, Enterprise Project Management Office, FinTech & spearheading Digital Banking functions of the bank to drive Digital Transformation. With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Sajeel reserves an entrepreneurial spirit and has led large-scale digital transformation in the sector. While strategy development, leadership, and innovation are key areas he places increased emphasis on, Mr. Sajeel has also introduced new digital revenue streams via Fintech partnerships, led cohesive digital ecosystem transformations, spearheaded business expansions and led transitions to be a data-driven organization.
He started his career in 2003 and have held key positions in banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Oman. Mr. Sajeel holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Applications, Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is also a Certified Artificial Intelligence Business Professional.
Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Hamood Al Sawai joined Sohar International in December 2021 as Chief Operations Officer. With over 22 years of experience, Mr. Hamood is an experienced banker with vast knowledge and expertise in field of Operations.
Prior to Joining Sohar International, Mr. Hamood was the Deputy General Manager at one of the prominent local banks and has
made notable contributions in conceptualizing and implementing robust strategies to enhance operational efficiencies. He is a knowledgeable leader with rich experience who combines the values of the business & technical expertise, with his personal integrity and commitment.
Mr. Hamood holds an MBA degree from Bedfordshire University and has completed his bachelor’s in finance & Investment from Cairo University
Chief Transformation Officer
Dr. Saud Al Shidhani joined Sohar International in August 2023 as Chief Transformation Officer. With a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry, Dr. Saud Al Shidhani is an experienced banker with vast knowledge and expertise in various areas of banking including risk management, retail business, overseas operations, cost management, Business Excellence & Technology.
Prior to joining Sohar International, Dr. Saud Al Shidhani was the Chief Operating Officer at one of the prominent local banks and has made notable contributions in streamlining operational efficiency and driving digital transformation initiatives.
Dr. Saud Al Shidhani holds a PHD in Accounting and Finance from the University of Cambridge, an MBA degree from the College of Banking Oman and a Diploma in Banking and Finance from Binary University.
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Craig Barrington Bell joined Sohar International as Chief Financial Officer in January 2019 bringing with him over 25 years of banking experience; 15 of which have been in CFO roles with HSBC and Deutsche Bank including three years as CFO of the Saudi British Bank. Mr. Bell has extensive finance background and deep experience of managing complex international businesses across dynamic and changing markets. Commencing his banking career with Citibank in 1985, Mr. Bell has a plethora of technical and management skills in financial and regulatory reporting, management reporting, financial analytics, system infrastructure & controls, balance sheet management, strategic planning , investor relations and tax. Prior to joining Sohar International, Mr. Bell served for over 2 years as CFO with Al Hilal Bank (Abu Dhabi) . He is a distinguished member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia & New Zealand and graduated from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Accounting.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Ms. Mahira joined Sohar International in October 2007, and currently holds the Chief Human Resources Officer role. With an extensive experience of over 21 years in managing Human Resources in the Banking sector, she has supported the achievement of the Bank’s strategy successfully through the deployment of the best Human Capital Management Policies & Practices in line with the Bank’s strategic Objectives. Responsible for developing and executing Human Resource Strategy in support of the overall business plans, specifically in the areas of talent acquisition, talent Management, succession planning, change management, Organizational & Performance Management, capability development and total rewards.
Ms. Mahira holds a Bachelors Degree and Diploma in Human Resources Management & Development from University of Leicester-UK. She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Institute of Leadership & Management and Leading Strategy Execution Certificate in Financial Services from Harvard Business.
Ms. Mahira Al Raisi is the Deputy Chairman of Human Resources Committee of Oman Banker’s Association. She is also a member of College Advisory Committee in College of Banking and Financial Studies in Oman.
Chief Marketing Officer
Mr. Mazin assumed the role of Chief Marketing Officer at Sohar International in 2022. With over 22 years of experience, he was one of the key individuals who played a prominent role in establishing the Marketing Department at the bank when he joined in 2007. Having been instrumental in the launch of Bank Sohar, and Sohar Islamic, Mazin’s passion, professionalism, and leadership stance saw him rise to the position of EVP & Head of Marketing before he took on his current role. He has been a critical part of the bank’s rebranding project, playing a pivotal role in the transition of Bank Sohar to Sohar International, and Islamic, conceptualising innovative ways to position them in diverse markets. Mazin also leads the corporate social responsibility initiatives of the Bank, driving meaningful partnerships that benefit the community.
Prior to joining Sohar International, he worked with a leading telecom operator as well as other local banks. Mazin has an MBA from the University of Strathclyde, UK, and a BSc from the University of Missouri in Marketing, St Louis, USA. He is also a certified brand manager and completed an executive marketing program at London business school.
Chief Risk Officer
Mr. Majid joined Sohar International in November 2020 as Chief Risk Officer. He has over 17 years of professional experience across different functions of the Banking sector. His experiences and responsibilities include, developing risk management strategies, overseeing and assessing the bank’s risk mitigations both internally and externally, and reporting to the Board of Directors. Prior to his role in Sohar International, he was Heading the Division of Credit Review in a popular Omani bank.
Mr. Majid holds a Bachelor Degree in Finance from College of Economy and Political Studies at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).
Chief Compliance Officer
Mr. Khalid joined Sohar International in December 2016. He has over 19 years of extensive experience as a Central Banker in various domains like Banking, Insurance and administration. His experience and responsibilities included conducting risk based examinations/audits, corporate governance, Capital adequacy, various business processes, control framework, and much more.
Mr. Khalid holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Financial Sciences (CBFS) from the Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences, and has completed his Higher Diploma in Administrative Procedures from the South Devon College, UK.
Chief Internal Auditor
Mr. Hamood is a qualified Chartered Certified Accountant with over 25 years of professional experience across different functions of the Banking sector. He has been associated with Sohar International since December 2020 and prior to his current role in Sohar International, he was Chief Internal Auditor in one of the local banks.
Mr. Hamood holds Senior Leadership qualification from London Business School, and Islamic Financial qualification from Chartered Institute of Investment & Security – UK
Chief Legal & Governance Officer
Mr. Elsamawal joined Sohar International in July 2013, and holds the position of Chief Legal Officer & Board Secretary in the bank. With over 18 years of experience in the legal profession during which he helped organizations and clients doing to business in a legal and compliant way and was able to prove himself consistently in major transactions and disputes. He is signaled out by legal directories as an individual with exceptional understanding of Oman’s banking system and commended for his wide-reaching initiatives to improve efficiency and performance in his function.
Mr. Elsamawal, holds Master’s degree ‘LLM’ and Bachelor’s degree ‘LLB’ in the field of law from the University of Khartoum, Sudan.
Head of Environment, Social and Governance
Hanife joined Sohar International in July 2022, as Head of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and is responsible for developing and executing the Bank’s ESG Framework – embedding ESG throughout the Bank – be it through effective ESG risk management, or through supporting Sohar International’s stakeholders through sustainable financing solutions. With over 25 years of experience managing across all ESG topics (e.g. climate change, diversity & inclusion, energy, water & waste management, social impact), Ms Hanife draws on her experience from South East Asia, Europe, South America, North America, Australia and the MEA (Middle East and Africa) regions. Within MENA, Hanife has previously held similar leadership roles with Jones Lang LaSalle; Mubadala Investment Company and KPMG. Her experience includes advising leading banks globally and regionally.
Hanife holds a Bachelor's Degree in Strategic Management and Marketing (Monash University - Australia), a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability (Swinburne University - Australia), as well as certificates in Sustainable Finance (Frankfurt School of Finance and Management), Climate Change and TCFD – Risks and Opportunities for the Banking Sector (UNEP FI), and Social Return on Investment Practitioner (Social Value International).