Executive Management
Najla Al Shirawi
Group Chief Executive Officer
Najla Al Shirawi has more than 27 years of investment banking experience. Having been part of SICO since 1997, she was appointed CEO in 2014, following her appointment as deputy CEO in 2013. Najla served with Geneva-based Dar Al-Maal Al-Islami Trust, where she established private banking operations for the Group in the Gulf region. Najla is a Board member at the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB); a Chairperson on the Board of Director for SICO subsidiary, SICO Invest in Abu Dhabi, UAE; and the Vice Chairperson of SICO Capital in Riyadh, KSA. She is also an Independent Board Member of Eskan Bank BSC(c), Bahrain, and a Board Member of the Deposit Protection Scheme, Bahrain; the Future Generations Reserve Council; the Bahrain Associations of Banks; Bahrain Credit Facilities Company; and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance. She holds a Master of Business Administration and Finance from the American College in London and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Bahrain.
Fadhel Makhlooq
Group Chief Capital Markets Officer
With over 42 years of professional experience, Fadhel Makhlooq joined SICO in 2004 as Head of Brokerage before being appointed Head of Investments and Treasury in 2008. He was re-appointed Head of Brokerage in 2010 and then assumed the position of Chief Capital Markets Officer in 2018. Prior to joining SICO, he worked for a number of leading financial institutions, including Investcorp and Chemical Bank (now JPM Morgan Chase). He currently also serves as Board Director and Chief Executive Officer of SICO Capital in Saudi Arabia and as a Board Member of SICO Invest in UAE. Fadhel holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Glamorgan, UK.
K. Shyam Krishnan
Group Chief Financial Officer
K. Shyam Krishnan has 34 years of experience in finance, accounting, audit, investments, and risk management, with the majority of his career spent in conventional and Sharia-compliant banking. Shyam currently also serves as a Board Member at SICO Invest, UAE. Prior to joining SICO in 2015, he was Group Head of Finance at Al Salam Bank-Bahrain. Before this, he was Head of Hedge Funds’ Operational Risk Management at Investcorp, Bahrain, and Audit Supervisor at the Bahrain office of Ernst & Young. He is a Chartered Accountant and Management Accountant from India and a Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Internal Auditor, and a Certified Information Systems Auditor. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Madras University, India.
Anantha Narayanan
Group Chief Operating Officer
Anantha Narayanan has over 34 years of diversified experience in the areas of operations, audit, and risk in the banking industry, Anantha joined SICO in 2008. Prior to joining SICO, he worked for Credit Agricole, BBK, Commercial Bank of Oman/Bank Muscat, and Pricewaterhouse Coopers. He is currently the Vice Chairman of SICO Invest, UAE. Anantha is a Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant (India), a Certified Information Systems Auditor (USA), Financial Risk Manager (USA), and an Associate Member of the Institute of Financial Studies (UK). He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Manchester, UK.
Maryam AlMohri
Group Chief Risk Officer
Maryam AlMohri brings a wealth of experience in risk management to her role as Chief Risk Officer at SICO, specializing in asset management, treasury, brokerage, and investment banking. Maryam’s journey with SICO began in 2017, and her most recent position before this appointment was Vice President of Risk Management. Prior to joining SICO, she held the position of Assistant Manager in ALM Reporting and Capital Management at Gulf International Bank. Maryam holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and a first-class Master of Science (MSc) in Investment Banking & Islamic Finance from the University of Reading, United Kingdom.
Noora Janahi
Group Chief Legal Officer
Noora Janahi brings over 16 years of extensive legal experience in investment banking services, corporate law, and offering legal services in banking and finance. She has orchestrated numerous major transactions in Bahrain, including mergers and acquisitions and public and private capital markets transactions. Noora Janahi is licensed before the Court of Cassation and Constitutional Court of Bahrain and is a practicing arbitrator. Noora holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law and a License in Law, both from Université de Bourgogne, France. She was also recognized as a leading lawyer in 2020, 2021, and 2022 by Thomson Reuters and highly regarded lawyer in 2024 by IFLR1000.
Shakeel Sarwar
Group Head of Equities Asset Management
Shakeel Sarwar joined SICO in 2004 and, over the length of his career, has accumulated over 30 years of investment industry experience in the UK, Pakistan, and the Middle East. Prior to joining SICO, he worked with Riyad Bank’s Asset Management Division and was part of a team that managed over USD 3 billion in Saudi equities. He has also held positions with ABN Amro Asia Securities in the UK and Pakistan. Shakeel holds a Master of Business Administration in Banking and Finance from IBA, Karachi, Pakistan.
Ali Marshad
Group Head of Fixed Income Asset Management
Ali Marshad has over 19 years of experience in asset management, investments, treasury, and brokerage. After joining SICO in 2008 as an Analyst in the Investments and Treasury division, Ali then headed up the newly established Fixed Income Desk in 2012 before being promoted to Head of Fixed Income in 2015. Prior to joining SICO, he worked in the UK as an Analyst with Mercer Investment Consulting and as a Performance Analyst with UBS Global Asset Management, London. A Chartered Financial Analyst, Ali holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Banking, Finance, and Management from Loughborough University, UK.
Jithesh K. Gopi
Group Head of Strategy and Treasury
Jithesh Gopi has over 30 years of experience in investment management, research, and analytics. Since 2013, he has worked with Al Rajhi Capital in Riyadh as Head of Research, Head of Asset Management, Director of Research and Financial Institutions, and
Director of Corporate Development and Proprietary Investments. In 2006, he joined SICO as Senior Analyst and as Head of Research, covering over 50 companies in major sectors, and he is currently a Board Member at SICO Capital, KSA. Jithesh holds a Bachelor
of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, India, and a Master of Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management in Manila, Philippines. He is also a CFA charterholder, and he has completed the Asian International Executive Program at INSEAD Singapore.
Ayman Gad-Allah
Head of Investment Banking
Ayman brings over 18 years of experience in the investment banking industry across the MENA and GCC regions. He has a proven track record in executing high-profile IPOs and M&A transactions in his previous role as a Director of Investment Banking at SICO, successfully advising on mandates across a wide range of sectors, including telecommunications, real estate, education, hospitality, financial services, food & beverage, logistics, and manufacturing. Prior to joining SICO in 2014, he held senior roles at regional financial institutions. Ayman holds an Executive MBA from Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London.
Mariam Isa
Head of Brokerage
Mariam Isa has 20 years of experience in regional equity trading and sales. She joined SICO in 2005. Before becoming the Head of Brokerage, she held the position of Chief Broker. Mariam has also worked as a Senior Officer in the Placement Department at Gulf Finance House. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Islamic Finance from the University College of Bahrain, an Associate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Bahrain, and a Treasury and Capital Market Diploma from BIBF. She has also completed the Leadership Development Program at the University of Virginia, USA.
Salman Al Sairafi
Group Head of Transformation
With more than 22 years of experience in financial services and technology, Salman Al Sairafi joined SICO in 2020 as the Head of Global Markets and was appointed as the Group Head of Transformation in 2024. Prior to joining SICO, he held the role of Chief Investment Officer and Board Member at Capital Growth Management in Bahrain and was a Senior Investment Advisor at United Consulting Group in KSA. Prior to that, he headed the Fixed Income and Money Markets desk at NCB Capital in KSA. Salman has also held various other positions in Bahrain and the UK in the fields of consulting and R&D. Salman is Chairman of the Board at Dar Al Ma’rifa in Bahrain and is both a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst. A former Chevening Scholar, Salman holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Systems Engineering and a Master of Science in Advanced Computing from Imperial College London.
Nishit Lakhotia
Group Head of Research
Nishit Lakhotia has nearly 21 years of experience in the fields of investment research, risk management, hedge funds, and private equity. He has been involved in sell side Research in SICO since 2009, actively covering sectors such as telecommunications, consumers, aviation, and construction across the GCC. Previously, Nishit worked for an Iceland-based private equity firm focusing on India’s infrastructure sector and a US-based global hedge fund. Nishit is a Chartered Financial Analyst, a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst, and a Financial Risk Manager from the Global Association of Risk Professionals. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, India.
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Ahmed Almudawi
Head of Global Markets
Ahmed Almudawi has over 14 years of experience in the fixed income and public equity arenas in both emerging and developed markets. Joining SICO in 2015, Ahmed has been the Global Markets primary On-Desk Trader since 2020. He caters to sell-side clients; namely institutional investors and ultra/high net worth individuals. In 2024, he assumed the position of Head of Global Markets. Joining SICO Funds Services (SFS) in 2015 as a Senior Fund Administrator, Ahmed’s vast experience in the field has developed through various exposures within the bank. In 2017, Ahmed transitioned from SICO Funds Services to SICO as Senior Fixed Income Trader within the brokerage team. He is a graduate from Exeter University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance. Ahmed is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA ®) as well as a Chartered Accountant (ACCA ®).
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Nadeen Oweis
Group Head of Sustainability and Corporate Communications
Nadeen Oweis joined SICO in 2008 and has accumulated over 23 years of professional experience. Prior to joining SICO, Nadeen oversaw corporate communications and public relations for Microsoft in Bahrain. Before this, she handled regional accounts for Lowe Contexture. She also held posts at Procter and Gamble in Jordan and managed the advertising and promotions account for Radio Fann FM in Jordan. Nadeen holds a Master’s Degree in Diplomatic Studies from the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy, a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Jordan, and a Certificate of Digital Marketing from Columbia Business School.
Haifa Ajlan
Group Head of HR & Administration
Haifa Ajlan has more than 23 years of experience in the field of Human Resources. She first joined SICO in 2004, holding the position of Assistant Vice President before now being appointed as Head of Human Resources and Administration. Haifa holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Strathclyde Business School in Glasgow, UK and a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from University of Bahrain.
Mohammed Ibrahim
Group Head of Information Technology
Mohammed Ibrahim has over 24 years of experience in the field of information technology (IT), including IT project management, business analysis, complex system builds and interfaces, business continuity planning, and information security. Prior to joining SICO in 2007, he was Training Head and Technical Consultants Team Lead at the Bahrain Institute of Technology and Technical and Training Manager at YAT Group, Egypt. Mohammed is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSIP), a Master Certified Internet Web Professional (MCIW), a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert, and a Microsoft Certified Trainer. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Education from Alexandria University, Egypt.
Mohammed Juma
Head of Compliance and MLRO
Mohammed Juma has over 21 years of experience in compliance, investment, and operations management. Mohammed joined SICO in 2016 as Head of Compliance and MLRO, assuming responsibility for monitoring SICO Group’s operational adherence with the guidelines of regulatory authorities. Previously, Mohammed was Head of Compliance and MLRO with the International Investment Bank and JS Bank Limited in Bahrain. Mohammed holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Bahrain and has completed the Leadership Grooming Executive Program with the Ivy Business School in Canada and Hong Kong. He is a Certified Compliance Professional and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.
Joseph Thomas
Group Head of Internal Audit
Joseph Thomas has over 22 years of experience in internal audits, assurance engagements, and other financial advisory services. Joseph joined SICO in 2015 after having been Head of Internal Audit at Global Banking Corporationand holding a post with the Risk Consulting division of KPMG Bahrain. He began his career with Bharat Overseas Bank in India, followed by an internal audit role at the South Indian Bank. He later served as Audit Manager and Partner at a Dubai-based auditing firm. Joseph is a Chartered Accountant and a Certified Internal Auditor. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Mahatma Gandhi University, India.
Fatima Mansoor
Head of Client Relations
With more than 16 years of experience in regional equity trading and client relations, Fatima Mansoor joined SICO in 2006 as a Broker, assuming the role of Senior Broker in 2008. She moved to the Client Relations Department in 2017 and was appointed Head of the department in 2019. Fatima holds a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance from the University of Bahrain and a Master of Business and Administration in Finance from the New York Institute of Technology.
Wissam Haddad
CEO of SICO Capital
Wissam brings over 23 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, real estate, and corporate finance across the GCC. He was appointed CEO of SICO Capital following 11 successful years as Group Head of Investment Banking at SICO BSC. Earlier in his career, Wissam held senior roles at Gate Capital in Dubai, Najd Investments, Unicorn Capital, NBD Sana Capital (Emirates NBD), NCB Capital, and Eastgate Capital. He currently serves as a board member of Al Abraaj Restaurants Group in Bahrain, and as Chairman for Flow Mena Residential Real Estate Fund 1 and SICO Saudi REIT. Wissam holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University, Canada.
Bassam A. Khoury
CEO of SICO Invest
Bassam A. Khoury has over 40 years of international experience in brokerage, investments, and financial consultancy. He joined SICO in 2008 as Head of Brokerage before leaving in 2010 to join QInvest, Qatar, as Head of Regional Brokerage. Prior to re-joining SICO in 2013 as General Manager of SICO Invest in the UAE, Bassam was Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain-based ABC Securities. Previously, he worked with Banque Saudi Fransi in KSA, BMB Investment Bank and Lehman Brothers in Bahrain, a private family office in Paris, and M Sternberg & Company in the USA. Bassam holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics from King’s College, New York, USA.