Hana Al Rostamani: Pioneering Leadership at First Abu Dhabi Bank
Hana Al Rostamani, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), continues to make waves in the global financial sector with her visionary leadership and commitment to innovation, diversity, and inclusion. As the first female CEO of a UAE-based bank, Hana Al Rostamani has broken barriers and paved the way for a new era of inclusive leadership. Her tenure at FAB, the United Arab Emirates’ largest bank, has been marked by a steadfast dedication to embedding a culture driven by innovation and a customer-centric approach.
With over 25 years of invaluable experience in banking and financial services, Hana brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her role. Before assuming the position of GCEO in January 2021, she served as Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Head of Personal Banking at FAB, spearheading the transformation of the consumer bank and championing a digital-first mindset.
Hana’s career journey has seen her take on pivotal roles with increasing responsibilities at esteemed institutions including First Gulf Bank, Citibank, and AW Rostamani Group. This diverse background has equipped her with a unique perspective on the financial landscape, enabling her to drive meaningful change within FAB.
Beyond her role at FAB, Hana Al Rostamani holds influential positions in various global entities. Notably, she serves as Chair of the Global Council on the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on Goal 7, ‘Affordable and Clean Energy.’ Her commitment to sustainable development is further evidenced by her membership on the board of Buna, the Arab Monetary Fund’s cross-border payment system aimed at strengthening investment ties among Arab economies.
Additionally, Hana is a distinguished Board member of key organizations including the Institute of International Finance (IIF), the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), and the Executive Board of the US-UAE Business Council. She is an alumna of George Washington University in the United States, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Information Management. Her remarkable achievements were recently recognized by Forbes Middle East, where she secured the top spot in their list of the region’s most powerful businesswomen.
Under Hana’s visionary leadership, First Abu Dhabi Bank continues to thrive as one of the world’s largest and safest financial institutions, boasting over USD 300 billion in total assets. Her pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to progress make her a standout figure not only in the banking sector but also in the broader landscape of global business leaders. As she steers FAB towards new heights, the financial world eagerly awaits the next chapters in Hana Al Rostamani’s illustrious career.
