“Hisham Ezz Al-Arab’s visionary leadership has had a transformational impact on Egypt’s banking sector, and has elevated CIB into a globally recognized institution and the country’s most successful private-sector bank,” said Joseph D. Giarraputo, Founder and Editorial Director of Global Finance. “His commitment to innovation and excellence has set new benchmarks in the industry, making him a truly deserving recipient of Global Finance’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Ezz Al-Arab served as Chairman and Managing Director of CIB from 2002 to 2020. Under his leadership, the bank’s market capitalization skyrocketed from $200 million to over $6 billion, cementing CIB’s position as an industry leader. In 2020, Ezz Al-Arab took a step aside from CIB and launched HE Advisory, a consulting firm aimed at supporting organizations, particularly fintech companies, in risk management, growth strategies, and fundraising.

In 2022, Ezz Al-Arab returned to CIB as a non-executive director of the board, leading the bank’s ambitious expansion strategy in Eastern Africa. In 2023, Ezz Al-Arab was named Chairman of CIB, and in September 2024, he was reappointed as CEO, reinforcing his leadership role at the bank. His vision continues to shape CIB’s strategy, with a focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and regional growth.

Beyond his work in banking, Ezz Al-Arab is also committed to social causes. He chairs the CIB Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving health and nutrition for underprivileged children across Egypt.

Before joining CIB in 1999, Ezz Al-Arab built an impressive career in global banking, holding senior positions with Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, and JP Morgan in London