BNP Paribas Appoints Reema Al Asmari as Head of Territory for Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 7: Reema Al Asmari joins BNP Paribas as newly appointed Head of Territory for Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the bank’s corporate and institutional (CIB) presence in the Kingdom.

In her new role, Reema will oversee the bank’s national commercial strategy, with a focus on strengthening relationships with strategic clients, multi-national corporates and government related entities. She will also drive BNP Paribas’ product and service offering across all CIB metiers, including growth in areas such as sustainable finance.

Reema reports to Amine Bel Hadj Soulami, Head of BNP Paribas Middle East & Africa and a member of the BNP Paribas’ MEA Executive Committee.

Amine Bel Hadj Soulami said, “We are pleased to have Reema on board, strengthening our team with her in-depth knowledge of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. BNP Paribas has long recognised the Kingdom’s vital role in the overall development of the region, since the bank became operational there in 2005.”

“In addition to our traditional banking presence, as a recognised global leader in sustainable finance, we look forward to accompanying our clients in Saudi Arabia on their transition journey. The national ambition towards renewable energy in particular, offers the opportunity to support the diversifying economy more broadly.”

Reema joins BNP Paribas from Natixis, where she held the position of CEO for Saudi Arabia. Before joining Natixis, Reema worked nine years with JPMorgan Chase & Co in the Kingdom. Her last role with the US bank was Treasury Services Country Head. Prior to that she was the Treasurer for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Johannesburg.

Speaking about her appointment, Reema said: “I am honoured to join BNP Paribas with the mission to grow the bank’s presence here in Saudi Arabia. As a dynamic bank which continues to evolve alongside Saudi’s ever changing business environment, I am enthusiastic about the opportunities to build upon its current success.”

Reema takes over from Jean-Francois Sibille who becomes Head of Compliance, BNP Paribas Middle East & Africa. She will work alongside Ammar Pharaon who heads BNP Paribas’ Investment Company (BIC) also located in Riyadh.