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#1- US private equity giant BlackRock relocated Middle East and Asia Pacific chief strategist of its BlackRock Investment Institute unit, Ben Powell (LinkedIn), from Singapore to Dubai, as the firm looks to expand its research division to the Middle East, Bloomberg reports. Powell will focus on developing proprietary insights into the Middle East’s macroeconomics, markets, and multi-asset classes, as he oversees the unit’s activities in the APAC region.
The move comes as the company sets up a Riyadh-based investments team with up to USD 5 bn from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, and after the private equity firm appointed a former Goldman Sachs executive to lead its UAE branch last month.
#2- Public services firm Serco promoted Hana Abu Kharmeh (LinkedIn) to COO for the Middle East, transitioning from her role as Chief People and Culture Officer, according to a press release. Abu Kharmeh previously led the people department for over five years at Serco and will now lead technology and transition teams while continuing to oversee HR and workforce management, reporting to CEO Phil Malem.
During her stint Serco managed to exceed the Emiratisation targets by seven times, which earned it a NAFIS UAE Award from the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, and boosted the number of female nationals in the business by 133% y-o-y.
#3- Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reformed the board of directors of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, according to the Dubai Media Office. The revised board will be chaired by Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori (LinkedIn), with Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani serving as vice chairman.
#4- The Dubai Ruler also formed the Board of Trustees for the Dubai Community Contributions Establishment, according to the Dubai Media Office. The board will be chaired by Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid (LinkedIn), with Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi serving as vice chairman.
