The National Investor appoints Managing Director for its Asset Management Division

Dr. Hadizad has 16 years of extensive experience in various aspects of equity and equity derivative trading, including portfolio management. He has managed a large team of quantitative analysts, proprietary traders, investment professionals, fundamental/technical analysts and execution traders. He has also had direct and indirect responsibility for the production of profit and loss accounts and teams of accountants engaged in the production of audited accounts for a variety of financial vehicles.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Orhan Osmansoy, Chief Executive Officer of TNI, said: "We are continuously looking for a strong management team to maintain our leading position in the market. With over 16 years of extensive experience in asset management and finance, Dr. Reza brings valuable insight and knowledge to his post in particular, and to our Management Committee in general".

Prior to joining TNI, Dr. Hadizad directly traded and managed investments in a broad range of settings. Amongst these have been Unit Trusts comprised of Equities, Equity Derivatives and other Equity related products, including credit instruments and OTC structured products. He has also defined and set mandates for a variety of corporate vehicles and determined the strategic direction of divisional and institutional investments. In senior roles at well known investment banks, such as HSBC and Paribas and large investment institutions, such as Pioneer, he had a broad range of responsibilities which included financial oversight and control.

Mr. Osmansoy pointed out:

"This appointment is a declaration of our intent and demonstrates our on going commitment to asset management. We are delighted to be joined by Dr. Reza who brings a rare combination of profitable market experience and business building capability. He will complement other divisional Managing Directors at TNI and will be an asset to the firm and instrumental in enhancing its reputation. I am also confident that he will play a pivotal role in the firm's continuous growth and success".

Dr. Hadizad said: "I am pleased to be part of an organization that has made such a strong commitment to the growth of the asset management business. I am also very excited to be working with the management team that has built TNI's reputation as the market leader."

TNI's asset management division was formed in 2005. As an investment management firm, TNI offers regional investment management and advisory services to institutional and high-net-worth investors. In addition to managing third party funds, TNI also provides both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management services tailored to suit the changing needs of its discerning clients. In recognition of TNI's remarkable results in asset management, the firm was awarded In May 2006 the prize for 'Best Asset Management House' during the 7th Annual Banker Middle East Industry Awards, which took place in Bahrain.