New board member joins Global

Mrs. Maha K. Al-Ghunaim, Global's Chairperson and Managing Director, said that the company is delighted to see an investment veteran with an impressive qualifications such as Smith join the company.

"He will bring with him fresh insight on the international economies and investments scene that will add value to our regional strategy as we continue to expand our business within the MENA region and farther," she added.

Currently, Smith is a member or director in Standard Bank Asia, Asia Credit Hedge fund, Asia Holdings & Securities Inc., Bear Stearns Global Alpha Fund Ltd, HSBC Jintrust Fund Management Co. Ltd, KGR Absolute Return PCC Ltd., Fraser and others.

The new board member has a long, impressive track record in the business world that spans over four decades, during which he held prominent positions as a chairman and a member in several prominent institutions such as; Credit Suisse First Boston Member of the CSFB Group Operating Committee, Asia Pacific, and Jardine Fleming Holdings. He is also a member in a number of committees in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and in addition, he was a member in the Hong Kong Government Economic Advisory Committee, Process Review Panel of the Securities and Futures Commission, and the Financial Services Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Smith has a degree in law from Bristol University, UK. He is a certified solicitor in the UK and Hong Kong and is a member of the Hang Seng Index Advisory Committee.

He has participated in law lectures in Hong Kong University with a number of published papers in journals including the internationally read 'Law and Politics in China.'

"Smith's appointment as a board member is a positive step for Global's international investment objectives bringing us potential opportunities into regional markets, concluded Al-Ghunaim.

Global currently operates in over 14 countries with assets under management in access of USD7 billion. The company also enjoys an impressive track record in Private Equity, corporate finance, capital management, fund management, and world-class financial products and service.