Amwal appoints Laurent Lavigne du Cadet as CEO

The move comes as part of Amwal's solid commitment to its principals and towards building an experienced in-house team of professional bankers that will contribute to Qatar's economic development.

Bringing forth 20 years of experience and knowledge in investment banking, Dr. Lavigne du Cadet will enhance Amwal's capabilities for serving its Local & International clients and advising them in identifying solid investment opportunities and promoting their interest.

Sheikha Hanadi Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani, Amwal Vice Chairperson and Managing Director commented on the hire saying: "Our team of highly-qualified professionals has always been at the very core of our success, aligning us with prestigious transactions throughout the region. We are confident that Dr. du Cadet's international expertise and the team in place will continue to look both within and beyond Qatar for new growth opportunities and allow Amwal to provide our clients with an unparalleled quality of financial services. Dr. du Cadet's recruitment is another step in the process of adding value to Amwal and strengthening our team to insure the highest quality of service for our clients.

Following his appointment, Dr. du Cadet said: "I would like to extend my appreciation for the confidence and the opportunity that I have been given to lead Amwal's team. Amwal offers a unique opportunity to put my experience at the disposal of our clients and help them to face the various challenges of the current financial markets.

Prior to joining Amwal, Dr. Laurent Lavigne du Cadet headed the oil, gas, and energy Investment Banking group of Millennium Finance Corporation, a subsidiary of Dubai Islamic Bank, in addition to being a Fund Manager of the Dubai Global Energy Fund, a fund sponsored by Dubai World and Dubai Islamic Bank.

Dr. du Cadet has a vast experience in the energy sector and has acted as a financial adviser for some of the largest European and American corporations, such as Total, Technip, Pride International, General Electric, and Alstom.

Additionally, he successfully advised several energy funds from the GCC for their investments in oil and gas companies.

Dr. Lavigne du Cadet was also a founder and Managing Partner of Alternative Finance Partners, a merchant bank specializing in oil and gas project development and financing, with a particular emphasis on upstream and midstream projects.

The geographical experience of Dr. Lavigne du Cadet covers former Soviet Union territories such as Russia and Kazakhstan and China along with the Middle East, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria and Algeria.

Dr. Lavigne du Cadet began his investment banking career with JP Morgan in Paris where he specialized in oil and gas listed companies after spending two years in Abu Dhabi with the French embassy.

Dr. Lavigne du Cadet holds a business school diploma and a Ph.D. in international finance from University Paris IX Dauphine.