QFC announces senior appointment for financial development

Mr Morton has joined the QFC Authority from Henley Business School in the UK, formerly Henley Management College, which merged with the University of Reading on 1 August 2008.

In his new role Jon Morton will spearhead the QFC Authority's project, the Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA), to support the growth and enhancement of Qatar's finance industry.

In so doing he will co-ordinate with local, regional and international financial services institutions operating in the region to identify activities and services targeted at the development of junior, middle and senior ranking executives.

He will also establish close working relations with educational institutions around the world which provide recognised training and qualifications specifically for the financial sector.

QFBA is designed as a centre of learning and development to facilitate the development of financial excellence in Qatar through an integrated portfolio of learning programs and certification processes for individuals and organizations.

It will partner with first class international educational establishments to deliver transformational learning and development, designed around critical issues for individuals, organisations and the finance industry as a whole.

The QFC Authority has worked in partnership with the Qatar Foundation and Qatar University to develop the QFBA initiative.

The project, which has already included a number of detailed surveys and interaction with both international financial and educational institutions, is now moving into a new phase with significant interest being expressed by leading educational, management and training institutions for the business and financial sectors from around the world.

In his post as Deputy Principal of Henley Management College, from 2005 until August 2008, Mr Morton was responsible for the strategic re-positioning of the Management College.

Mr Morton refocused the strategy and business development operation of the College which resulted in its corporate revenue being tripled within two years.

Stuart Pearce, CEO and Director General of the QFC authority, said:

"Jon's arrival as a member of the QFC Authority's senior management team is very timely in view of the rapid growth of the finance industry being seen in Qatar and the region as a whole. His qualifications to take on such a significant role speak for themselves, and the creation of QFBA contributes directly to the QFC's objective of adding depth and quality to Qatar's financial sector. In that context we also have a responsibility of growing the skills and availability of qualified personnel to enter and succeed in the financial sector. We are delighted to be working with the Qatar Foundation and Qatar University in this important project, and are very grateful for their support and encouragement in reaching this key stage."