Abdulla Qassem appointed on Visa International Board

Mr. Qassem is the General Manager of the Information Technology and Operations Department and the BUZZ Contact Center at Emirates Bank Group. He is the Chairman of Network International, a fully owned subsidiary of Emirates Bank and the Chairman of Emirates Loyalty Company which operates 'companionPoints' the largest ever smart 'chip' card consumer loyalty program in the Middle East.

Mr. Qassem candidature was overwhelmingly well received by all members in the region who collectively voted for him. It was also cherished by the Emirates Bank Group.

Mr. Qassem began his career at Emirates Bank in the year 1988 after graduating in Computer Science and Business Administration from Saint Edwards University in Austin Texas. With hard work and perseverance Mr. Qassem progressed, in just 8 years, to head the Information Technology and Operations Department at Emirates Bank. His responsibility encompasses the provision of entire Information Technology and Group Operations services, as well as the Call Center Management. With his guidance & support Network International has grown by leaps and bounds and is today the first third party processor in the Middle East region to have its personalization center certified for Smart Card issuance by both Visa & MasterCard International. Under his leadership the company has also scored phenomenally in the Acquiring side of the business and today enjoys more than 35% of the market share. Mr. Qassem exemplary premiership enabled Network to mature and evolve simultaneously. The company today provides a full range of comprehensive card solutions to over 20 banks in the region.

Mr. Qassem is a person of varied interests. He has been involved in IT planning, banking operations and technology as well as contact center and people management. His excellent educational background, leadership qualities and high personal skills have gained him significant achievements. His career accomplishments to date are characterized by his intense focus and clearly defined objectives that have enabled him to take on greater roles and responsibilities.