American Express Middle East executive appointments support plans for regional growth

Mr. Patel's primary role as a Marketing Director is to act as brand guardian, ensuring that the American Express brand reputation is managed effectively in line with global and regional expectations. In addition, he will work with the Senior Executive Team to achieve regional business objectives through high quality integrated communication programs. Patel joins from one of the region's leading marketing services groups - Bates PanGulf, following from an international career that has taken him across UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE where he developed marketing experience with some leading organizations in the region including Riyad Bank, Saudi Arabia and Visa International, Dubai.

Mr. George's key responsibilities, in his capacity as Technologies Director, are to introduce state-of-the-art payment technologies and products to AEME existing and potential clients, also to direct the management and operation of AEME's information systems infrastructure. Mr. George's joins AEME from the Oracle Corporation in the UK, and brings with him 20 years experience within the Financial Services sector in companies which include National Bank of Dubai, GEC (UK), Riyad Bank and Girobank (UK).

The position of Country Operations Director is a newly-created role at AEME. Mr. Ahmed's role can be summed up in streamlining all AEME country operations across the different markets (except Saudi Arabia and the UAE) and ensuring consistency and efficiency in all aspects of business operations in these markets. Mr. Ahmed brings a wealth of retail banking experience to AEME. He has over 20 years experience and has previously worked with Chase Manhattan and ANZ Grind lays. Prior to his latest assignment with AEME, Mr. Ahmed was Head of Consumer Banking and acting CEO for Standard Chartered, Bahrain.

Mr. Simon Mitchell, UAE Country Director has been with American Express for almost 15 years, enjoying success in a variety of increasingly senior roles internationally. He has headed the Marketing and NPD departments for international Dollar and emerging markets, worked in Risk Management, General insurance and most notably was the Consumer Card business leader during preparation for the introduction of the Single European Currency (Euro). Mr. Mitchell's most recent appointment will put him in charge of one of AEME's most significant markets, the UAE, taking full responsibility for all business deliverables in this cosmopolitan market. In addition, Mr. Mitchell will direct the Corporate Cards division in the region, aiming to grow it aggressively, in line with the Corporate Cards global position as market leader.

This series of senior executive appointments is illustrative of AEME's commitment to cater to its plans for expanding operations in the Middle East; a region of increasing importance, offering endless opportunities to different businesses. AEME is gearing up with the best resources to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive market.

"Our four new directors are an invaluable addition to the AEME organization. They are instrumental to driving and implementing our business strategies and operations aiming to increase our market presence and profitability" commented Mr. Trevor Stokes, President & CEO of American Express Middle East."