The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, has appointed George Beatty as the General Manager of Consumer and Elite Banking. Mr. Beatty will lead NBAD's strategy to expand its ground-breaking concepts in consumer banking and significantly increase personal banking clients. NBAD, which has one of the largest branch and ATM networks in the country with 123 branches and more than 550 ATMs, has recently accelerated its expansions in the UAE. In 2012, the Bank plans to open 14 more branches and cash offices to extend its reach in the UAE. The Bank is also implementing unique and strategic concepts through the NBAD's Next Generation Branch Banking, which include neighbourhood branches. Mr. Beatty, who has nearly 20 years of experience in senior management roles in financial services industry, joined NBAD from National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) where he served as group head and general manager of consumer banking. His prior experience includes executive roles at St. George Bank, HSBC Australia, National Australia Bank, and GE Consumer Finance. Originally from chartered accounting, he also has extensive experience in business advisory throughKPMG, and management consulting experience in distribution channelsat an international boutique firm. “George Beatty brings to NBAD his wealth of knowledge, expertise and excellence in consumer banking," said Saif Al Shehhi, the Senior General Manager of NBAD's Domestic Banking Division. “As NBAD continues to grow, George will be an invaluable asset in achieving our plans and we are proud that NBAD's strong position and ambitious plans continue to attract coveted bankers." NBAD's consumer banking has been an industry leader in products and services. NBAD's award-winning Arrow service is the country's first mobile money transfer. NBAD is also the first bank to launch a solar-powered ATM. Many of NBAD services have consistently won awards. For instance, the Smart Card Awardsnamed NBAD's Ratibi Card the Best pre-paid Card; and NBAD's Arrow Service the Best Mobile Payment Application. “NBAD's projects and ambitions make it a very exciting place to work," said Mr. Beatty. “Given NBAD strong position as one of the World's 50 Safest Banks and its robust financials, NBAD is in ideal position to continue acquiring new clients, especially as NBAD will continue to introduce many unique and customer-centric products and expand its network. NBAD's solid position and strategic ambitions makes me confident that I have joined a remarkable team." Mr. Beatty holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, and an MBA from Monash University.
