Michel became Chief Executive Officer of Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait in May 2014, after having successfully led the turnaround of Gulf Bank, another Kuwaiti lender, and its return to profitability following the 2008 crisis. Gulf Bank was upgraded by Fitch, Moody’s and S&P (twice), during Michel’s tenure (2009-2014), and had regained its investment grade status in 2011.
Prior to that, from 2006 to 2009, Michel was the Assistant Chief Executive of Arab Bank PLC, based in Amman, with direct responsibility over all banking businesses globally, including Corporate and Investment Banking, Consumer Banking, Private Banking and Wealth Management, Treasury, and Credit.
Before moving to Arab Bank, Michel spent 27 years with Citigroup, which he joined in 1979. His last post with Citi was Managing Director and CEO for the Middle East and North Africa Division (MENA), a Unit that spanned 10 presence countries and contributed over $1 BN to Citi’s bottom line.
Michel spent most of his youth in Switzerland. He obtained his MBA with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1978. Michel is married and has 3 children.