Simply Abu Dhabi III

64 SIMPLY ABU DHABI MICHAEL H. TOMALIN GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NATIONAL BANK OF ABU DHABI Mr. Tomalin is a senior international wholesale and private banker with a diverse background of highly proactive executive experience in the UK, Japan, Middle East, New Zealand, the Caribbean and Hong Kong. A seasoned banker, he was bestowed with the honour of O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1991. After university where he graduated with degrees in economics and international relations, Tomalin trained as an Investment Manager at NM Rothschild in London before broadening his banking prowess with a career move into general management at Barclays. In 1992, he was appointed the Chief Executive of Barclays Global Private Banking after he had served in senior executive roles in Barbados, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Tokyo. As the UAE strives to capitalise on the strong investor appetite and opportunities within the region, Mr. Tomalin has demonstrated a firm commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision, which aims to raise the profile of Abu Dhabi and transform it into an international destination for culture and commerce. NBAD, the UAE capital’s largest lender, was established in 1968 and since its launch has played a significant role in the progressive economic development of the UAE. Such is the success of the bank that it now boasts nearly 120 branches and offices across the UAE while its overseas network stretches from Hong Kong in the Far East to Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain in the GCC; Egypt, Sudan and Libya in Africa; France, Switzerland and the UK in Europe; and Washington DC in the United States. Michael H. Tomalin joined the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) as its Group Chief Executive in 1999. It marked a decisive year in the Bank’s history as NBAD’s financial performance turned around. When Mr. Tomalin became the CE, NBAD earned US$84.7 million. Since 1999, under Mr. Tomalin’ s steady and far-sighted leadership NBAD’s net profit has grown each year to surpass US$1 billion in 2010, the first UAE bank to accomplish this feat. Mr Tomalin is driving NBAD’s visionary goal to be recognised as ‘the World’s Best Arab Bank’. However, with uncertain economic times, things have not always proved plain sailing for the bank. NBAD, the second- largest lender by assets in the UAE, reported flat net profits of just over AED3 billion for 2009, but, despite some difficult challenges in 2010 the bank reported net profits of AED3.7 Billion, an increase of over 20%. Mr. Tomalin will continue to work to secure Abu Dhabi’s role in the financial industry throughout 2011 and beyond and work to support the necessary growth intended to place Abu Dhabi firmly on the map as a global destination. Out of work, Michael enjoys golf on Abu Dhabi’s fabulous golf courses, bridge and travel and believes to have visited more than 100 countries at work and play. Although his children are now grown up, and are living and working In London, they are regular visitors here. Michael thinks Abu Dhabi is one of the best places in the world for a family, and a great place to work for those with drive and ambition. For more information please visit www.nbad.com