The Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) has appointed Fahmi Alghussein, chief executive officer at Amwal, as its new Qatar Chapter head.

Alghussein has over 25 years experience in asset management, investment banking and capital markets and is credited with contributing to the development of strong relationships with key financial organisations in Qatar, said a statement.

Under his leadership, Amwal has launched three new active equity mandates including Beit Al Mali Sharia Equities Fund, Al Hayer GCC Fund and Donner and Reuschel GCC UCITS Fund. Amwal is also currently working with the Qatar Stock Exchange, Doha Bank and The Group to launch an ETF passively tracking the QSE Benchmark Index.

Alghussein has successfully executed several regional IPOs including Investcom, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Nawras Oman, Emirates REIT and Depa, and secondary offerings for Commercial Bank of Qatar GDR and Bank Muscat.

Abdulaziz N Al Emadi, director of the Listing Department at Qatar Stock Exchange, said: “Fahmi will play a valuable role within his capacity to increase the activities of investor relations (IR) in Qatar, mainly with our listed companies.  His proactive approach and continuous support of MEIRA will without a doubt contribute positively to the success of the Meira Qatar Chapter.”

Alghussein replaces Joe Maalouf who has been in charge of the MEIRA Qatar Chapter since 2013. Maalouf has finished his four-year mandate with successful results in promoting IR best practice in Qatar, the statement said. He will continue collaborating with the association to enhance the IR activities in the Mena region.

“After an extensive selection process, we are delighted to announce Fahmi Alghussein as the new head of MEIRA’s Qatar Chapter. With extensive cross-market experience and the crucially important investor perspective, Fahmi has already contributed to a number of local IR development initiatives. We look forward to his leadership in delivering Meira’s objectives to continue developing the IR profession in Qatar, supporting more members and increasing professional development,” said Alex MacDonald-Vitale, Meira chairman. - TradeArabia News Service