Barclays has appointed Khaled El Dabag and Walid Mezher as Co-CEOs for its Middle East operations. The announcement, made on July 7, 2025, indicates that both executives will be based in Dubai and report to Stephen Dainton, BBPLC President and Head of Investment Bank Management.
Khaled El Dabag brings 25 years of investment banking experience from his work in Dubai and New York. He has been with Barclays since 2014 and currently serves as the CEO and Head of Investment Banking for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). His role at Barclays has involved co-leading the Investment Banking business and driving strategy in the region.
Walid Mezher, who has been with Barclays for 19 years, most recently served as Head of Markets for MENA. His responsibilities included overseeing Sales and Origination activities across the Middle East and Africa. Throughout his career at Barclays, he has held leadership roles in Institutional Sales, EFS Solutions, Risk Solutions, and Debt Capital Markets.
The duo has collaborated closely over the past decade, building strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders in the region. "As the Middle East continues to play a bigger role in shaping global capital markets...the region is also becoming increasingly important to Barclays’ overall success," stated Stephen Dainton. He emphasized that integrating senior leaders from Investment Banking and Global Markets would enhance efficiency and collaboration.
Barclays' presence in the Middle East spans over 150 years, offering products and services through its Investment Bank and Private Bank & Wealth Management teams.