First Abu Dhabi Bank is an inclusive environment where each person values the experiences, perspectives, ideas and beliefs of others. We’re in a unique position to learn from all our colleagues, combining international experience with deep cultural knowledge and local expertise. At FAB, you’ll have the support of your team and a strong relationship with your line manager, who will trust you with responsibility and recognize your good performance. As we embrace different ways of seeing the world, listening to each other and respecting different viewpoints, we grow stronger – together

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Head of New Markets and Payment Innovation to join our Consumer Banking Group (CBG) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This key leadership role will drive our expansion into new markets and spearhead innovative payment solutions to enhance our competitive edge in the rapidly evolving financial services landscape.

Strategy development and communication

• Formulate the discreet business opportunities to enter new markets or drive future innovation.
• Deliver key prioritized strategies to ensure alignment with the overall Consumer Banking strategy.
• Provide global market, macro and consumer insights to continually challenge & refine the strategies.
• Communicate strategy to external and internal stakeholders. Influence key partners, senior executives.
• Support Head of Businesses with ad-hoc strategy communications and exco engagement
• Deliver best in class strategic papers, include business case and go to market approach, CVP development.

Strategy implementation and business performance

• Take the signed off and endorsed strategy and deliver the proposal to market, with a clear delivery plan. 
• Programs manage the delivery of strategy across markets and innovation pillars, with the various business lines.
• Ensure the delivery of agreed CVPs, Tech, Governance, end to end go to market, transitioning to BAU teams
• Track the key milestones and commitments across agreed strategic initiatives, internal and external
• Deliver key business objectives across performance KPIs aligned with endorsed strategies

Leverage key partnerships to drive payments innovation.

• Define the payments innovation long-term strategy and vision
• Expand the breath of payments innovation that FAB Consumer Bank uses, link to broader CBG strategy
• Link to key strategic partners in payments and innovation to drive both Home and Non Home markets outcomes
• Coordinate across marketing, product, digital, distribution, technology and analytics to deliver payment innovation. 
• Be across and drive emerging global consumer trends and tech drivers to delivery key outcomes

Leadership and people management

• Effectively lead the function with an ability to manage & influence across FAB overall and external partners.
• Ensure ongoing learning and development within the team through both formal training and coaching
• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organisational values to help create a value driven culture within FAB
• Maintain high levels of engagement and employee satisfaction within the team
• Have a bias to delivery and drive a culture of curiosity, ensuring emerging trends are driving the team forward

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the banking or financial services industry, with a focus on market development and payment innovation
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing strategies for new market entry
• Extensive knowledge of payment systems, technologies, and emerging trends in financial services
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring high-performing teams
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and manage complex projects from conception to implementation
• In-depth understanding of regulatory environments in the UAE and international financial markets
• Proficiency in financial analysis and business case development
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of Arabic or other regional languages is a plus