NEW YORK & MANAMA, Bahrain--()--PineBridge Investments (“PineBridge”), the global multi-asset class investment manager, is pleased to announce the appointment of Talal Al Zain as Chief Executive Officer of the firm’s Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) operations. His appointment marks the launch of PineBridge’s full service operations in MENA, which will see the establishment of new regional headquarters.
Mr. Al Zain, formerly CEO of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (“Mumtalakat”), the sovereign wealth fund and investment arm of the Kingdom of Bahrain, will spearhead the further expansion of PineBridge’s MENA presence, which builds upon the firm’s existing private equity capabilities in Istanbul, Turkey and distribution office in Dubai, UAE.
In addition to managing PineBridge’s regional operations, Mr. Al Zain will serve on PineBridge’s Executive Committee. He will also be Co-Head of Alternative Investments, assuming joint management responsibility for the firm’s private equity, hedge fund and other alternative investment businesses globally with Hans Danielsson, PineBridge’s Head of Investments.
Commenting on the appointment, Mervyn Davies, Lord Davies of Abersoch, Non-Executive Chairman of PineBridge’s Board of Directors, said, “We are honored that an investment professional of Talal’s caliber is joining PineBridge to lead the expansion of our MENA operations. This announcement represents yet another step forward for PineBridge in the execution of the Board’s strategic vision, positioning the firm to capitalize on unique investment management opportunities in high growth markets.”
David Jiang, PineBridge’s Chief Executive Officer, added, “Talal’s background and expertise speak to PineBridge’s strengths, namely, a solid investment track record grounded on deep knowledge, aligned with global capability and best practice. MENA has great growth potential, and Talal’s leadership will enhance PineBridge’s capabilities there, creating exciting opportunities for all of our clients.”
Mr. Al Zain said, “I am delighted to join PineBridge and lead the firm’s MENA operations. PineBridge is well-established, with global capabilities in key growth markets and innovative investment solutions. I look forward to expanding its presence in the MENA region, and strengthening the firm’s product offering, especially private equity deal flow, to benefit its global client base.”
About PineBridge Investments
PineBridge Investments manages US$67.3 billion in assets, as of 31 December 2011, for institutional and individual clients across an extensive platform of listed equity, fixed income, private equity and hedge fund strategies. With more than 800 employees, PineBridge Investments’ strong global network captures local market knowledge and identifies potential opportunities for the benefit of investors around the world. For additional information on PineBridge Investments, visit www.pinebridge.com.
Talal Al Zain Biography
Talal Al Zain, formerly CEO of Mumtalakat, the investment company for the Kingdom of Bahrain, has been appointed CEO of PineBridge’s Middle East and North African operations. Mr. Al Zain served as CEO of Mumtalakat from 2008 to 2012. During that period, Mumtalakat achieved a number of key milestones, including raising US$750 million in the international capital markets through a successful bond offering in 2010; optimizing Mumtalakat’s capital structure and securing sustainable debt levels to execute the company’s future plans; sustaining Mumtalakat’s credit rating, tying it to the S&P and Fitch sovereign ratings; driving forward the successful share sale and listing of 10% of Aluminum Bahrain (Alba) on the Bahrain and London Stock Exchanges; successfully exiting many non-core investments; and creating a diversified external liquid portfolio.
Prior to joining Mumtalakat, Mr. Al Zain spent 18 years at Investcorp where he was a Managing Director and Co-Head of Placement and Relationship Management and Investment Banking, Middle East. He was previously Vice President of Private Banking International with The Chase Manhattan Bank in Geneva and also a corporate banker for Citibank Corporate Banking Division in Bahrain.
Mr. Al Zain is also a well-known speaker on a variety of investment and economic issues. He most recently spoke at the 2012 World Economic Forum in Davos on the topic of gender and the economy.