
Bahrain: Esterad Bank names Al Pachachi as COO
Bahrain - Wholesale Islamic bank Esterad Bank said yesterday it had appointed Fajer Al Pachachi as its new chief operating officer (COO).
Ms Al Pachachi brings more than 16 years of experience in investment management, strategic planning, operations, and business development to the Bahrain-based bank.
The appointment comes as Esterad Bank undergoes a transformation, strengthening its senior leadership and operational platform.
As COO, Ms Al Pachachi will oversee strategy, legal affairs, operations, administration, fund administration, information technology, corporate communications, and investor relations. She will also focus on improving internal controls, efficiency, and supporting the bank's growth.
Esterad Bank said the appointment was a significant step in its restructuring, building on positive momentum in 2024 that saw a return to profitability, new investments, the exit of legacy assets and cost-cutting measures.
Prior to joining Esterad Bank, Ms Al Pachachi was general manager of Hope Ventures, the investment arm of Hope Fund. She also previously held a senior role at the Bahrain Economic Development Board and worked at Instrata Capital, Maalem Holding and Addax Bank.
'Her extensive track record in building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and scaling investment platforms makes her a strong addition to our leadership team,' said Esterad Bank acting chief executive Ahmed Abdulrahman.
Mr Al Pachachi said she was joining the bank at a 'key moment' and looked forward to enhancing its operations and supporting business growth.
She holds a business degree from Concordia University in Canada and currently chairs the technology and digital economy committee at the Bahrain Chamber.
Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
GFH Financial Group partners with Safa to offset the annual carbon footprint of its employees
Manama, Bahrain – In a significant step toward corporate sustainability, GFH Financial Group has announced a new initiative to offset the annual carbon emissions of all its full-time employees. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Safa, Bahrain's climate action platform and a Mumtalakat portfolio company, will see the Group take tangible action to neutralize its operational environmental impact. The initiative to offset the carbon emission covers the full-time workforce at GFH Financial Group. According to national emissions data, the average individual in Bahrain emits just over 26 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) per year through daily activities. An individual's annual carbon emissions refer to the total amount of carbon dioxide they generate each year through everyday activities such as driving, using electricity, and consuming goods and services. Carbon offsetting involves financially supporting projects—like renewable energy initiatives or reforestation efforts—that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Through its partnership with Safa, GFH ensures that carbon offsets made on behalf of its employees are real, measurable, and independently verified, meeting Safa's rigorous standards for high-quality carbon credits. By offsetting the annual emissions for each employee, GFH is demonstrating proactive environmental leadership and reinforcing its support for the Kingdom of Bahrain's Net Zero 2060 ambitions. This announcement coincides with World Environment Day, reinforcing the shared urgency for climate action and the need for institutions to adopt measurable, transparent sustainability strategies. About GFH Financial Group GFH Financial Group, licensed as an Islamic wholesale bank by the Central Bank of Bahrain and headquartered at GFH House, P.O. Box 10006, Manama Sea Front, Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the most recognised financial groups in the Gulf region. Its businesses include Investment Management, Treasury & Proprietary Investments, Commercial Banking and Real Estate Development. The Group's operations are principally focused across the GCC, North Africa and India, along with strategic investments in the U.S., Europe and U.K. GFH is listed on four stock exchanges in the GCC, including the Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) where it is one of the most liquid and actively traded stocks. For more information, please visit About Safa Safa is a Bahrain-based carbon offset and climate action platform that helps individuals, businesses, and institutions take measurable steps toward environmental responsibility. A portfolio company of Mumtalakat, Safa provides access to internationally verified carbon offset projects and practical tools to reduce and balance carbon footprints. | info@


Zawya
7 hours ago
- Zawya
Under the patronage of H.E. Chairman of Shura Council, BTECH hosts Bahrain Digital Content Awards
Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Ali Bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH), in strategic collaboration with the World Summit Awards (WSA) will host the prestigious Bahrain Digital Content Award (BDC Award) this June. This landmark initiative highlights the rising strategic significance of the digital content sector and its pivotal contribution to driving sustainable digital transformation across the Kingdom of Bahrain. On this occasion, Mr. Ahmed Ateyatalla Alhujairi, Chairman of the Digital content awards, stated: 'The continuation of the Bahrain Digital Content Award underscores the strategic importance of the digital content sector as a key enabler of innovation, economic growth, and national development. The award serves as a key catalyst for inspiring creative talent to develop impactful digital solutions that drive progress across diverse sectors and contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom's socio-economic development and digital prosperity." Mr. Ahmed Ateyatalla Alhujairi further emphasised that fostering a culture of digital entrepreneurship is an essential pillar in advancing the strategic objectives outlined in Bahrain's Vision 2030. Mr. Tareq Fakhroo, Chairman of the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH), expressed his heartfelt appreciation and noting that such support plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the Society's efforts to drive digital innovation across the Kingdom, and added, 'The 2025 edition of the Bahrain Digital Content Award seeks to attract distinguished startups, private company, government body, or academic institution and more in the digital content arena. As in previous editions, the award will serve as a strategic platform for participants to showcase their capabilities, forge meaningful partnerships, and expand their footprint across local, regional, and international markets.' It is noteworthy that the previous edition of the Bahrain Digital Content Award achieved significant success, honouring a distinguished group of creators and renowned institutions for their outstanding contributions to the digital landscape. The event served as a testament to Bahrain's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and leadership in the field of digital content. The renewed patronage of His Excellency Ali Bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, for this year's edition further affirms the Kingdom's sustained national focus on advancing this dynamic and strategically vital sector.


Zawya
8 hours ago
- Zawya
INJAZ Bahrain hosts the 17th Annual Young Entrepreneurs Competition
Manama, Bahrain – INJAZ Bahrain proudly concluded its 17th annual Young Entrepreneurs Competition at Crowne Plaza Bahrain, marking a significant milestone in fostering entrepreneurial spirit and innovation among Bahraini youth. Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain, the event showcased the remarkable talents of over 1,000 students from local high schools and universities. This year's competition carries added significance as INJAZ Bahrain celebrates its 20th anniversary—marking two decades of empowering young minds and nurturing the Kingdom's future business leaders. The event featured a diverse array of 20 student companies, with 10 each from high school and university and levels. The students participated in intensive assessments, team-building activities, and inspiration sessions over two days, culminating in a grand Awards Ceremony that recognized outstanding achievements across various categories. This year, the competition also introduced five signature awards to highlight exceptional achievements. These include the 'Excellence in ESG Award' by Bapco Energies, "Best Booth and Brand Award' by BASREC, 'Rising CEO Award' by bni, 'Best Financial Performance Award' by CrediMax and "Excellence in Technology Award' by NBB Distinguished individuals served as judges in both the High School Track and the University Track, including representatives from prominent organizations including Ms. Dana Alhaddad from 'Beyon'; Eng. Jassim Darwish from 'GPIC'; Mr. Nezar Habib from 'stc Bahrain' and Al Khaja from 'Investcorp Holdings' in the High School Track; Mr. Abdulaziz Tawfeeqi from 'Infracorp'; Mr. Ali Alaradi from 'BDB'; Mr. Amin Sultan from 'Alba'; and Ms. Marwa Aleskafi from 'Tamkeen' in the University Track. INJAZ Bahrain also hosted signature awards judges; Ms. Buthaina Amin from 'Bapco Energies'; Ms. Narjis Almoosawi from 'BASREC'; Ms. Nada Mohamed from 'CrediMax'; Mr. Amgad Abdelaal from 'NBB' and Ms. Rayan Al Mahmood, Mr. Ammar Al Raees and Mr. Abdulla Al Basteki from 'bni'. The 2025 award winners include: Sadaf from British School of Bahrain won 2025 Innovative Venture Award for the High School Track Netajna from Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance won 2025 Innovative Venture Award for the University Track Nzr3 from Hidd Secondary Girls School won 2025 Global Impact Award for the High School Track Pitrolas from University of Bahrain won 2025 Global Impact Award for the University Track ReKlay from Naseem International School won 2025 Product of the Year for the High School Track Tabog from University of Bahrain won 2025 Product of the Year for the University Track Theemar from Beacon Private School won 2025 Company of the Year for the High School Track Ga6ra from American University of Bahrain won 2025 Company of the Year for the University Track Doobii from Al Falah Schools won Excellence in ESG Award (Presented by Bapco Energies) Sadaf from British School of Bahrain won Best Booth and Brand Award (Presented by BASREC) Tabog from University of Bahrain won Best Financial Performance Award (Presented by CrediMax) Ga6ra from American University of Bahrain won Excellence in Technology Award (Presented by NBB) Hood AlBuerki from Al Falah Schools won Rising CEO Award (Presented by bni) Two major announcements were made during the event: the official launch of the INJAZ Bahrain Company Program Series, a documentary series chronicling the journeys of participating students, and the closing ceremony of the second cycle of Entaliq by NBB, powered by INJAZ Bahrain, where student achievements and learnings were celebrated alongside NBB and INJAZ representatives. The event was generously supported by platinum sponsors Alba and Tamkeen, along with gold sponsor Beyon, and signature sponsors Bapco Energies, BASREC, bni, CrediMax, and NBB, underscoring the commitment of corporate Bahrain in nurturing young entrepreneurial talent. Commenting on the success of this year's competition, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa emphasized, 'INJAZ Bahrain remains dedicated to empowering our youth, providing them with platforms to unleash their creative potential and contribute to a thriving knowledge-based economy. As we celebrate 20 years of inspiring and equipping the next generation, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, sponsors, volunteers, educators, and staff whose unwavering support has been instrumental in achieving our mission and driving lasting impact across the Kingdom.' The winning teams of the"2025 Company of the Year" awards will represent Bahrain at the regional Young Entrepreneurs competition organized by INJAZ Al Arab in November 2025 that will be held in Egypt, showcasing their achievements on a broader stage.