Ahmed Issa, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Misr (FABMISR), has more than three decades of professional experience spanning banking, institutional leadership and government service. Over his career, he has held responsibilities in finance, investment and retail banking, as well as managing strategic transformations and developing governance, before moving to lead the bank in February 2026.

This career gives him a broad mix of experience: an understanding of banking activities and customer needs, institutional development and efficiency, and experience in policymaking and in running one of Egypt's key economic sectors.

Leading First Abu Dhabi Bank Misr

Ahmed Issa joined First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Misr in February 2026 as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, drawing on his experience in financial management, banking business development and corporate governance.

The role extends his career at major banking and investment institutions, allowing him to apply his experience to leading the bank's business and developing its services, strengthening its ability to meet the needs of individuals and companies and to support economic activity.

The Start at Commercial International Bank (CIB)

Ahmed Issa began his career in 1993 at Commercial International Bank (CIB), rising through leadership positions in credit and investment to become Group Chief Financial Officer and then CEO of retail banking.

Along the way, he gained experience in managing financial and banking activities and developing business. His responsibilities covered financial planning, corporate finance and retail services, experience that laid the foundation for his later career leading institutions.

Leadership Roles at Banque Misr and CI Capital

Before moving to First Abu Dhabi Bank Misr, Ahmed Issa served as Deputy CEO and board member of Banque Misr, where his responsibilities included leading strategic transformation initiatives and overseeing governance and institutional growth.

He also served as non-executive Chairman of CI Capital Holding, helping to steer its long-term strategy across investment, asset management and leasing.

These roles added a broader perspective on managing financial and investment institutions to his banking experience, linking strategic planning with business development and greater efficiency.

Government Experience at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Ahmed Issa served as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities from 2022 to 2024, an experience that broadened his remit from leading financial institutions to running an economic sector tied to investment, employment and foreign currency inflows.

His efforts included developing the policies that regulate the sector, encouraging private investment, and strengthening the governance of national heritage institutions, including the Grand Egyptian Museum, as well as working to improve tourism performance.

His tenure also included work on the national tourism strategy and the restructuring of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, with the aim of strengthening financial sustainability and institutional efficiency.

During his time at the ministry, Egyptian tourism generated unprecedented revenue of about USD 6.6 billion in the first half of 2024, while Egypt received about 7.07 million tourists, close to arrivals in the same period of 2023 and above the first half of 2010, which recorded about 6.9 million tourists.

Tourist nights also grew in the first half of 2024 to 70.2 million, exceeding previous record levels and reflecting the strength of tourism activity at that time.

Institutional Memberships and Support for Education

Ahmed Issa's activity extends to education and institutions through his membership of the Board of Trustees of Galala University. He also sat on the board of EgyptAir Holding Company from 2018 to 2022.

These roles reflect the range of fields he has helped manage, from financial services and investment to education, aviation and tourism.

First Abu Dhabi Bank Misr Results for H1 2026

First Abu Dhabi Bank Misr posted net profit of EGP 7.9 billion in the first half of 2026, the period in which Ahmed Issa took the helm in February. The bank's total assets stood at EGP 420 billion at the end of June 2026, customer deposits at EGP 298.5 billion and total shareholders' equity at EGP 69.6 billion.

Net loans and credit facilities reached EGP 158.5 billion, including financing for Egyptian private-sector activity, reflecting the scale of the bank's lending and its role in meeting customer needs and supporting economic activity.

Diversified Revenue and Retail Business Growth

Net interest income was EGP 14.2 billion in the first half of 2026, holding stable compared with the same period of 2025.

Net fee and commission income rose to EGP 1.7 billion, up 25% year on year, reflecting growth in banking service revenue and more diversified income sources.

In retail, deposits reached EGP 89.8 billion and the loan portfolio EGP 29.4 billion, up 12% from the end of December 2025, reflecting continued growth in retail banking.

A Strong Capital Base and Economic Contribution

First Abu Dhabi Bank Misr maintained a strong capital position, with a capital adequacy ratio of 30.32% at the end of June 2026, one of the key indicators of a bank's ability to absorb risk and support its lending.

The bank also paid EGP 5.1 billion in taxes in the first six months of 2026, meeting its tax obligations and contributing to national economic resources.

Academic Qualifications

Ahmed Issa holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the Faculty of Commerce at Ain Shams University and an MBA in corporate finance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the United States. During his MBA, he received a merit scholarship and co-chaired the university's finance club, adding an academic foundation in management and finance to his practical experience.