Prime Highlights
- Neuberger Berman has strengthened its Middle East operations by appointing a dedicated MENA equities teamled by industry veteran Walid Mourad, aiming to deepen client engagement and local investment expertise.
- The move highlights the firm’s commitment to regional expansionand its strategy to build on-the-ground capabilities to support both clients and local economies.
Key Facts
- The newly formed MENA equities team brings over 50 years of combined investment experience, with members coming from top institutions like Lazard, ADIA, PwC, and J.P. Morgan.
- This expansion follows the recent hire of Mohammad Alderbassas Managing Director, who previously worked at Goldman Sachs and the Kuwait Investment Office, enhancing institutional client coverage in the region.
Background
The New York-based employee-owned investment manager Neuberger Berman has enhanced the Middle East business by recruiting a special MENA equities investment team. The hires will strengthen the local competencies of the firm and increase the interest of clients in the area.
The team is led by Walid Mourad, Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of MENA Equities, who has over 20 years of investment experience. Mourad previously served as Head of MENA Equities at Lazard Asset Management in Dubai for nearly 12 years.
Joining Mourad are Shouq Al-Shahrani, VP-Equity Analyst, with more than seven years’ experience at Lazard Asset Management and Alpha Capital; Emad El-Hage, SVP-Portfolio Manager, who held investment roles at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Arqaam Capital; and Tarek Sleiman, SVP-Equity Analyst, formerly an Executive Director-Equity Research Analyst at J.P. Morgan with over 12 years in research roles at Credit Libanais Bank and Arqaam Capital. Another equity analyst is expected to join the team later this year. Together, the team has more than 50 years of experience in the MENA equities.
The appointments build on the recent hire of Mohammad Alderbass as Managing Director, focusing on institutional clients and MENA portfolio management. Alderbass brings 13 years of experience, having worked at Goldman Sachs and the Kuwait Investment Office.
George Walker, CEO of Neuberger Berman, said the hires reflect the firm’s commitment to expanding its regional presence. “Our global platform allows us to invest in the region across asset classes. As we grow our footprint and engage more closely with clients, we are focused on building local teams who can provide solutions and support the local economy,” he said.
The new team will play a central role in managing MENA equity investments and strengthening Neuberger Berman’s engagement with regional clients.
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