NBO Academy of Excellence, the Training and Talent Development arm of National Bank of Oman achieved another important milestone as 28 of the Banks senior executives graduated from the NBO Transformational Leadership Program conducted by the prestigious London Business School.

The graduation ceremony was held under the auspices of His Excellency Hamood bin Sangour Al Zadjali, Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman. The event was attended by Mr. Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of Oman, Sayyida Rawan Al Said, Board member of the National Bank of Oman and Ms. Sabine Vinck, Associate Dean of London Business School, Mr. Ahmed Al Musalmi, Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Oman and the Banks senior management team.

As a first in the banking history of Oman, National Bank of Oman has taken the lead through a unique collaboration with the renowned London Business School, to develop 28 members of its senior leadership team over a period of eight months. Over the years, National Bank of Oman has remained strongly committed to investing in its people and developing local talent to create a strong pipeline of business leaders, by providing them with the best learning and development opportunities.

The banks innovative Transformational Leadership Program, was part and parcel of an integrated talent and leadership development framework created by the Academy of Excellence. The objective of the program is to provide a total transformational leadership experience to the senior leadership team of the Bank by unlocking their potential in order to contribute to the Banks success. The specific learning outcomes of program were carefully aligned to the Banks vision and strategic objectives.

The program consisted of five key modules that were designed based on the outcome of a detailed Leadership Assessment Centre that was in turn underpinned by eight leadership competencies deemed critical for the banks transformation.

In his address to the graduates, His Excellency Hamood bin Sangour Al Zadjali, the Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman highlighted that by focusing on the development of our young talent, we are constructing a stable foundation that would safeguard our nations prosperity in the future. His Excellency added that through the inspiration of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said and through distinguished national institutions, such as National Bank of Oman, the focus is rightly on supporting the efforts of Omanisation and providing a suitable environment for employees to develop and evolve.

In his welcome address, Mr. Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, the Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of Oman, congratulated the graduates and highlighted the important role that these business leaders will play in driving the Banks growth strategy forward and contributing to the organisations success.

This program was about investing in our top talent, exposing them to all aspects of leadership and instilling what it means to be a leader at National Bank of Oman. It was a holistic, project-based learning experience, in which senior managers gained invaluable lessons in leading change from within, said Ahmed Al Musalmi, Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Oman while delivering the keynote address. Nurturing and supporting the most capable employees will provide continuous, long-term benefits to the Bank, but there are more immediate goals the program aimed to meet. As National Bank of Oman expands further it is essential that our managerial talent will oversee each future development in a way that is best aligned with our overall strategic vision.

If we have the right leadership, with a flexible, nurturing, empowering style, it will have an impact on the climate of the Bank. We are proud to be fostering business leaders that will continue to propel the Sultanate along impressive growth in the banking sector, said Ahmed Al Musalmi.

National Bank of Oman has been on a transformational journey to achieve its vision: To be the Bank of Choice, and it remains focused on enhancing customers experience, generating strong returns for its stakeholders, investing in the community and being the employer of choice for rising Omani talent.