Ernst & Young appoints new MENA Markets Leader

Dubai, 2 October 2011: Ernst & Young today announced the appointment of Bassam Hage as its Markets Leader for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In this role, Bassam will be responsible for executing the organization’s growth strategy across all service lines, priority sectors and countries throughout the region.

Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim, Chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young MENA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Bassam, one of our home grown professionals, to his new management role within the organization. His excellent relationships and knowledge of the region and business landscape are irreplaceable strengths. I am certain that his energy and passion will have a positive impact on the growth of our people and our business.”

Commenting on his new role, Bassam said: “It is a particularly interesting time to help lead Ernst & Young’s growth in the Middle East and North Africa as the region emerges from the impact of the various challenges of the last couple of years. We are fairly confident that the underlying strength of our economy will outlast the challenges in the near term as we position our organization to play a larger role in strengthening regional businesses and helping them compete globally.”

Bassam Hage has over 30 years of extensive experience working on a wide range of sectors including utilities, energy, banking and financial services, manufacturing, trading, real estate, telecommunication and hospitality. He became Managing Partner of Ernst & Young, Abu Dhabi in 2003 and has carried that role until his appointment as MENA Markets Leader. He continues to be based in Abu Dhabi while fulfilling the organization’s growth strategy and traveling across the region in his new role.