Simon Cooper

Position: Chief executive officer (CEO), HSBC Middle East

Biography: In May 2009, the UK’s HSBC appointed Simon Cooper CEO of its Middle East operations, making him head of one of the largest international banks in the region. In his current role, he has overseen the purchase of the UAE retail banking operations of the UK’s Lloyds and the merger of HSBC’s Oman operations with Oman International Bank.

He has also been responsible for leading HSBC through the regional financial crisis, a clean-up of the bank’s balance sheet and efforts to refocus on the region’s fastest-growing markets.

Cooper was previously CEO and president of HSBC Korea. In 2004-06, he was managing director and head of corporate and investment banking in Singapore and, in 2001-03, was deputy CEO and head of corporate and investment banking for HSBC Thailand. Prior to this, he worked in HSBC’s corporate finance division for 12 years.

Contact Tel: (+971) 600 55 4722