Kuwait, 22 June 2025: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) announced the signing of a strategic partnership with IE Business School to provide mid-level management employees with year-round training. The initiative reflects KIB’s strong commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, strengthening the skills of national talent, and empowering the next generation of leaders. The official signing ceremony was held at the Bank’s headquarters, attended by senior representatives from both organizations, including Feras Al-Darmi, General Manager of the Human Resources Department at KIB, and William Davila, Global Head of Corporate Relations at IE University.

This new collaboration is part of KIB’s Waed talent program, which aims to develop Kuwaiti talent across all levels of the Bank. Under this program, a select group of Kuwaiti employees from various departments are chosen to enhance their skills and prepare for effective leadership roles. This comprehensive approach reflects KIB’s ongoing commitment to talent development and its dedication to driving positive, sustainable change within the organization.

IE Business School, a globally renowned institution and part of Spain’s IE University, was founded in 1973 in Madrid. It is recognized as one of Europe’s leading business schools and was ranked among the top 10 in its field in Europe by the Financial Times in 2024.

Commenting on the partnership, Al-Darmi said: “Our collaboration with IE Business School aligns with KIB’s comprehensive strategy to develop employee competencies and skills across all areas of Islamic banking. Investing in the training, education, and development of our talent plays a vital role in elevating the quality of service we provide to our customers and strengthening the Bank’s overall performance within Kuwait’s banking sector. Empowering our people with knowledge and skills is a key pillar in driving our continued success and achieving our long-term objectives.”

He added: “The carefully designed Waed program aims to enhance the capabilities of national professional talent by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to lead effectively with confidence in an industry undergoing rapid change and development. Strategic partnerships such as this one further support the goals of the Waed program, representing a direct investment in Kuwaiti human capital and focusing on preparing leaders who are adaptable, resilient, and innovative.”

Al-Darmi emphasized that the partnership with IE Business School, renowned for its deep expertise and advanced programs, adds momentum to KIB’s education and development initiatives and aligns seamlessly with the Bank’s global outlook, spirit of entrepreneurship, and leadership approach centered on personal and professional growth. He further noted that this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous learning, stressing that “the knowledge and expertise offered by IE Business School, combined with its innovative teaching methods, will be pivotal to the success of the Waed program and in achieving its ambitious objectives.”

It is worth noting that KIB remains firmly committed to investing in the future of Kuwait’s banking sector and strengthening its position under its main slogan “Bank for Life” through strategic partnerships with leading institutions in education and development. Through the development of Kuwaiti talent, the Bank aims to ensure its workforce is fully equipped to meet the evolving demands of the banking sector and to contribute effectively to the realization of Kuwait’s economic vision. KIB also places strong emphasis on building a highly skilled, innovative, and forward-thinking team capable of driving economic growth and contributing to the country’s ongoing development.