Dr.R.Seetharaman
A
boy who nearly dropped out of school at eighth standard because he could not
afford to pay the school fees is today the man overseeing Banking Group with
turnover of Billions of Dollars!! The
boy who had to run all the way to school examination hall because his bicycle
was punctured is the man who globe trots with Banking as his business and environment as his special interest.
The
boy who gave tuitions to students to get free books is sought after by every
channel and media all over the globe for his thoughts and views on economic
developments and current affairs. Meet Dr.R.Seetharaman, Chief Executive
Officer of Doha Bank Group, Qatar. A self- made man destined to make a
difference , his story is awe-inspiring for every young mind aiming big in life.
Hailing
from Mayiladudurai, his father, Mr. Raghava Sharma, was a Sanskrit teacher who
instilled exemplary moral values and discipline in his son. As quoted by
Dr.Seetharaman” Though Economically backward we were always intellectually
forward and even then my parents intelligently invested on my education and it
still remains my capital asset”. But money was always short at home.
To
support his education he aimed for a scholarship and spend sleepless nights and
tiring days to achieve top-grade. His head master who realised the potential of
the young school boy helped him achieve the scholarship. The way to this was
very difficult but as the CEO of Doha Bank Group says “I guess it is the hard
work and determined attitude that I developed at a young age is what keeps me
going forward with a spirit that says never say die” .He did study Grade 9
onward on scholarship.
Furthermore
to support his family he used to work at a shop in the town “As a boy, I used
to work at a salary of Rs.9 per month to support my family’, reminisces
Seetharaman. He remembers of an instance where he had to carry around 10 litres
of kerosene and walk 10 kilometres to his house just to save money on
transportation. ”Love and compassion for my family still drives my thoughts.
Today Doha Bank is my extended family and the same spirits drive my attitude at
work”
Mr.Seetharaman
was a brilliant student and had no difficulty in blazing his way through the
academic routines to pick-up the scholastic credentials needed for embarking on
a good career in the financial world.
He graduated in commerce from University of Madras, winning a Gold Medal
from the University. He went on to
complete his Chartered Accountancy.
He
took up a job with a private company in India at first. He then moved to Qatar and joined the global
consultancy firm Price Waterhouse. Later
he worked in executive positions in three banks in Qatar.
The
launch of his illustrious career started with his joining Doha Bank, Qatar in
2002. Doha bank was not very well known then.
Making Doha Bank the biggest private bank in Qatar was a monumental
task, even for a person like Seetharaman, with his brilliance and astuteness in
business. But persisting with untiring
effort is a way of life for him. He
introduced innovative products and services,
deployed consumer-centric technology solutions, adopted newer strategic business models,
established full-fledged cross-border branch operations in Dubai & Kuwait,
Opened representative offices at various financial centres across the globe,
floated a 100% owned insurance subsidiary company, promoted a joint-venture brokerage firm and
apart from all this developed a unique work culture at the Bank which paved the
way for scaling new heights in the Financial Industry of Qatar.
His
pragmatism and long-sightedness helped him carve out a niche for Doha Bank and
drove the growth and development of the bank in line with the Growing Nation of
Qatar. Doha Bank also became the pioneer
in Green Banking technology in Qatar. In other words, with his magic touch,
Doha Banking Group experienced a spectacular growth harnessing awards and
accolades like never before all over the globe
and the Banking Industry started looking upon Seetharaman with awe and
respect.
Undoubtedly,
as the shower of awards indicates, he is the person of the right caliber to
head the Doha Bank. He has transformed
Doha Bank as one of the best performing bank in the Middle East region and a
well-reputed Global Brand. Under his
stewardship, Doha Bank has been judged as the Best Bank repeatedly and has won
many awards - such as the Best Bank in Qatar 2011 by EMEA and the Best
Commercial Bank in Middle East 2010 by Banker Middle East.
Doha
Bank posted a business volume of US$ 24 billion last year. “That has already become history; I always
look ahead; The target for the current is much more; I am confident that the
Bank would achieve that”, says Mr.Seetharaman with complete self-assurance.
A genius in financial accounting, Mr.Seetharaman
has international statistics at his finger tips. He has earned innumerable Certificates,
medals and awards in the fields of Foreign Exchange, Treasury operations,
Banking, Business Management and corporate social responsibility.
Dr.
R.Seetharaman, Group Chief Executive Officer of Doha Bank, is a prominent
personality in the banking industry throughout the Middle East, an economic
expert who has achieved remarkable success for his contributions to Banking,
Trade, Investment, Economics, Environment, Social responsibility, Philanthropy
and Charity. He is recipient of multiple doctorates from leading universities
of the world, including PhD in Green Banking and Sustainability 2015 from Sri
Sri University and PhD in Global Governance 2013 by European University. He was
endowed with the honorary degree, Doctorate of Laws by Washington College in
May 2012 for his unique and valuable contribution to society in the field of
banking, knowledge management, corporate social responsibility and governance.
He was also awarded with title Doctorate of Honoris Causa from European
University in June 2012 for his unique and valuable contribution to global
governance and social responsibility. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds
certificate in IT systems and Corporate Management, whilst being a Gold
medalist in his graduation Bachelor of Commerce.
A
leading top-tier Bank CEO, he has transformed Doha Bank as one of the best
performing Banks in the Middle East region. He is a high profile economist and
is invited on a regular basis by international media such as BBC, CNN, FOX,
CNBC, Sky News, ABC and Bloomberg to share his views. He is also an active
promoter of economic cooperation and cross border investment opportunities
between the GCC and the rest of the world. An influential environmentalist on
the Global stage, he has proactively created awareness on Global Warming across
the globe through a host of seminars and other initiatives. He is a benevolent
philanthropist, who has proactively contributed towards the underprivileged
sections of society for his enormous contribution towards both, business and
society. He has received many awards and accolades such as “Best CEO in Middle
East”, “World Leader Business Person”, “The Gullands Excellence Award as a
Phenomenal Banker” to name a few.
Quick
Facts
Education:
PhD in Green Banking and Sustainability 2015
from Sri Sri University
PhD in Global Governance 2013 by European
University
Doctor of Civil Laws of Honoris Causa 2012 by
European University
Honorary degree, Doctor of Laws 2012 by
Washington College
CA from the Institute of Chartered Accountants,
India
B. Com Gold Medalist - University of Madras
Profile
:
Started career in Price Waterhouse
Worked at the top management level in three
banks in Middle East
Current Role: Group Chief Executive Officer -
Doha Bank
Few Prestigious awards won by Dr.
R.Seetharaman
Lifetime
Achievement Awards:
◾Doha Bank CEO Dr. R. Seetharaman was honored with
Lifetime Achievement Award at Banker Middle East Awards in Dubai on 27-May-2015
◾Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank was presented
with the “Life Time Achievement Award” by The Institute of Directors, Tamil
Nadu State Chapter at the Global Summit 2014 on Business Excellence held in
Chennai – India for his initiatives to promote excellence in Governance
practices on 22-Aug-2014. Chief guest Dr. K. Rosaiya, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil
Nadu, India handed over the award.
◾Life Time Achievement Award for outstanding
contributions and achievements in Banking Sector organized by NRI Institute
from the Minister of State of External Affairs for the year 2009. Rare honor
given by the institution to any individual.
Other
Prestigious Awards:
◾Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank was honored
with “Business Man of the Year Award” on 16-June-2015 at the Hilton Hotel,
Doha, Qatar for his strong beliefs in management principles and for his dynamic
leadership qualities in leading Doha Bank with strong values and firm
principles.
◾Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank being honored
with NRI foundation Excellence award by Hon’ble Mr. Arun Jaitley, Finance
Minister, and Government of India on 13-Mar-2015.
◾Doha Bank CEO Dr. R. Seetharaman was awarded the
“Man of the Year “at IAIR Awards 2014 at a glittering function held in Dubai on
20-Nov-2014, where Doha Bank was adjudged the “Best Bank In Qatar”.
◾Dr. R. Seetharaman, Doha Bank CEO was honored with
the prestigious “Gold Stevie Award for Executive of the Year” in the Banking
Category at the 2014 International Business Awards - “The Stevie Awards” event
in Paris on 10-Oct-2014.
◾CEO of the Year 2011 in Middle East at the EMEA
Awards. This is the Second time he has won the prestigious honor in the Middle
East.
◾Doha Bank CEO Dr. R. Seetharaman was honored with
"The ABLF Business Economist Award" at the ABLF (Asia Business
Leadership Forum) Leadership Weekend 2014 on 13-Dec-2014 for his outstanding
contribution in financial media in areas such as economics, financial markets,
banking, finance and sustainable development through commentaries and opinions
and for promoting bilateral trade and investment relationships between various
countries. He received the award from H.E Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE
Minister of Economy.
◾Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award by
Banker Middle East in partnership with Hawkamah Institute for Corporate
Governance during the Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2010 in Dubai, UAE.
◾Dr. R.Seetharaman has been awarded the prestigious
"CA Global Achiever Award" during the glittering ceremony of The
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Awards 2012 in February 2013
at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai
◾Recommended as the United Nations Goodwill
Ambassador to H.E. Ban ki- Moon, UN Secretary General, by H.E. Nassir Abdulaziz
Al Nasser, the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN for his
renowned environmental / Green activities.
◾Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Samman by NRI Convention
held in House of Lords, London – October 2013 for his achievements in the field
of Banking Sector
◾World Leader Business person - For being a
successful leader who works in an innovative, systematic and knowledgeable
manner - September 2012
◾Doha Bank CEO Dr. R. Seetharaman was honored as
“Banking Innovator” at the 2014 Indian Innovator Awards, Entrepreneur of the
Year Award function held in Dubai on 09-Dec-2014.
◾Dr. R. Seetharaman received the “Best Banker Award
for Supporting SMEs for their better growth and exemplary achievements in
Banking Sector” during the "INDIA SME BUSINESS CONCLAVE” on 15th June,
2013 on the occasion of 19th Foundation Day of Small and Medium Business
Development Chamber of India.
◾Leadership and Fellow Award during the 23rd World
Congress Leadership and Quality of Governance and Presentation of Golden
Peacock awards ceremony hosted by Institute of Directors in February 2013
◾Dr. R. Seetharaman was honored with 4th Rajiv
Gandhi Excellence Award in 2013 for his distinguished services in the banking
profession.
◾Global Indian Award by Rotary Club of Madras Metro
during the launch of KRIA- Rotary Metro Awards 2013 in Commemoration of the
10th Anniversary of Kesar
◾International Indian of the Year Award for his
contributions for global economics, supporting for years the common cause to
address the Global Warming & Climate Change and Millennium Developments
Goals from H.E. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy,
Government of India in 2010
◾Best CEO in Middle East Banking Industry 2008 by
the Middle East Awards Institute from Honorable Dominique de Villepin, Former
Prime Minister of France.
◾Banker of the Year 2007 from Banker Middle East.
Arab
Asian Banker Excellence Award - 2006 from Arab Asian Forum in Singapore.
◾The Phenomenal Banker Achievers Excellence Award
from the President of Mauritius in 2009
◾The Gullands Excellence Awards for excellence as a
Phenomenal Banker in 2008.
◾Certificate of Appreciation from United States
Department of Commerce - U.S. Commercial Service in promoting US-Qatari trade
and financial ties from Mr. Israel Hernandez, Assistant Secretary of Commerce
Director General of the Commercial Service International Trade Administration
in 2007.
◾Pravasi Achievers Gold Medal for his outstanding
contribution in the Banking and Economic Sector by the NRI Welfare Society of
India at the House of Lords, London - 2010.
Dr.
Seetharaman has transformed Doha Bank as one of the best performing bank in the
Middle East region and the Bank has been recognized as Best Bank in Qatar 2011
by EMEA and the Best Commercial Bank in Middle East 2010 by Banker Middle East.
During his stewardship Doha Bank has become a Global Brand, conferred with the
following awards /recognitions:
◾Doha Bank has been named Bank of the Year 2013 –
Qatar by The Banker magazine, an affiliate publication of The Financial Times,
at the 14th Bank of the Year awards function held in London in 2013.
◾“Best Commercial Bank Qatar 2013” & “Best
Customer Loyalty Programme 2013” from International Finance Magazine (IFM), a
leading source of information, analysis and insights for the global finance
community.
◾Golden Peacock Global Award for Sustainability
2014, 2013, 2012 & 2010 by Institute of Directors, India
◾Golden Peacock Global Award for Corporate Social
Responsibility for the years 2013, 2012 & 2011
◾BIZZ Peak of Success Award from the World Confederation
of Businesses in 2013
◾Best Regional Commercial Bank in Middle East by
the Banker Middle East in 2013, 2014 & 2015
◾Ebanking 2013 Excellence Award by the Middle East
Excellence Awards Institute in 2013
◾Most Innovative Retail Bank Middle East by Global
Banking & Finance in 2013
◾Best Corporate Responsibility Programme in the
Middle East by EMEA Finance in 2012
◾Best Bank in Qatar by EMEA Finance in 2012
◾Best Corporate CSR Program by Arab Organisation
for Social Responsibility in 2012
◾Best Bank in Qatar & Most Innovative Bank In
the Middle East 2012 by Global Banking & Finance Review
◾Best Bank in Qatar 2011, 2012 - EMEA
◾Bank of the Year 2011 in Qatar by Arabian Business
Awards
◾Asia's Best Brand Award from CMO for the year 2011
◾Best Bank in Qatar & Most innovative bank in
Middle East for the year 2010 from EMEA
◾Best Sustainable Financial Institution in Qatar
for the year 2010 from The New Economy
◾Golden Peacock Global Award for Corporate Social
Responsibility for the year 2011
◾Best Bank in Qatar & Most innovative bank in
Middle East for the year 2010 from EMEA
◾Best Sustainable Financial Institution in Qatar
for the year 2010 from The New Economy
◾Best Commercial Bank in Middle East from Banker
Middle East for the years 2005, 2007, 2009 & 2010.
◾Best Bank in Qatar from Euromoney for 2008 and
2005
◾Best Globalization Bank and Best Green Bank from
Banker Middle East Awards 2008
◾Bank of the Year from The Banker, Financial Times
for the years 2003, 2004 and 2006
◾Best Bank in Middle East from Banker Middle East
for 2006
◾Best Bank in Qatar from World Finance for 2007
◾Best Internet Banking Award from Banker for 2008
◾Best Islamic Corporate Finance Award from Banker
for 2007
He
has played a pioneering role in introducing innovative products and services,
deploying consumer centric technology solutions, newer strategic business
models etc., and all first of its kind in the State of Qatar.
His strategic business model initiatives
include his vision towards globalization through opening of full-fledged cross
border branch operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait and representative
offices in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Turkey, China, South Korea,
United Kingdom, Canada, Frankfurt and Sharjah. Doha Bank has successfully
established Doha Bank Assurance Company, the first Middle Eastern Bank to
establish a 100% owned insurance company. He was instrumental in striking a
strategic tie-up with a leading Indian brokerage firm and named it as Doha
Brokerage and Financial Services Ltd., first financial institution to set foot
in the Indian sub-continent. His thought leadership and relentless attitude
resulted in Doha Bank being granted license to commence banking operations in
India and has been permitted to provide full-scale banking services.
Dr.
Seetharaman is very passionate about theatre and literature and actively
promotes social and cultural arts.
Dr.
Seetharaman is a high profile economist and is invited on a regular basis by
international media such as BBC, CNN, FOX, CNBC, Sky News, ABC and Bloomberg to
share his views. He is also an active promoter of economic cooperation and
cross border investment opportunities between the GCC and the rest of the
world. An influential environmentalist on the Global stage, he has proactively
created awareness on Global Warming across the globe through a host of seminars
and other initiatives. He is renowned Quiz Master in State of Qatar and has
successfully conducted business-quizzes, sports-quizzes and green-quiz.
