IE Business School and Kuwait International Bank Partner to Advance Talent Development in Kuwait’s Banking Sector

Kuwait International Bank (KIB) and IE Business School have signed a strategic partnership agreement to provide year-round executive education for mid-level management employees as part of the Bank’s Waed talent program. The collaboration brings together global academic excellence and a strong national commitment to empowering Kuwaiti professionals with the skills needed to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

The agreement was signed in Kuwait by Feras Al-Darmi, General Manager of the Human Resources Department at KIB, and William Davila, Global Head of Corporate Relations at IE University. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to investing in human capital, fostering leadership capabilities, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of Kuwait’s economy and driving progress within the country’s dynamic financial sector.

“We are very proud to announce this new partnership between IE and KIB, marked by today’s signing and the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term collaboration. Our shared mission is to create meaningful impact – not only within KIB but across the broader society.”

William Davila, Global Head of Corporate Relations at IE University 

The Waed program identifies high-potential Kuwaiti employees across departments and provides them with targeted training to support their professional growth and readiness for leadership roles. IE Business School enhances this approach with customized learning experiences designed to strengthen performance, service excellence, and innovation within the Islamic banking sector.

For more than 15 years, IE University has established a solid presence in the Middle East, fostering strategic partnerships, engaging with top-tier institutions and corporations, and empowering business leaders and entrepreneurs through world-class education. This long-standing commitment reflects IE University’s dedication to driving innovation, leadership, and impact across the region. The IE Center for Leadership and Innovation in the Middle East serves as a hub for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange between the region and the global community. Through research, executive education, and institutional partnerships, the Center supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of national talent – values that are at the heart of this new alliance in Kuwait.