AWR Lloyd appoints Mehdi Sethom as CEO and Walid Ayad as Managing Director
Hot on the heels of welcoming Mediterranean Corporate Finance to its MENA business, AWR Lloyd has appointed its co-founders Mehdi Sethom and Walid Ayad as CEO and Managing Director for the region.
Announced last week, the addition of Mediterranean Corporate Finance (MCF) boosts AWR Lloyd’s presence in the MENA region, and deepens its expertise in corporate finance and financial transactions.
Founded over a decade ago by Mehdi Sethom and Walid Ayad, MCF has built a strong track record in advising on complex cross-border deals in the region.
AWR Lloyd meanwhile is an Asia-focused strategy, corporate finance and M&A consulting firm with offices in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and India. The consultancy earlier this year expanded into the Middle East through a partnership with Siraj Holdings, which formed the foundation for its new office in Abu Dhabi.
As part of the joining of forces, Mehdi Sethom has been appointed as CEO of AWR Lloyd in the Middle East. Sethom is a veteran investment banker with three decades of experience at BNP Paribas, Swicorp and Mediterranean Corporate Finance.
“The combination with AWR Lloyd creates a powerful bridge between Asia, the Middle East and Africa,” said Sethom. “I very much look forward to working with the AWR Lloyd team, and Siraj Holding, to deliver innovative solutions for our clients as regional economies diversify and global investment linkages deepen.”
Ayad has two decades of financial advisory experience at Mastercard, Swicorp and Mediterranean Corporate Finance. He has been appointed as Managing Director.
Commenting on the appointment, Alexander Wood, CEO and co-founder of AWR Lloyd said: “Mehdi and Walid have developed a highly respected practice. Their expertise in high-stakes complex deals in these markets complements our reputation for managing special projects and strategic assignments for Gulf clients in Asia, and for Asian clients in the Gulf.”
Mohamed Rusan Fyroze, CEO of Siraj Holding added: “We welcome Mehdi and Walid to the leadership of our joint venture with AWR Lloyd. They have an impressive track record and we look forward to working with them.”
