Head of Aviation Finance, Middle East

Key Responsibilities Client Relationship Management & Origination: Manage and develop strong relationships with existing and prospective Aviation clients (airlines, lessors, and investors) in the Middle East region. Originate and execute mandates from traditional aircraft financing to broader corporate/fund solutions across the full capital stack. Knowledge and experience of various aircraft financing solutions is a must: including short term funding (warehouse financings, bridges, PDP financings, etc.) and longer term structures (portfolio financings, JOLCO financing, French Lease financing, and other secured term loans), as well as capital markets solutions (public and private). Demonstrate capability to develop and originate innovative and tailored solutions to clients is key. Client Coverage & Business Development: Ensure comprehensive coverage of allocated Aviation clients to maximize engagement with the Bank's full range of appropriate products, tailored to client needs and the Bank's risk/return profile. Maintain and utilize the Bank's internal systems for Aviation deals, ensuring accurate reporting of origination activity. Contribute to the development of the Bank’s Global Aviation franchise Generally contribute to the development of the Bank in the Middle East region. Transaction Execution & Risk Management: Ensure the proper and efficient execution of all originated transactions including coordination with all internal stakeholders. Collaborate closely with the Syndication team to implement the bank’s originate-to-distribute (O2D) strategy, including reviewing market conditions, liquidity underwriting strategy, and defining paths to achieve the bank's final hold and sell-down objectives. Ensure thorough risk analysis, robust risk approval processes, and accurate risk reporting for all originated transactions. Provide support to the Portfolio Management team to (i) manage the risk position pertaining to supervised Aviation clients and to (ii) manage various risk reporting systems related to Aviation deals. Team Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Source, analyze, and share market intelligence with the global Aviation team regarding clients in the Middle East, investors, financing partners, and other market participants. Liaise effectively with other Aviation team members and, as needed, participate as a team member in cross-platform transactions, leveraging regional and global expertise. Provide guidance, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to more junior team members. Work as part of a deal team, directly or indirectly, in conjunction with global Investment Banking and local Coverage, Industry Groups and product teams in the region to identify/support relevant business opportunities aligned with the bank’s strategy. Qualifications and Education Requirements 10+ years of progressive experience in Aviation Finance, with a significant focus on structured finance and advisory origination. Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred. Fluent in English; knowledge of Arabic and other local languages is a plus. Proven track record of originating and closing complex aviation finance transactions as mentioned above. Deep understanding of the Middle East aviation market, including key players, regulatory landscape, and market dynamics. Strong existing network of relationships with airlines, lessors, and investors, in the Middle East region. Good understanding of various aviation financing structures Knowledge of aircraft trading and leasing is a plus. Proficiency in financial analysis, risk assessment, and credit assessment. Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a global team. Skills and Competencies Proven track record of originating and closing complex aviation finance transactions as mentioned above. Deep understanding of the Middle East aviation market, including key players, regulatory landscape, and market dynamics. Strong existing network of relationships with airlines, lessors, and investors, in the Middle East region. Good understanding of various aviation financing structures Knowledge of aircraft trading and leasing is a plus. Proficiency in financial analysis, risk assessment, and credit assessment. Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a global team.