Credit Suisse has appointed Bassam Yammine as a managing director and co-chief executive officer of the Middle East. He will also be head of the Investment Banking and Asset Management businesses in the Middle East and North Africa region effective from 1 September.

Based in Dubai and Riyadh, he reports to Fawzi Kyriakos-Saad, chief executive officer of Emerging Markets in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Most recently, Mr Yammine Founder and chief executive of Audi Saudi Arabia, managed the regional investment banking business for Audi Saradar Group, one of the largest banking groups in Lebanon.

Prior to that role, Mr Yammine spent seven years with Lebanon Invest Sal, the first investment bank in Lebanon from 1994-2001, which was acquired by Bank Audi in 2001. He held several senior roles with Lebanon Invest and was also deputy chairman of Li Venture (Holding) Sal, the first venture capital firm in Lebanon, from 1995-2004, where he advised on private equity investments in the region.

Mr Yammine has also served in the Government of the Republic of Lebanon as Minister of Energy and Water in 2005, and as an advisor to the Minister of Health from 1997-2000.

Michael Philipp, chairman and chief executive officer of Credit Suisse in EMEA said, "We are pleased to welcome Bassam to Credit Suisse. Credit Suisse considers the Middle East a key growth market and an important driver of international investment around the world. This senior appointment reflects our long-term commitment to our clients in the region."