Senior Executive Officer & HNW Distribution Lead – Dubai

About the role

The Senior Executive Officer (DIFC) & High Net‑Worth Distribution Lead in Dubai combines regulatory leadership for the DIFC Category 4 licence with commercial responsibility for building and driving HNW distribution across the Middle East.

Key responsibilities

• Formulate and execute the HNW distribution strategy and business plan for the Middle East.
• Own delivery of the region’s APE and VNB targets, pipeline conversion and margin outcomes.
• Act as a quota‑carrying leader, personally originating business and building the local team.
• Build and deepen senior relationships with private banks, international brokers, EAMs, trustees and family offices across the region.
• Lead partner segmentation, engagement planning and joint business development.
• Recruit, lead and develop the Dubai distribution and support team.
• Partner with Underwriting and Case Management to improve case conversion and deliver a seamless adviser experience.
• Provide market input into product development and underwriting appetite.
• Act as the DFSA‑mandated resident Senior Executive Officer, ensuring sound and compliant operation of the DIFC Category 4 entity.
• Maintain regulatory relationships with the DFSA and DIFC Authority and ensure fit‑and‑proper obligations.
• Oversee governance, risk and conduct, embedding a strong risk culture and ensuring compliance with local laws.

Required profile

• 10–15 years of relevant experience, including at least five years in distribution leadership within HNW/UHNW life insurance or wealth management in the Middle East.
• Established regional network across private banks, brokers, family offices and external asset managers.
• DFSA fit‑and‑proper credentials or clear capability to obtain approval as a Senior Executive Officer.
• Strong understanding of complex case structuring, trusts, premium financing and end‑to‑end case management.
• UAE residency (or willingness to relocate) and a university degree in business or a related discipline.
• Excellent relationship‑building, communication and negotiation skills at senior executive and regulator level.
• Proven people‑leadership ability to build and motivate a new market team.
• Fluent in English; Arabic or other regional language is an advantage.