American International Group (AIG), a global leader in insurance and reinsurance, has announced three senior appointments aimed at strengthening its presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and North Africa. These strategic hires signal AIG’s commitment to deepening local engagement, expanding distribution capabilities, and accelerating digital transformation in high-growth regional markets.
The new leadership team will play a critical role in reinforcing AIG’s client relationships, delivering tailored reinsurance solutions, and aligning international best practices with regional market dynamics. These appointments reflect the insurer’s ongoing efforts to match local expertise with global experience to serve evolving customer needs.
GCC Market Focus: Sunil Bambral to Lead Distribution and Digital Strategy in UAE
AIG has appointed Sunil Bambral as Director of Distribution and Digital for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key GCC market. In his new role, Bambral will lead the development of AIG’s digital strategy while strengthening distribution networks and broker relations. His mandate also includes establishing a stronger footprint for AIG in the rapidly evolving Emirati insurance landscape.
As the UAE remains a central hub for regional insurance operations, Bambral’s appointment supports AIG’s ambition to combine digital innovation with operational excellence. His extensive experience in driving commercial lines and digitization initiatives positions him well to lead the company’s strategic push in the GCC.
GCC and North Africa Reinsurance Capabilities Strengthened by George Abi Rached
To bolster its facultative reinsurance business across a wider geography, AIG has named George Abi Rached as Director of Facultative Reinsurance for the GCC, Turkey, and North Africa. Abi Rached will be tasked with developing reinsurance programs in collaboration with brokers, insurers, and internal teams, reinforcing AIG’s reinsurance expertise in the region.
His appointment signals AIG’s focus on expanding customized facultative reinsurance offerings—crucial for supporting clients amid rising regional risk and large-scale infrastructure developments. With experience in risk assessment and client relationship management, Abi Rached adds depth to AIG’s ability to serve complex and emerging insurance needs in the GCC and beyond.
Client Experience in GCC Markets: Meryem Aykal Appointed Director of Customer Relations
Further enhancing customer engagement in the region, AIG has appointed Meryem Aykal as Director of Customer Relations for the GCC, Turkey, and North Africa. Aykal will lead initiatives to strengthen customer experience, create targeted engagement strategies, and ensure AIG adopts a client-first approach across regional operations.
Her appointment reflects AIG’s recognition of shifting customer expectations in the GCC, where digitalization and competitive offerings are reshaping the insurance landscape. Aykal’s background in strategic account development and relationship management will be instrumental in reinforcing long-term client partnerships.
Strategic Development in GCC and North Africa Insurance Markets
The GCC and North Africa remain among the most dynamic regions in the global insurance market, fueled by demographic growth, infrastructure investment, and increasing risk awareness. AIG’s latest leadership appointments aim to harness this potential through local expertise, digital innovation, and customer-centric solutions.
In addition to core business expansion, these executives are tasked with fostering closer relationships with clients and intermediaries, thereby positioning AIG as a reliable, high-value partner. Their leadership is expected to support growth across industries such as energy, healthcare, construction, and financial services—key sectors within the GCC economy.
AIG’s Long-Term Strategy for the GCC and MENA Region
These appointments are part of AIG’s broader strategy to reinforce its leadership role across the MENA region, with the GCC at the heart of its expansion plans. The company remains dedicated to delivering customized insurance and reinsurance products that reflect regional needs, all while leveraging its global infrastructure.
As digital transformation reshapes the insurance value chain, AIG’s strengthened leadership model is positioned to drive innovation, resilience, and service excellence. Whether through reinsurance innovation, technology-driven distribution, or personalized client platforms, AIG is building a future-proofed business tailored to the demands of GCC and MENA markets.
Conclusion: AIG’s GCC Leadership Reshaping Regional Insurance Landscape
The appointments of Sunil Bambral, George Abi Rached, and Meryem Aykal mark a new phase in AIG’s regional strategy. By investing in top-tier talent and empowering local leadership, AIG is not only enhancing its capabilities across GCC and North Africa but also reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-value, customer-focused, and digitally enabled insurance services.
These changes reflect more than just executive transitions—they represent AIG’s broader transformation into a responsive, innovative, and client-centric insurer, well-prepared to lead in one of the world’s most promising insurance markets.
