BNP Paribas has appointed Tariq Al-Samahiji as chief executive of the firm’s dedicated Islamic entity, BNP Paribas Najmah, and global head of Islamic finance and investments.

Al-Samahiji has been working at the French banking giant since 2002, latterly as CEO of the firm’s investment partners unit covering the Middle East and North Africa region. He also co-ordinated all investment solutions activities.

In his new role Al-Samahiji will be responsible for the development of BNP Paribas' Shariah-compliant business across the world.

"Tariq's appointment is part of our continued plans for growth in the region. Najmah is an important and strategic component of our regional and international business model," said Jean-Christophe Durand, chairman of the BNP Paribas Najmah steering committee.

BNP Paribas has been operating in the Gulf for over 35 years with a presence in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and regional management based in Bahrain.

Najmah was established in 2003 and aims to provide leading Islamic investment and financial solutions worldwide.