Ghassan Nicolas Cortas

Ghassan Nicolas Cortas has a strong and extensive background in the banking and financial industry. Ghassan Nicolas held the position of Executive Director - Assistant General Manager & Chief Commercial Officer at Byblos Bank Europe from 2018 until present. In this role, they focused on developing and executing operational strategies, overseeing a team, and expanding the commercial banking business.

Prior to their current position, Cortas worked at Byblos Bank Group from 2011 to 2018, where they served as the Head of International Corporate Department in the Group Commercial Banking Division. Here, they managed a team and streamlined cross-border lending tasks for a significant corporate credit portfolio.

Before joining Byblos Bank Group, Cortas worked at Byblos Bank Africa from 2008 to 2011. During this period, they were the Head of Corporate Banking Department & Deputy Head of Business Functions Division. Ghassan Nicolas successfully managed a local corporate portfolio, modified lending products, and achieved the role of Deputy Head of Business Functions Division for their outstanding performance.

In their early career, Cortas held positions at Byblos Bank Group as a Senior Credit Risk Analyst & Deputy Head of Int’l Corporate Credit Risk Dept. from 2004 to 2008, and as a Credit Risk Analyst, Local & Int’l Corporate Credit Risk Dept. in 2003. Prior to joining Byblos Bank Group, they worked at ABN AMRO Bank N.V. as a Personal Banker and Customer Service Representative in the Consumer Banking Department from 1999 to 2003.

Overall, Cortas has accumulated diverse experience and expertise in various roles within the banking sector, showcasing their strong leadership and strategic skills.

Ghassan Nicolas Cortas has a comprehensive education background. Ghassan Nicolas obtained a Management Acceleration Program from INSEAD in 2022, focusing on Organizational Leadership. Prior to that, they completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2005 from Saint Joseph University of Beirut, with a specialization in Management. Ghassan Nicolas also holds another MBA degree from the same institution, earned in 2002, with a focus on Marketing. Ghassan's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance, General, attained from Saint Joseph University of Beirut in 2000.

In addition to their formal education, Ghassan has obtained several certifications to enhance their knowledge and expertise. Ghassan Nicolas acquired certifications in Sustainable Finance (ESG), International Sanctions and Embargos, and AML Basics in 2022 from CREOBIS - CREO Business Information & Seminars. In 2021, they obtained multiple certifications such as AML/CFT Awareness, Anti-Bribery & Corruption, GDPR Awareness, FATCA - CRS - General tax Awareness, Operational Risk Management, and Sanctions Compliance from international KYC.