The former chief executive of Brevan Howard's Middle East operations has joined private equity firm Vitruvian Partners as a senior advisor, according to a statement from the firm.
New Role for Industry Veteran
Naser Al-Shaikh, who previously served as CEO of Brevan Howard Asset Management's Middle East division, will advise Vitruvian on investment opportunities in the region. The appointment underscores Vitruvian's growing focus on the Middle East as a source of capital and deal flow.
Al-Shaikh spent over a decade at Brevan Howard, where he was responsible for the hedge fund's expansion in the Middle East. He also held senior positions at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) earlier in his career.
Vitruvian's Regional Strategy
Vitruvian, a London-based private equity firm with over €10 billion in assets under management, has been actively raising capital from Middle Eastern investors. The firm has invested in companies across technology, healthcare, and business services globally.
In a statement, Vitruvian said Al-Shaikh's appointment will help the firm "deepen its relationships with investors and partners in the region." The firm has made several investments in the Middle East in recent years, including in the healthcare and logistics sectors.
Market Context
The move comes as private equity firms increasingly look to the Middle East for capital, with sovereign wealth funds in the region deploying billions of dollars into global investments. According to data from Preqin, Middle Eastern investors committed over $20 billion to private equity funds in 2023, a significant increase from previous years.
Al-Shaikh's experience in the region is expected to help Vitruvian navigate the complex investment landscape and identify attractive opportunities. "His deep knowledge of the Middle East and his extensive network will be invaluable to our team," said a Vitruvian spokesperson.
