I really enjoy the faculty. Some of them have incredible profiles and backgrounds, which bring immense value to the learning experience, even more than the curriculum itself.
Norhan Ezzat

Norhan Ezzat

Norhan Ezzat
Nationality/Passport: Egyptian Year of graduation: 2026 Current Role: Head of Global Transaction Banking & Business Banking at Arab African International Bank

Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about yourself? 

I love to travel and have visited 78 countries in the past 15 years—and counting!

Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are today, both professionally and personally.

I work in the banking industry and have previously been part of multinational banks like Standard Chartered Bank and regional banks like Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. Currently, I hold an executive position as Head of Global Transaction Banking and Business Banking at Arab African International Bank, covering Egypt and the GCC.

My work is typically regional, and I have experience in various geographies, including MENAP, as well as other markets in Asia and Europe. I don’t want to give the cliché response of “I worked hard to get here,” but I can confidently say that I am the youngest person in the Middle East holding this title—and probably the only female running a transaction banking business in a bank. 

What led you to decide to pursue an Executive MBA, and why did you choose INSEAD in particular?

Academically, I am a CFA Charterholder, but I hadn’t pursued an academic qualification in over a decade. I wanted to amplify my profile further and take it to the next level. 

I chose INSEAD because of the global exposure it offers, which ties in perfectly with my personal and professional aspirations, as well as its strong alumni network across many regions.

How would you describe your experience so far? What is your impression of the faculty, the curriculum, and your fellow participants?

I’m loving it, although it’s more demanding than I had anticipated and can sometimes feel overwhelmed with work and everything else in between. 

I really enjoy the faculty. Some of them have incredible profiles and backgrounds, which bring immense value to the learning experience, even more than the curriculum itself. My colleagues have become my extended family, and we support each other every step of the way during the programme and beyond!

What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing an INSEAD programme?

Go for it, but ensure you can allocate enough time to fully engage with the programme and make the most of everything it has to offer.