AMBASSADORS
AWAR is teaming up with inspiring male and female leaders in the aviation industry to launch the AWAR Ambassadors program. In the spirit of the truly international nature of the aviation industry, AWAR will pursue a global approach by engaging and affiliating with like-minded partners, advocates and allies in major aviation hubs to expand our reach and support our mission.
The AWAR Ambassadors will be based in Europe (London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris and Helsinki), the Middle East (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo), Australia (Sydney), North America (New York, Los Angeles and Dallas) and South America (Sao Paulo).
We will be sharing more information about AWAR Ambassadors in the coming weeks and months!
Sarah Pirzada Usmani
Managing Director, Head of Asset & Project Finance – Global Corporate Finance, First Abu Dhabi Bank
AWAR Ambassador, Middle East
Sarah has over 19 years of corporate and investment banking experience having worked across a number of banking divisions such as Project & Export Finance, Asset Finance, Structured Finance, Structured Trade Finance & Financing Solutions and Client Relationships across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Currently based in UAE, Sarah joined FAB in 2016 from Standard Chartered Bank, where she spent 16 years and held a number of senior roles including but not limited to Regional Head of Asset Finance & Leasing, Regional Head of Structured Export Finance, Structured Trade Finance and Financing Solutions based in London, Singapore and Karachi.
Sarah has significant experience in the corporate finance space including asset finance, having successfully delivered bespoke financing solutions to clients across sectors such as mining, construction, shipping and aviation (including airlines, lessors & manufacturers) demonstrating ability to support the sector in multiple ways.
Sarah has also worked closely with European and Asian Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) having originated, lead and concluded several landmark, award winning project & export finance transactions and advisory assignments for regional and international clients across Asia, Africa & the Middle East. She also successfully set up the ECA business within FAB.
Sarah is the ESG (Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance) Champion for the FAB loans business, advising clients on Social/Green financing structures and structured the first SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Linked Loan for a regional carrier.
In addition to her role as Middle East Ambassador for AWAR, Sarah has successfully set up the FABWomen – Global Corporate Finance initiative within FAB.
Sarah holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Institute of Business Administration Karachi (Pakistan).
ImpactfuL AWAR EVENTS
Unique opportunities for real engagement – across gender and seniority lines
AWAR events seek to educate and enlighten, providing unique opportunities for engagement with our industry colleagues. Roundtable exercises set the stage for meaningful dialogue and learning through shared experiences.