Congratulations Bassam Al Wardi on an exceptional and inspiring 13-year journey with Bahrain Duty Free. Your career stands as a remarkable example of growth, leadership, and long-term commitment within one of Bahrain’s most respected retail organizations. Over more than a decade, you have consistently demonstrated vision, discipline, and the ability to drive meaningful transformation across every role you held.
Your leadership journey began with Bahrain Duty Free Shops as Head of HR & Marketing, where you spent over nine years establishing strong organizational foundations and advancing customer-focused initiatives. This early stage defined your reputation as a strategic thinker and a leader capable of inspiring teams and improving overall performance.
Your transition to Baytik Industrial Investments, a subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain, further expanded your capabilities. Serving as Project Manager and later as a Board Member of Baytik Industrial Oasis, you gained deeper experience in managing large-scale industrial and retail development projects. These roles sharpened your ability to lead operations, develop business strategies, and work directly with executive boards on long-term planning.
In 2012, you continued your journey with Bahrain Duty Free, stepping into the role of Deputy General Manager. This marked a significant milestone as you moved closer to the organization’s core leadership structure. Your dedication, operational expertise, and commitment to innovation led to your promotion as General Manager, where you contributed to substantial advancements in the company’s retail experience, performance, and customer engagement.
Your appointment as Chief Executive Officer & Board Director in January 2021 was a proud moment, both for you personally and for the organization. Over nearly five years as CEO, you have guided Bahrain Duty Free through evolving markets, new customer expectations, and a shifting global retail landscape. Under your leadership, the company strengthened its brand reputation, enhanced its retail offerings, and continued delivering service excellence to travelers from around the world.
Your 13-year journey reflects resilience, passion, and exceptional dedication to the growth of Bahrain’s retail and duty-free sector. You remain a respected leader whose career serves as an inspiration to many aspiring professionals. Your commitment continues to shape Bahrain Duty Free’s success and future direction.
