Joining Forces

Following the historic merger of Mubadala Development Company and International Petroleum Investment Company into a $125-billion-asset behemoth, work needed to be done to get both companies’ IT departments on the same page. Throughout the transformation, Mansour Al Ketbi, now CIO of the resulting Mubadala Investment Company, has proven himself a master of sound technology policy, transparency, and, most importantly, diplomacy.

On 21st January 2017, the UAE’s president and ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a law that would combine Mubadala Development Company and International Petroleum Investment Company into one of Abu Dhabi’s most prized assets. Mubadala Investment Company is the result of the merger of two of the emirate’s most influential firms, and now constitutes a $125 billion investment powerhouse that sits at the core of the UAE’s economic strategy.

Prior to their joining, the two companies had set the bar high in terms of their interests. Their work includes the development of global industrial heavyweights in sectors including aerospace, ICT, semiconductors, metals and mining, renewable energy and utilities as well as diverse financial holdings. It also aims to build on legacy expertise in oil and gas to invest across the hydrocarbon spectrum, and enhance the UAE’s growth potential through investments in healthcare, real estate and defence services. 

At the core of the company’s values is sound governance, with the aim of delivering control and security over such a broad portfolio of assets. Now spearheading the IT department at the newborn firm, CIO Mansour Al Ketbi – also a board member for MDC Business Management Services, Injazat Data Systems and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi – can reflect on what has been a hectic period of uncertainty with a large degree of satisfaction. The transition has been harmonious, largely due to the measured, collaborative approach that he oversaw.