Citadel Capital, a Cairo-based private equity firm, has appointed Amr El-Garhy as managing director and head of corporate finance and investment review function.

The appointment follows the departure of managing director Marwan Elaraby, who joined the firm in 2005 and worked extensively on developing new projects and monitoring portfolio companies, with a focus on energy investments.

Over the last year, Elaraby has been particularly active in developing Citadel Capital’s new strategy and transformation and has gradually been handing over responsibilities in accordance with the firm’s transformation into an investment company.

Elaraby remains a shareholder in the firm through his stake in Citadel Capital Partners, which with 28 per cent of the firm’s equity is Citadel Capital’s largest shareholder.

Elaraby will return to a career in law and will join Shearman & Sterling, a global law firm, as managing partner — Middle East.  

Amr El-Garhy joins the firm from the National Investment Bank, where he served as vice-chairman and managing director.

At Citadel Capital, he will be charged with ensuring platform and portfolio companies have access to the finance they need to grow efficiently, while monitoring the effective and successful execution of their business plans.

“Amr’s appointment comes as part of our transformation from Africa's largest private equity firm into the continent’s leading investment company,” said chairman and founder Ahmed Heikal.

“In his new role, he will help ensure Citadel Capital and our platform companies in five core industries, including energy, agrifoods, transportation, mining and cement, have the liquidity they need to deliver on their business plans. We also plan to exit non-core investments over the coming few years.”

El-Garhy has served in senior position at leading banks previously and has a track record of service on public and private boards including the Bank of Alexandria, the Egyptian National Railway Authority, the Arab Contractors Co., Suez Cement, the Export Development Bank of Egypt, and Abu Qir Fertilizers Co. - TradeArabia News Service