Chennai: Mr. R Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank, a leading financial institution in Qatar, has been conferred with the Kalaimamani award, instituted by the government of Tamil Nadu. Mr. Seetharaman received the award from the honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. K. Karunanidhi, at an event held recently.

With over two decades of experience in banking, information technology and consultancy, Mr. Seetharaman is accredited with transforming the Qatar-headquartered Doha Bank as the best performing bank in the region and sustaining the position over the last 7 years. Under his leadership, the Bank has become an extremely vibrant entity with sustainable performance.

Mr. Seetharaman is also very active in promoting economic cooperation between Qatar and India. He has taken strong initiatives towards showcasing India as an attractive investment destination.

As a role model to all Indians, Mr. Seetharaman has contributed significantly in enhancing the profile of India at the global stage. He has played a key role in the setting up of a non-banking financial services company (NBFC) in India. Doha Bank began operations in India with equity investment in the erstwhile Kochi-based Select Securities that has been subsequently renamed Doha Brokerage and Financial Services. DBFS has over 140 offices across India offering share and commodity broking and other financial services. The bank has tied up with banks and NBFCs across India, including Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank and Tata Asset Management, for distribution of financial products to its large base of NRI-customers.

Mr. Seetharaman is one among the most sought after economists in the GCC region. On a regular basis, he is a regular on leading media including CNBC, BBC World, Reuters, Forbes, Dow Jones and Bloomberg and host of regional media channels for sharing his opinion and for seeking his expert comments on recent developments and issues in global economics, banking and financial affairs.

Mr. Seetharaman is highly committed towards social causes such as environmental protection. He has organized a series of environmental seminars across the globe on “Global warming and Climatic challenges” creating awareness about the subject and the steps every corporate and individuals in society needs to take to conserve the ecological balances. These efforts have been very well appreciated by society, corporate houses and government dignitaries.

Mr. Seetharaman was recently conferred with prestigious HIND RATTAN AWARD 2009 for his outstanding services and achievements. He was also awarded the “Gullands Excellence Award 2008 for Excellence in Banking” by the UK Chapter of NRI Institute World-wide and “Brand Leadership Award” during the 17th Asia Brand Congress both in the month of September 2008, “Best CEO in Middle East Banking Industry 2008” conferred by Honorable Dominique de Villepin, Former Prime Minister of France, during the 5th Leading CEO Summit in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Banking industry in the Middle East, in March 2008, “Certificate of Appreciation” from the USA-Commercial Services attached to USA Government – Commerce Ministry in November 2007 for his tireless efforts and outstanding creativity in promoting US-Qatari trade and financial ties, “Banker of the Year” at the 2007 Banker Middle East Industry awards in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Banking industry in the Middle East in May 2007 and “Arab Asian Banker Excellence Award – 2006” at the Annual Arab Asian Forum in Singapore in September 2006.