Yusser AL-Gayed - Appointment of the CEO of the Libyan Investment Authority, Focusing on Governance and Institutional Integrity

Yusser AL-Gayed is being considered to be the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA), Libya’s sovereign wealth fund is responsible for managing national assets across domestic and international markets. This appointment highlights the state's ongoing commitment to reform, merit-based appointments and professional stewardship of sovereign institutions.

His role will be to ensure safeguarding what remains of Libya’s assets for future generations. Achieving this requires world class leadership, governance expertise and a structured approach to protect Libya's assets from misappropriation and waste. AL-Gayed brings extensive experience in governance, having worked as a senior governance advisor in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for over 15 years. His role as CEO will include implementing governance reforms across the LIA and its subsidiary funds, ensuring that operations align with the LIA’s legal and fiduciary obligations. By prioritizing transparency and compliance, AL-Gayed is positioned to enhance the LIA’s credibility and maintain professional standards both domestically and internationally.

Under his leadership, the LIA will focus on several key priorities:

●       Governance and Compliance: Strengthening internal policies, enhancing reporting standards, and ensuring adherence to established legal and regulatory frameworks.

●       Operational Efficiency: Streamlining workflows, implement a lean structural reform program and put in place risk mitigation procedures to protect national assets.

●       Institutional Transparency: Providing clear communication to all stakeholders on salaries, board memberships, operations and fund performance, enhancing accountability and oversight.

●       Strategic Investment Oversight: Monitoring and evaluating investment portfolios to support long-term objectives, mitigate financial risks, and align outcomes with institutional goals.

These priorities are central to the LIA’s purpose. By emphasizing structured governance, operational integrity, and strategic oversight, AL-Gayed’s leadership contributes to a stable, sustainable, and credible institutional environment.

The appointment also reflects the state's commitment to merit-based leadership. Selecting a CEO with proven experience in governance highlights the state's focus on technical expertise and operational rigor. This approach ensures that decision-making is guided by informed short, medium & long-term objectives rather than short-term pressures.

Sovereign wealth funds operate in complex global markets, requiring careful navigation of international financial systems, partnerships, and regulatory standards. Effective and credible  leadership is essential in fostering constructive relationships with global stakeholders. AL-Gayed’s professional background supports these objectives and positions the LIA to act with clarity, consistency, and institutional integrity.

Additionally, AL-Gayed’s leadership emphasizes stakeholder engagement, providing clear communication to the LIA’s principle owners, the Libyan people. The LIA is after all owned by the people of Libya. Implementing this level of transparency, the LIA aims to demonstrate accountability and build trust in its custodianship of Libya's sovereign wealth fund.

For more information about the Libyan Investment Authority, its mandate, and operational practices, interested readers can visit the official LIA website to explore public reports, strategic initiatives, and institutional objectives.