The Doha Film Institute has appointed a new director, a replacement for Amanda Palmer, who announced her resignation a couple of months ago. 

Qatari Abdulaziz Al-Khater is leaving his post as head of operations at Al Khalij (also known as Al Khaliji) Commercial Bank to take on the role.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Al-Khater went to high school at Doha College and then studied computer science at Purdue University for two years.

After that, he served in various roles at HSBC and IBQ before moving to Al Khalij in 2008.

He has not worked in the film industry before. 

But in an announcement on the DFI’s website, acting CEO and DFI board member Mansour Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud emphasized that the company does not think Al-Khater’s lack of industry experience will be a problem. 

“Abdulaziz brings with him extensive experience in leadership and business management, with a strong local and regional focus. His in-depth business acumen combined with international insights will help further support DFI’s overall business objectives and company mandate.”

Palmer, who served as executive director of DFI for three years, stepped down in July with plans to launch her own Arab talent agency.

Thoughts? 

Credit: Photo courtesy of the DFI website