Regional Director, Client Services, Murex: Cyprus has been a good experience since the beginning

Tarek Barada worked in his homeland of Lebanon as well as in France, Singapore, China before relocating to Cyprus so is well-placed to give an opinion on living and being employed here.

Describe your current role in Cyprus.

I am the Business Unit Manager, responsible for our client services activity in the Middle East, Africa and Greece.

What led to your move to Cyprus?

After having spent 10 years in the Asia Pacific region, I was looking with my family for a new challenge closer to home – Lebanon and France. Murex proposed that I join the newly opened office in Nicosia to manage the business unit. The prospect of exploring life on a Mediterranean island as beautiful, safe and welcoming as Cyprus seduced us.

How does the professional environment in Cyprus differ from that in Lebanon?

The work culture in Cyprus and Lebanon differs slightly. In Cyprus, there is a more relaxed and informal approach to work whereas, in Lebanon, there is a greater emphasis on hierarchy and formalities. Also, Cyprus has a smaller job market than Lebanon. However, I feel that there is a growing demand in Cyprus for skilled professionals in areas such as finance, tourism and technology.

How do you view the business environment in your particular industry?

The region is extremely dynamic. Many banks and financial institutions are looking to digitise and streamline their capital market and treasury activity, replacing legacy systems and leveraging new technology. Murex’s commitment to the market, our constant investment in our product and our excellent teams in the region put us in an excellent position to play a key role in those transformation projects.

How do you find working and living in Cyprus? How easily did you adapt to life here?

Everything works well in Cyprus; it has been a good experience since the beginning. For my work, I need to travel very often, so the fast and smooth procedures at Larnaca Airport for departure and arrival make it always stress-free. I only wish we had more direct flights from Cyprus to the rest of the region. People are respectful, nice and welcoming, the food is excellent, the beach is on our doorstep and we have more than 300 days of sun per year. What more do we need?

Country of origin: Lebanon
Job Title: Regional Director, Client Services
Company: Murex
Office Location: Nicosia
Time in Cyprus: Less than 1 year
Other countries he has lived/worked in: Lebanon, France, Singapore, China
Favourite restaurant in Cyprus: To Elliniko, Nicosia
Favourite bar in Cyprus: Cohiba Atmosphere Nicosia
Activities he enjoys in Cyprus: Jogging and going to the beach