Amer Bukvic
Amer Bukvic, CEO of Bosna Bank International (BBI) received his bachelor’s degree from the International Islamic University in Kuala Lumpur (1996) and his Master’s degree from the International University of Japan (1998). He completed postgraduate executive education with London Business School (2004) and Said Business School at the University of Oxford (2014).
During the initial stages of his career he worked as a research coordinator for the Overseas Strategic Consulting – USAID Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). He later joined IDB Group as a Young Professional before taking on the role of Deputy CEO of BBI in 2004 and position of CEO in 2006. During his tenure as CEO BBI has become the fastest-growing bank in B&H, positioning itself among the top ten performing banks in the Federation of B&H. Under his management, BBI assets increased fivefold.
Mr Bukvic co-founded the Sarajevo Business Forum (SBF), the largest International investment conference. He is the vice-chairman of an Islamic Bank in Albania, vice-chairman of BBI Real Estate Company B&H, as well as board member of the International University of Sarajevo and Mediterranean University, Montenegro, he also sits on the advisory board of Bled School of Business, Slovenia and Center for Islamic Finance at the University of Bolton, UK.
Mr. Bukvic participated as a keynote speaker at some of the most prestigious international conferences on banking, finance and international business. As an invited speaker he delivered presentations at the Crans Montana Forum, US Balkans Business Summit, Sarajevo Business Forum, Istanbul Finance Summit, Islamic Finance Conference organized by European Financial Management and Marketing Association, and many others.
He received numerous prestigious international awards including: “Jewels of Muslim World Award 2015” – presented by OIC TODAY Magazine Malaysia, „Best Banking CEO B&H 2014” – Global Banking & Finance Review United Kingdom, “The Best Entrepreneur and Leader in 2014” – Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah International Prize for Entrepreneurs Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and “Best manager in Banking sector of B&H 2013” – Perdana Leadership Foundation Malaysia, and Charter of International League of Humanists “Aurelio Peccei”. In the latest ISLAMICA 500 publication, Mr Bukvic was listed among 500 of the world’s most prominent and influential personalities in the Islamic world and economy. He continues to actively pursue excellence in Islamic banking and finance, with the intent of contributing to Bosnia’s and the SEE region’s economic development with new, innovative strategies.
What was your earliest ambition?
From an early age, I have seen myself in many different roles— from engineer to diplomat. During my entire childhood, I lived in an international environment and expatriate community, so my strongest ambition was to be international expat. That also led to a passion for discovering new things. That is how I would describe my earliest ambition with the utmost clarity.
What do you enjoy the most?
I most enjoy discovering new countries and cultures. What is typical for me is that I always do the opposite of what the majority around me chooses to do. When I was young, my friends dreamed about going to the West, but my dream was to the East. When I finished my studies in Japan, my friends from university aspired to join large international corporations, but I went back to Bosnia. However, doing a PhD in China was my unfulfilled dream.
You are a very unconventional type of a CEO, running an Islamic bank and founding and organizing an international event like Sarajevo Business Forum. Do you really enjoy this type of work or is it something that came you way and you have no option but to do it?
Sarajevo Business Forum was largely designed by me, but of course I took valuable advice from many people wiser than me. It is my desire to contribute to the place that I call my home, and I am proud to be a founder of such a unique event that connects investors, businesses and governments from all over of the world. Did I have a choice? Of course I did, but today I am immensely happy to see that Sarajevo Business Forum is the passion of the whole BBI community that seeks to contribute to the organization of investment conference of enormous significance to the development of the region. South-East Europe has a lot to offer, and Sarajevo Business Forum is a platform that led to many successful investments in the region.
If you have luxury of spare time, what do you do to enjoy life outside work?
I travel with my family. Every single moment we have, we explore the world. I have visited more than 60 countries in last 10 years. When we are at home, I enjoy spending time with my family. Since all members of my family are very active, we are constantly on the move.
Which movie is your all time favourite? [if you watch movies]
When I find time, I like to watch historical documentaries about ancient societies and civilizations. I think we can learn a lot from the development and downfall of old empires and people who lived before us. History is indeed the teacher of life.
Who has been your greatest mentor?
I was privileged to have both my father and grandfather to be very charismatic people that have mentored many, including myself. Also, during my university studies, I had a great mentor who later happened to become famous statesman. His name is Dr Ahmet Davutoğlu, former Prime Minister of Turkey. He had big influence on me.
Where are you the happiest?
I’m happiest in the Far East. The spirituality and culture that has been cultivated in this area is fascinating. I lived and studied in Malaysia and Japan for a significant part of my youth. These cultures, with their traditional values and respect that is developed towards every human being, left a strong impression on my personality.
If your 15 years old sees you today what would he say?
You have changed.
In a few sentences describe your 65 years old.
That would be rather difficult, bearing in mind my unpredictable nature. In accordance with my best abilities, I also hope that at 65 I will be of help to other people.
Any disappointment in life?
There could be many if life and human nature are misunderstood.
