Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani was just 28 when he joined the board of Credit Suisse in 2010, tasked with representing Qatari interests after investors from the Gulf emirate poured billions into the Swiss bank.
He arrived at the Zurich-based lender with a low profile, and after seven years with a seat at the top table, left with one.
“The only recollection I have is that he was rather a quiet man,” said one former fellow director, while another person who often attended meetings added: “I don’t recall him speaking at all.”
Now, Sheikh Jassim is prepared to sacrifice that low-key status in pursuit of his passion for Manchester United, one of world football’s most prestigious clubs. Earlier this month, he submitted a bid for the club, one rich in history but starved of success over the past decade.
