In a statement today, it said prior to this, he was head of group wholesale banking at a regional banking group and had also served at Malaysia Airlines Bhd and Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

CIMB said the appointment was part of the banking group’s top management changes in line with its long-term strategy to remain strong against a fast-evolving operational landscape.

“Our people continue to be our most valuable strategic asset and I am confident that this top management blend of existing and fresh talent will enable the group to stay competitive as a leading universal bank in Asean,” group chief executive officer Zafrul Aziz said.

Other management changes – effective Jan 1, 2019 – include group chief financial officer (CFO) Shahnaz Jammal taking on the role of chief executive officer (Group Wholesale Banking) and Khairulanwar Rifaie, currently the CFO of CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd, succeeding him as Group CFO.

Meanwhile, Effendy Shahul Hamid will assume the position of chief executive officer of Group Ventures and Partnerships, a new division focusing on various digital partnerships and ecosystems, and Gurdip Singh will become group chief strategy and design officer.

Meanwhile, Victor Lee Meng Teck will join CIMB on Jan 17, 2019, to oversee the group’s commercial banking and transaction banking businesses, bringing with him 20 years of extensive experience at various global financial firms.