He replaces Tan Ngiap Joo, who retired from both roles on Sept 30, 2024, after nine years, a statement from OCBC Bank said.

Lee, who holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from the University of Singapore, has been on the OCBC Bank board since Sept 1, 2021.

OCBC said he currently serves as an independent director of RE&S Holdings Ltd, Wearnes Starchase Ltd, and Great Eastern Holdings Ltd and is a member of the SGX disciplinary committee.

“An experienced banker with extensive knowledge of the Malaysian market, he was an advisor to the CEO and management committee of OCBC Bank from April 2016 to July 2017.

“He was also executive vice president and head of global corporate banking at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd from February 2012 until his retirement in April 2016,” it said.

The statement said Lee started his career as a finance officer in the Group Treasury Department of Keppel Shipyard in 1978 and joined Marine Midland Bank in 1982.

Subsequently, he held managerial positions at various Singapore-based merchant banking units.

“In 1989, he was appointed country manager of Security Pacific Bank before joining Credit Suisse Singapore as head of corporate banking for South East Asia in 1993.

“He left as Credit Suisse First Boston’s director of corporate lending in 1998 to join OCBC,” it said.