OCBC appoints Deutsche Bank veteran as new chief risk officer

SINGAPORE - OCBC Bank has hired a 20-year Deutsche Bank veteran as its new chief risk officer, effective August 1.

Mr Vincent Choo will replace Mr Gilbert Kohnke, who has headed the Singapore lender's group risk management division since September 2005.

Mr Choo's last role at Deutsche Bank was managing director and chief risk officer for Asia Pacific. He has also served in a number of senior positions, including head of market risk management for Asia Pacific and head of new product approval for Asia.

Mr Choo, who holds a master's degree in economics from the University of Akron and is a Financial Industry Certified Professional, was also a non-independent, non-executive director of DB Malaysia Berhad and a director of China's Huaxia Bank.

"Vincent's extensive experience and leadership qualities will no doubt make him an important addition to our senior management team," said OCBC chief executive Samuel Tsien.

"Given the increased volatility and uncertainty in the operating environment we face today, banks are intensifying their focus on risk management. The ability to manage risks well has become a strategic component of the business," he added.

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