KEPPEL Corp has appointed Singapore Airlines (SIA) executive Chan Hon Chew to succeed Mr Loh Chin Hua as its chief financial officer from Feb 1.

Mr Chan, 48, has been with SIA for over a decade and has served as its senior vice-president of finance since June 2006.

Keppel's chief executive Choo Chiau Beng said on Monday that the company had "undertaken a rigorous succession management process" and examined potential candidates for the CFO position both within the company and externally.

"We have found a strong candidate in (Mr Chan) who possesses leadership, financial and management expertise spanning several companies and industries," he said.

"I am confident that (he) will provide solid support to (Mr Loh) as well as bring fresh perspectives and dynamism to Keppel's leadership team."

Mr Loh is chief executive-designate of Keppel Corp, and will take over from Mr Choo when the latter steps down.

As Keppel Corp's CFO, Mr Chan will take charge of its financial functions such as managing capital, finance, treasury and tax, as well as legal matters.

He will also support the chief executive in the group's strategic business planning process and participate in all major investment initiatives and decisions.

Before Mr Chan starts in his new role next February, Keppel's group controller Paul Tan will be its acting CFO in January.