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  • Saxo Bolsters APAC Growth Strategy with New Institutional Business Head

    Saxo Bolsters APAC Growth Strategy with New Institutional Business Head

    Saxo, a leading digital broker, has named Gift Muthita Anankaphannan as their new Regional Head of Institutional Business for Asia-Pacific, in a move to strengthen their foothold in a prime market. Anankaphannan will be based in Singapore, and her role will involve leading the institutional business throughout the Asia-Pacific region while partnering with clients to enhance the offerings of Saxo.

    Anankaphannan’s Wealth of Experience

    Anankaphannan has an impressive career history, having previously served as a Senior Relationship Manager at Saxo. She brings over 16 years of experience spanning both the technology and institutional financial services sectors.

    Before her tenure at Saxo, she spent over a decade at Google, holding senior positions in sales, product strategy, and go-to-market execution, with her work encompassing AI-powered solutions. Anankaphannan kick-started her career in financial services at Bloomberg, where she specialized in equities and equity derivatives. Here, she provided data-driven insights to traders, analysts, and portfolio managers.

    Mahesh Sethuraman, the CEO of Saxo Singapore, praised Anankaphannan’s extensive experience with institutional partners and her deep understanding of Saxo’s FinTech DNA. He cited her excellent ability to foster long-term client relationships and lead high-performance teams.

    Saxo’s Institutional Business Growth

    Institutional clients make up a significant portion of Saxo’s international business, contributing to nearly one-third of the group’s overall income. Over the past year, the number of global institutional end-clients witnessed a 23 percent growth.

    Saxo recently collaborated with Singapore’s Trust Bank to roll out TrustInvest, a unique in-app investment tool that enables users to directly trade US stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) via the Trust Bank app, with investments starting from a minimum of $10.

    Anankaphannan’s main role will be to steer the next stage of Saxo’s institutional growth in the Asia-Pacific. She stated that the region remains a crucial growth market for Saxo, and the company is dedicated to further scaling their institutional offering in the region.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Gift Muthita Anankaphannan’s new role in Saxo?
    She is the new Regional Head of Institutional Business for Asia-Pacific at Saxo.

    What is Anankaphannan’s professional background?
    She has over 16 years of experience in the technology and institutional financial services sectors, having previously worked at companies like Google and Bloomberg.

    What efforts is Saxo making to grow their institutional business?
    Saxo is focusing on enhancing their offerings and has recently launched an in-app investment tool called TrustInvest in collaboration with Trust Bank.

  • HSBC Private Bank Bolsters Taiwan Onshore Market with Appointment of New Head

    HSBC Private Bank Bolsters Taiwan Onshore Market with Appointment of New Head

    HSBC Private Bank recently revealed the induction of Edward Chiu as the Market Head for Onshore Taiwan, effective from June 1, 2026. This is part of their strategy to fortify their onshore operations in Taiwan.

    Edward Chiu brings over two decades of exemplary leadership experience in wealth management and affluent banking within Taiwan to his new role. His tenure at HSBC Taiwan as the Head of Premier Elite since 2024 has been marked by significant growth. Before joining HSBC, Chiu held senior leadership positions at DBS and Citibank, where he established a strong track record in revenue growth, talent development, and client acquisition.

    Edward Chiu’s New Role

    In his new position, Chiu will spearhead the onshore private banking business in Taiwan. He will work in close association with other business lines to offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of Taiwanese clients. Chiu is set to report to Kanas Chan, the Head of Private Bank for North Asia and Hong Kong, and Kevin Hu, who is the Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking in Taiwan.

    Upon the announcement of Chiu’s appointment, Kanas Chan expressed that Taiwan is a strategically crucial growth market for their business operations in North Asia. He further stated that Edward’s appointment will bolster the leadership team in Taiwan, and it underlines their dedication to augmenting their onshore presence and enhancing the client experience.

    Chan also mentioned that with Chiu’s extensive expertise and proven track record in serving High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth clients, he is confident that Chiu’s leadership will expedite HSBC’s growth trajectory in Taiwan and set the stage for the next phase of business success.

    Questions & Answers

    Who has HSBC appointed as the Market Head for Onshore Taiwan?
    Edward Chiu has been appointed as the Market Head for Onshore Taiwan by HSBC.

    What will be Edward Chiu’s role at HSBC?
    Edward Chiu will lead the onshore private banking business in Taiwan and collaborate with other lines of business to offer comprehensive solutions for Taiwanese clients.

    Who will Edward Chiu report to in his new role?
    Edward Chiu will report to Kanas Chan, Head of Private Bank for North Asia and Hong Kong, and Kevin Hu, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking in Taiwan.

  • UOB Private Bank Intensifies Greater China Expansion with Appointment of New Market Head

    UOB Private Bank Intensifies Greater China Expansion with Appointment of New Market Head

    United Overseas Bank (UOB) Private Bank has announced the appointment of seasoned banker Paul Zhou as the Market Head for Greater China. This strategic move is aimed at accelerating the bank’s expansion plans in one of Asia’s most fiercely contested wealth management markets.

    Effective from May 11, 2026, Zhou will spearhead the growth and strategic planning of UOB Private Bank’s Greater China business, according to a company statement released on Monday.

    Decades of Experience in Private Banking

    Zhou brings to the table over two decades of robust experience in private banking, wealth management, and sales leadership. Prior to this appointment, Zhou was part of UOB China, where he has been serving as the Head of Sales and Distribution since 2018.

    In his previous role, Zhou led the bank’s wealth management and secured lending sales teams, as well as the specialist investment and insurance divisions. His dynamic leadership was instrumental in expanding the bank’s customer base, increasing assets under management and deposits while ensuring strict adherence to governance and compliance standards.

    Before joining UOB China, Zhou held key leadership roles at Ping An Trust and Citibank. He managed private banking teams and directed investment and sales strategies across multiple major Chinese cities. In the early stages of his career, he worked at The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi and HSBC, gaining expertise in investment advisory, wealth management, and cross-border banking solutions.

    Zhou holds an undergraduate degree in Finance and Banking from the Finance and Banking Institution of China in Beijing.

    A Strategy to Reinforce Greater China Franchise

    Zhou’s appointment forms part of a wider strategy by UOB Private Bank to fortify its Greater China franchise. The bank has announced plans to hire a number of seasoned relationship managers and team leads in May and June. This initiative is aimed at enhancing client engagement and supporting the growth of the business in the region.

    The planned expansion underscores the continued competition among local and global banks to tap into the growing wealth creation opportunities in Greater China, despite the ongoing economic uncertainties and unpredictable market volatility.

    Questions & Answers

    Who has UOB Private Bank appointed as the Market Head for Greater China?
    Paul Zhou, a veteran banker with over two decades of experience in private banking, wealth management, and sales leadership.

    What is the strategic objective behind this appointment?
    The appointment aims to accelerate UOB Private Bank’s expansion strategy in Greater China, one of Asia’s most competitive wealth management markets.

    What plans does UOB Private Bank have to fortify its Greater China franchise?
    UOB Private Bank plans to recruit several experienced relationship managers and team leaders over May and June to further enhance client engagement and support business growth in the region.

  • Electrolux Gains Competitive Edge with New Apac Head, Dyson Prodigy Bernard Chong

    Electrolux Gains Competitive Edge with New Apac Head, Dyson Prodigy Bernard Chong

    Bernard Chong has been named the new leader of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region for Electrolux Group. His tenure will commence from the first day of June. Formerly serving as the president of Greater China at Dyson, Chong proactively oversaw operations and managed a workforce of over a thousand employees.

    A New Chapter at Bangkok

    With his office in Bangkok, Chong will be rendering reports directly to Yannick Fierling, the CEO of Electrolux Group. “I am pleased to welcome Bernard to our team,” Fierling stated. “Throughout his career, Bernard has demonstrated his ability to build brands and execute successful turnarounds, leveraging his unique approach of merging market insights, data-driven strategy, and unyielding focus. His skills will be of great value to our team. I look forward to seeing him drive the region and working with him.”

    Chong possesses a diverse and rich work history, having held several senior leadership positions across Asia and Europe. His experience spans various markets, including Southeast Asia, Portugal, and Japan. Previously, he has also collaborated with renowned organizations such as Sony Mobile Communications and Nike Southeast Asia.

    Recent Developments at Electrolux

    In other recent news, Electrolux’s Kelvinator, a seller of electronics and appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines, was acquired by Indian retailer Reliance Industries last year.

    Questions & Answers

    Who has been appointed as the new head of the APAC region for Electrolux Group?
    Bernard Chong has been appointed as the new head of the APAC region for Electrolux Group.

    What are some of the previous organizations that Bernard Chong has worked with?
    Bernard Chong has previously worked with Dyson, Sony Mobile Communications, and Nike Southeast Asia.

    Who acquired Electrolux’s Kelvinator last year?
    Electrolux’s Kelvinator was acquired by Indian retailer Reliance Industries last year.

  • Citi Bolsters Japanese Investment Banking by Appointing Veteran Yuko Nakayama as ECM Head

    Citi Bolsters Japanese Investment Banking by Appointing Veteran Yuko Nakayama as ECM Head

    U.S. banking giant, Citi, has unveiled a key strategic management change to bolster its standing in the highly competitive capital markets sector. Yuko Nakayama has been promoted to the lead role of ECM for Japan Investment Banking, a position aimed at fortifying the bank’s foothold in one of Asia’s most vibrant equity issuance markets.

    Nakayama’s Immediate Effectiveness

    Nakayama’s appointment, made public on Monday, comes into effect immediately. The move emphasizes Citi’s focus on generating increasing deal flow and cultivating deeper client relationships, in light of the growing global investor enthusiasm towards Japan.

    Nakayama’s New Role

    In this newly assumed role, Nakayama will directly report to Taiji Nagasaka and Akira Kiyota, while sharing matrix reporting lines with Harish Raman and Kenneth Chow. The entire Japan ECM team will be under her leadership. Citi has outlined her responsibilities which include spearheading the further growth of its Equity Capital Markets franchise in Japan. She is also mandated to amplify execution competencies and expand coverage for both domestic and international clients.

    Ample Experience in Japanese Capital Markets

    Nakayama brings with her a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the Japanese capital markets. She had an earlier stint with Citi from 2009 to 2015, after which she spent several years at Goldman Sachs. She returned to Citi in 2023. Since her comeback, she has been instrumental in securing and executing numerous significant ECM transactions, establishing her suitability for this expanded leadership role.

    Capitalizing on a Growing Market

    Japan’s equity markets have been gaining momentum, fueled by corporate governance reforms, rising valuations, and a positive macroeconomic landscape that is attracting international capital. Citi’s decision to promote Nakayama demonstrates its determination to leverage these trends, strategically positioning its ECM operation for sustained growth and increased competitiveness.

    Questions & Answers

    Who has Citi appointed as the head of ECM for Japan Investment Banking?
    Citi has appointed Yuko Nakayama to this role.

    What are the responsibilities of Nakayama in her new role at Citi?
    She will be responsible for leading and developing the Equity Capital Markets franchise in Japan, as well as enhancing execution capabilities and broadening coverage for both domestic and multinational clients.

    What is the significance of Nakayama’s appointment?
    Her appointment signifies Citi’s commitment to capitalizing on the growing global investor interest in Japan and strengthening its competitiveness in the equity capital markets.

  • Deutsche Bank Appoints Hsbc Veteran Cora Chiu As Head Of Investment Management, North Asia

    Deutsche Bank Appoints Hsbc Veteran Cora Chiu As Head Of Investment Management, North Asia

    Deutsche Bank Private Bank has recently welcomed an experienced HSBC FX specialist to its team. Cora Chiu has been designated as the Head of Investment Management, North Asia, a development that came into effect on December 16 and is pending regulatory approval. Chiu’s role will be to lead investment sales operations for the North Asia region, while also managing local supervisory functions over FX advisory and wealth planning resources. She will be stationed in Hong Kong, reporting to both Gian-Maria Piccolo and Fred Fong locally.

    Chiu brings with her a wealth of experience, spanning nearly two decades in various sectors including FX and commodity advisory, multi-asset trading, and product strategy. Her most recent role was as the Head of FX & Commodities, North Asia at HSBC. Chiu has a rich history of working at esteemed organizations like Citi, where she was instrumental in shaping the regional FX strategy for ultra-high net worth clients and family offices. She also has experience working at UBS, where she contributed to their wealth management and FICC (fixed income, currencies and commodities) divisions.

    Chiu will be taking over from Cedric Ko, who has chosen to explore new opportunities outside the bank. A representative from the bank confirmed the details of the internal memo.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is Cora Chiu?
    Cora Chiu is an experienced professional with nearly 20 years of experience across various sectors such as FX and commodity advisory, multi-asset trading, and product strategy. She has worked for prominent financial institutions like HSBC, Citi, and UBS.

    What is Cora Chiu’s new role at Deutsche Bank Private Bank?
    Cora Chiu has been appointed as the Head of Investment Management, North Asia at Deutsche Bank Private Bank. Her responsibilities will include leading investment sales operations for the North Asia region, and supervising FX advisory and wealth planning resources.

    Who did Cora Chiu succeed at Deutsche Bank Private Bank?
    Cora Chiu succeeded Cedric Ko in the role of Head of Investment Management, North Asia. Ko has decided to pursue new opportunities outside of the bank.

  • Srini Kannan Takes Charge As Citi India’s New Head Of Digital And Technology

    Srini Kannan Takes Charge As Citi India’s New Head Of Digital And Technology

    Citi Commercial Bank has announced the appointment of Srini Kannan as the new Head of Digital and Technology in India. The appointment is set to take effect in early December.

    Srini Kannan’s Career and Expertise

    Kannan brings to Citi a wealth of experience in various fields such as equity, debt, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financing, risk management, and payments. He recently held the post of Head of Innovation Economy and Venture Capital Coverage in India at J.P. Morgan. He also played a key role in the development of J.P. Morgan’s mid-corporate business in South India.

    Prior to these positions, Kannan began his career with Citi in 2002, as a part of the corporate banking team. He now returns to lead the charge in digital and technology.

    Expectations for Kannan at Citi

    Kannan’s addition to the team is expected to significantly boost Citi Commercial Bank’s operations in India, which is one of the bank’s largest markets globally. It is also projected that the bank will expand further in the coming years.

    K Balasubramanian, the CEO of Citi India, and Banking Head of the Indian subcontinent, expressed his optimism about Kannan’s appointment. The bank currently plays a major role in supporting India’s dynamic startup scene, catering to nearly half of the country’s unicorns.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Srini Kannan’s new role at Citi India?

    Srini Kannan has been appointed as the Head of Digital, Technology, Communication, Business & Professional Services and Industrials for Commercial Banking at Citi India.

    What previous positions has Kannan held?

    Kannan has held various positions at J.P. Morgan, most recently as the Head of Innovation Economy and Venture Capital Coverage in India. He began his career with Citi in 2002 as part of the corporate banking team.

    What is the significance of Kannan’s appointment for Citi India?

    Kannan’s appointment is expected to strengthen Citi India’s operations, which is one of the bank’s largest markets globally. His expertise and experience are seen as assets in the bank’s plans for expansion in the coming years.

  • Melodie Nye Takes Helm At Mars’ Pet Nutrition Division In Australia, New Zealand

    Melodie Nye Takes Helm At Mars’ Pet Nutrition Division In Australia, New Zealand

    Melodie Nye has been newly appointed as the managing director and general manager for the Pet Nutrition division of Mars in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). She will be succeeding Craig Sargeant, who has been promoted to the position of global vice president for strategic revenue management.

    Nye has been a part of Mars for more than a decade, occupying various key marketing, innovation, and leadership roles within the company across Europe and the US. Prior to Mars, she served in executive positions at Kraft Foods and as an intelligence officer in the US Air Force. She is currently the chief growth officer for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe.

    In a statement, Nye expressed her excitement about her new role. She said, “Working with a company that prioritizes bold innovation, meaningful community impact, and a forward-looking approach to pet nutrition has been a rewarding experience. I look forward to building on this foundation and staying ahead of the curve. I aim to strengthen our role as a reliable partner to our customers and continue to fulfill the needs of pet parents across Australia and New Zealand.”

    Deri Watkins, regional president for Mars Pet Nutrition in developed Apac, expressed confidence in Nye’s abilities to fulfill her new roles. Watkins said, “Melodie is perfectly placed to strengthen our customer relationships and continue to deliver the trusted, innovative products and brands that pet owners want and expect in the future.”

    He further noted the significant opportunity in Australia and New Zealand, as they are two of the most pet-friendly countries globally, with over 60% of households owning at least one pet. Watkins said, “This passion for pets offers a great opportunity for us to continue to evolve and meet the growing expectations of pet parents. Melodie is a dynamic, purpose-driven leader who brings a fresh perspective, especially in addressing the changing needs of pet parents and the fast-paced world of pet nutrition.”

    Questions & Answers

    Who has been appointed as the new MD and GM of Mars’ Pet Nutrition division in Australia and New Zealand?
    Melodie Nye has been appointed to this role.

    What was Melodie Nye’s position before the new appointment?
    Before this appointment, Melodie Nye was the chief growth officer for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe.

    What unique opportunities does the pet market in Australia and New Zealand present?
    Australia and New Zealand are among the most pet-loving countries worldwide, with over 60% of households owning at least one pet, offering significant opportunities for pet nutrition and care companies.

  • Beyond Meat Rebrands To ‘beyond’, Pivots To Direct Plant-derived Proteins

    Beyond Meat Rebrands To ‘beyond’, Pivots To Direct Plant-derived Proteins

    Leading provider of plant-based alternative meat products, Beyond Meat, is set to rebrand itself as “Beyond.” This transition is part of the company’s efforts to expand its scope beyond meat substitutes and highlight its commitment to creating proteins derived directly from plants.

    Beyond’s initiative underpins the company’s strategy to construct its products directly from plant sources, rather than simulating meat-based products. This shift in brand identity comes in the wake of financial challenges encountered by the California-based enterprise, which the rebranding strategy could help overcome by opening up additional segments of the protein market for competition.

    To coincide with the rebranding, Beyond will introduce a new product known as Beyond Ground. Slated for release this month, Beyond Ground is positioned as a sustainable alternative to traditional ground beef. The product boasts a simple blend of nutritious ingredients, including fava beans, potato starch, water, and psyllium husk.

    The development and introduction of Beyond Ground align with consumer preferences for recognizable ingredients, straightforward production methods, and less emphasis on mimicking meat. According to Julian Cottee, Senior Corporate Engagement Manager at ProVeg International, aiding consumers in transitioning from predominantly meat-centric diets to more plant-based ones requires various tactics, one of which is offering products that bear familiar flavors and appearances.

    Cottee emphasizes the importance of options in facilitating such dietary transitions, stating, “The more options on the table, the better.”

    Questions & Answers

    Why is Beyond Meat rebranding itself as Beyond?
    The company is rebranding to reflect its commitment to creating proteins derived directly from plants, rather than just mimicking meat-based products. This strategy aims to help overcome the recent financial challenges faced by the company by tapping into new segments of the protein market.

    What is the new product that Beyond is launching?
    Beyond’s new product is called Beyond Ground, a sustainable alternative to traditional ground beef. It is made of simple and recognizable ingredients, including fava beans, potato starch, water, and psyllium husk.

    What is the significance of offering products that bear familiar flavors and appearances?
    Providing products that look and taste familiar can help facilitate consumers’ transition from a meat-heavy diet to a more plant-based one. The more options consumers have, the easier it is for them to make the switch.

  • Julius Baer Names Hong Kong Head of Fund Specialists

    Julius Baer Names Hong Kong Head of Fund Specialists

    Zurich-headquartered Julius Baer has bolstered its products unit in Hong Kong with the appointment of a new head of fund specialists in Hong Kong.

    Jeffrey Tam has elevated to become Julius Baer’s head of fund specialists Hong Kong, according to a statement, overseeing fund advisory for Greater China clients across traditional and alternative investments.

    Tam first joined Julius Baer in 2018 and was previously a fund specialist at Deutsche Bank Wealth Management with a particular specialization on hedge funds. He started his career at Citi Private Bank where he was a portfolio advisor for client investment.

    «We are pleased to announce that [Tam] has been promoted to take up the role of Head of Fund Specialists Hong Kong, which is a testimony to the depth of talent in our team,» Julius Baer’s Asia head of fund specialists Donald Rice.

  • Maersk Line appoints new Greater China head

    Maersk Line appoints new Greater China head

    Maersk Line has announced that effective from 1 January 2017, Mike Fang will take up new responsibilities in Shanghai as Head of Maersk Line Greater China.

    Commenting on his new position, Mike Fang said: “I feel privileged that I can take on this new role. Greater China Cluster contributes around 30% of Maersk Line business globally, this is where we have to win in the market place. I’m keen to explore further the opportunities and growth spots with my colleagues and to ‘Make Greater China Cluster Greater’”.

    Robbert van Trooijen, Maersk Line Asia Pacific Region CEO said: “I’m delighted that Mike has decided to take over as the Head of Maersk Line Greater China. Mike has a track record of outstanding performance in many leadership roles in Maersk Line. I believe that his extensive experience, passion for serving our customers and deep insight of the local market will bring great value to our Greater China organization.”

    Mike Fang joined Maersk Line as a sales representative in 1994. In the past 22 years, he has held a succession of leadership positions in Maersk Line’s business in China including leading Maersk Line’s North China and East China organizations respectively from 2012 to 2015. Most recently, he is the Head of Sales in Maersk Line Greater China.

    Mike Fang was born in 1968. He graduated from Hua Zhong University of Science and Technology with a Master degree in System Engineering in 1992 and earned an Executive MBA from the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in 2004.

    Mike Fang will take over from Silvia Ding, who is moving to Copenhagen to take the position as Head of Trade Management in Maersk Line. “Moving to headquarter and stretching myself into a job that can make a multiplying impact on our business, customers and organization has always been in my long term career plan in Maersk,” says Silvia Ding, “I can pass the baton to Mike’s capable hands. Together with the rest of the leadership team, I’m sure the performance of Greater China Cluster will be raised to the next level, building on a strong foundation we together created in 2016.”