DBS, Singapore’s largest bank, has announced two pivotal leadership changes effective January 1, 2025, as part of its succession planning and commitment to internal talent development. These appointments coincide with Tan Su Shan’s promotion to Group CEO, effective March 28, 2025, succeeding Piyush Gupta upon his retirement.
Key Appointments and Their Significance
1. Han Kwee Juan: New Group Head of Institutional Banking (IBG)
Han Kwee Juan will succeed Tan Su Shan as Group Head of IBG, a critical division handling corporate and institutional banking services globally.
- Current Role: DBS Singapore Country Head (since 2023).
- Background: Joined DBS in 2019 after a distinguished 27-year tenure at Citigroup, where he last served as CEO of Citi Singapore.
- Key Contributions at DBS:
- Maintained market leadership in deposits, credit cards, and mortgage loans.
- Strengthened the “one-bank” customer proposition by enhancing synergy between consumer and institutional banking.
- Served as Acting Chief Information Officer (CIO) from November 2023 to May 2024, bolstering DBS’s technology resiliency.
2. Lim Him Chuan: New Singapore Country Head
Lim Him Chuan will replace Han as Singapore Country Head, overseeing DBS’s domestic operations and strategy.
- Current Role: Group Head of Strategy, Transformation, Analytics & Research (GSTAR).
- Background: A 23-year veteran at DBS, Lim has held diverse roles spanning geographies and functions, including business, risk management, and leadership positions.
- Key Contributions:
- CEO of DBS Taiwan (2018–2023): Spearheaded the acquisition of Citi Taiwan’s consumer banking business, making DBS the largest foreign bank in Taiwan.
- As GSTAR Head, drove DBS’s AI and Gen AI initiatives, advancing the bank’s digital transformation agenda.
Leadership Transition and Vision
Piyush Gupta, current Group CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of these appointments:
“The management change reflects DBS’s deep bench strength and our commitment to grooming talent from within. Kwee Juan and Him Chuan are proven leaders who have consistently delivered exceptional value to our stakeholders.”
Both Han and Lim will remain members of DBS’s Group Executive Committee, reporting directly to Gupta.
Why These Appointments Matter
1. Leadership Continuity
These promotions highlight DBS’s strong succession planning and focus on nurturing internal talent for critical leadership roles.
2. Strengthening Institutional and Domestic Operations
With Han’s expertise in institutional banking and Lim’s robust domestic and international experience, DBS aims to sustain its market leadership while driving innovation and operational excellence.
3. Emphasis on Transformation and Technology
Both leaders have played significant roles in shaping DBS’s digital transformation journey, particularly in areas like AI adoption and customer-centric strategies.
What’s Next for DBS?
With Tan Su Shan set to assume the Group CEO role in March 2025, DBS is poised for a seamless leadership transition. Under her guidance, and with Han and Lim taking on their new roles, the bank is well-positioned to navigate emerging challenges and opportunities in the financial sector.
About DBS
Headquartered in Singapore, DBS is one of Asia’s leading banks, renowned for its focus on digital innovation and customer-centric banking solutions. With operations spanning 18 markets, DBS continues to set benchmarks for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Conclusion
The appointments of Han Kwee Juan and Lim Him Chuan mark a significant milestone in DBS’s journey as a global financial leader. These internal promotions underscore the bank’s commitment to fostering talent, ensuring continuity, and delivering enhanced value to all stakeholders.
📅 Key Date to Remember:
- New Roles Effective: January 1, 2025
Stay tuned as DBS continues to shape the future of banking with visionary leadership and groundbreaking strategies.
