SUSAN Hwee, UOB’s head of group technology and operations (GTO), will be succeeding Eddie Khoo as head of group retail at the bank, as Khoo retires from the role to become senior adviser to UOB Vietnam.
Accordingly, Lawrence Goh, currently chief operating officer for GTO and head of group infrastructure platform services, will take over as the head of GTO, UOB announced on Wednesday (Jul 24).
This management refresh will take effect on Sep 1, 2024.
In her current role, Hwee, who joined the bank in 2001, spearheads initiatives to transform the group’s digital and data architecture, and sets its global strategy and standards for technology, operations and information security, UOB said.
She also championed the systems and operational integration of its Asean acquisitions, the bank added. It called her “instrumental” in the development and innovation of its digital platform.
As head of group retail, she will drive UOB’s efforts to strengthen its regional consumer banking – enhancing digital capabilities, expanding product offerings and solutions, deepening customer engagements and relationships, and connecting customers to opportunities across Asean.
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“In particular, her deep expertise in technology and operations will accelerate the bank’s efforts to embed artificial intelligence, drive digital acquisition, and uplift service level and customer engagements across the bank’s enlarged customer base,” UOB said.
Hwee is filling the role that will be vacated by Khoo, who “with his wealth of experience in building and growing retail banking business will support UOB Vietnam’s management team to chart and embed the bank’s retail banking strategy in the country”.
“With Citigroup’s consumer banking businesses fully integrated into UOB for Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, Vietnam is also progressing well towards its completion in 2025,” UOB said, adding that there is “great potential” in Vietnam, and that it is imperative to strengthening its regional franchise.
Stepping up to fill the head of GTO role will be Goh, who “has more than 30 years of IT experience across both corporate and consultancy roles”.
“In his new role, he will continue to drive innovation and technology adoption and advancement, to enhance operational efficiency across the bank and support customer engagement and experiences,” UOB said.
Wee Ee Cheong, the bank’s deputy chairman and chief executive officer, said: “This management refresh is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen UOB’s capabilities to serve our enlarged customer base across the region.”
The counter closed up S$0.02 or 0.1 per cent at S$32.88 on Wednesday, before the announcement.
