OCBC Announces Leadership Changes to Strengthen Greater China Coverage

OCBC has revealed a series of leadership changes aimed at enhancing its presence in the Greater China region as part of the group’s ASEAN-Greater China strategic drive.

Wang Ke, who currently serves as the CEO of OCBC Wing Hang China, will take on the role of Head of Greater China, succeeding Tan Wing Ming. This change signifies Wang’s appointment as CEO of OCBC Wing Hang China, with Ang Eng Siong, the Deputy President and Head of Corporate Banking at OCBC Wing Hang China, stepping in as the acting CEO. Ang’s appointment will be finalized once regulatory approval is granted. Both appointments will be effective from November 1, 2023, while Tan will return to Singapore to act as an advisor to the group CEO.

Wang’s journey with the OCBC Group began in 2012 when he assumed the position of Head of IT in China. Over the years, he expanded his responsibilities, overseeing operations in 2014, taking charge of the Pearl River Delta region in 2017, and ultimately being appointed CEO of OCBC Wing Hang China in 2019. Under Wang’s guidance, critical technological infrastructure and capabilities were developed, and the business adeptly navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, OCBC Wing Hang China’s profits more than doubled since 2019. Wang’s leadership, resilience, and ability to maintain employee morale were especially notable during the challenging COVID-19 period. Furthermore, despite the market’s tough conditions, OCBC Wing Hang China expanded its geographical coverage by opening a branch in Wuhan, Central China’s largest city, in the fourth quarter of the previous year.

Ang, on the other hand, has been a part of OCBC since 2009. His journey within the organization took him through various roles in Singapore, including risk management, finance, and business development. He then moved to China in 2015 as part of OCBC’s talent development program. His significant roles included serving as China’s Chief Risk Officer in 2018 and Head of Corporate Banking in 2022. Ang has played a crucial role in establishing a robust risk management framework to support the franchise’s growth. His emphasis on teamwork, people development, and building capabilities has been instrumental. In addition to contributing to the rapid growth of cross-border business, Ang led the China corporate banking division into new territories in sustainable finance and renewable energy, as well as the technology, media, and telecom (TMT) sector, with a particular focus on new technology.

Tan Wing Ming, who spent 18 years at OCBC, played pivotal roles throughout his tenure, including serving as the country head of the OCBC China branch. He has made significant contributions to OCBC’s share of the ASEAN-Greater China trade and investment flows by building transaction banking capabilities and fostering new collaboration channels.

Helen Wong, the Group CEO of OCBC, expressed her satisfaction with the organization’s internal talent pool and how it has provided highly qualified candidates for these senior Greater China appointments. This approach underscores OCBC’s commitment to nurturing and promoting homegrown talent, offering opportunities for career progression and mobility. Wong praised Wang Ke and Ang Eng Siong as valuable assets to the OCBC franchise and expressed confidence in their ability to further advance the bank’s strategic objectives in Greater China. Wong also extended her appreciation to Tan for his substantial contributions, particularly in establishing an effective Greater China platform that is expected to propel OCBC into its next phase of growth. She further commended Tan for agreeing to stay on as an advisor to the organization.