Maybank's chief strategy officer to helm dual role as international CEO

Maybank has appointed Michael Foong (pictured) as CEO, International, in addition to his current role as group chief strategy officer which he has helmed since 2014. Foong replaces Pollie Sim, who has retired.As group chief strategy officer, Foong made contributions to the transformation programmes for Maybank Hong Kong, Maybank Philippines and Maybank Cambodia. He has also driven the adoption of new and enhanced digital platforms with group community financial services for international business units since 2016. Foong joined the company as chief strategy and transformation officer in 2011.Prior to joining Maybank, Foong was the senior MD of Accenture’s management consulting practice in Malaysia. He spent 17 years serving financial services clients throughout Asia, primarily banks but also including insurance companies and stock exchanges. He helmed various management positions in Accenture, including co-managing Accenture’s Asia-Pacific Technology Ventures unit from 2000 to 2002, and after that, Accenture’s Asia-Pacific corporate development office.Foong is experienced in group-wide corporate planning, devising group and business sector strategies, operating models, business process reengineering, performance management frameworks and ICT strategies.Group president and CEO, Datuk Abdul Farid Alias thanked Sim for her service to Maybank, adding that her leadership and dedication helped steer the organisation to what it is today. He described Foong as the "ideal candidate" to take on the expanded role as CEO, International to help achieve the group’s ambitious growth plans for its international operations.“Given that the group targets to grow its international business at a more aggressive pace, Foong’s background, diverse skill-sets and wide experience in strategy development will be a pivotal advantage in leveraging the group’s regional footprint and charting the path for further growths in our international markets," Datuk Farid said.