Standard Chartered has appointed Simon Cooper as CEO, Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) from April 2016.

Cooper joins the Group from HSBC, where he is currently Group managing director and chief executive of Global Commercial Banking, with responsibility for the strategy and direction of the Commercial Banking division, one of HSBC’s largest and most profitable businesses.

Cooper will be responsible for executing the new strategy announced on November 3, across the Group’s largest business. This includes improving returns on $40 billion of assets, investing in products and services where the Group has an advantage, such as RMB, adding new clients and delivering greater efficiency though investment in systems.

Bill Winters, Group chief executive, Standard Chartered said: “Simon is at the top of his game as a world-class banker with unrivalled experience across our markets and our businesses. He will join the Group at a crucial time for the CIB business as we focus on delivering higher returns and selectively growing our client base, boosting investment in core products and services, such as RMB, Transaction Banking and Financial Markets, and managing our cost base.

Cooper said: “For many years I have both competed against, and worked with, Standard Chartered. I have observed its strengths and also seen areas where I think it can improve. I want to put this knowledge to good effect and continue the excellent work that Mark Dowie has begun. My focus will be on building a sustainable, client-focused business that is safer and with higher returns. I intend to leverage Standard Chartered's franchise, expertise and its people for the benefit of our clients and shareholders."

Cooper will report to Winters and will join the Group’s Management Team on his appointment. He will work closely with Mark Dowie, Interim CEO CIB during a handover. – TradeArabia News Service