HSBC Philippines gets first Filipino CEO

The first Filipino CEO of British banking and financial services giant HSBC will take on the position starting Dec. 24, the bank said in a statement Wednesday.

 

Veteran trader Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso told reporters he actually learned of his appoint last Sept. 27 but declined to make any statement ahead of the bank’s official announcement. He was appointed head of HSBC global banking and markets for the Philippines last Aug. 15.

 

Outgoing HSBC president Tony Cripps will be assigned to Australia.

 

“While there is a huge responsibility in being the first appointed Filipino to take on the CEO role for HSBC in the Philippines, I am excited at being able to lead an exceptionally dedicated and talented team to take the Group’s Philippine business forward.” Veloso said.

 

“The Philippines is an important market for the HSBC Group,” the statement read, citing Peter Wong, CEO for Asia Pacific. 

 

Cripps noted Veloso is a seasoned and competent banker. “I am delighted that Wick will be my successor. 

 

“I have worked very closely with him over my three years in the Philippines. He brings with him extensive experience in the financial services industry, and I have no doubt he will be an invaluable asset to HSBC as it drives towards continued growth in this market,” Cripps added.

 

The bank also appointed Dondi Baltazar, currently senior vice president and head of Trading in the Philippines, as head of Global Markets for the Philippines, effective also Dec. 24.

 

Corrie Dela Cruz-Purisima has also been appointed head of Global Banking and concurrent head of Debt Capital Markets, also on Dec. 24.

 

“We continue to invest for growth, focused on building a strong and sustainable business in the Philippines,” said Wong.

“I am sure Wick, Dondi and Corrie will play integral roles in this development going forward,” he added. — VS, GMA news