National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has appointed Susan Yuen as its CEO in Asia.

Yuen, who joins from her previous position as CEO of ANZ Hong Kong for the past five years, will oversee the bank’s presence in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Shanghai. She will work with NBAD’s global business to develop its approach and will also consider expanding NBAD’s footprint to Singapore.

NBAD’s renewed focus on the West/East corridor and plans to establish major wholesale regional hubs will see the bank enhancing its business lines in London, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Egypt. NBAD also plans to establish a branch in Mumbai.

Before ANZ, Yuen held senior roles at HSBC Malaysia and Maybank.

“Recruiting Susan is a key step in our process of expanding in Asia and reflects NBAD’s brand strength to attract world-class bankers as well as our strategic ambitions for growth across diverse geographies,” says Qamber Ali Al Mulla, senior managing director and CEO, Gulf and international at NBAD.

Commenting on her new position, Yuen says: “NBAD is a strong, growing brand in the Arab world and beyond. I believe NBAD has proved its mettle and will successfully deliver its ambitions of growth across the West/East corridor. I’m proud to be part of this growth ambition.”

An NBAD spokesperson says to GTR that Yuen’s experience “will be particularly valuable in enabling trade and investment flows between the UAE and Asia, and facilitating UAE companies to invest in Asia where we see new and exciting opportunities”.