Q: What is your vision for Hatton National Bank (HNB) over the next five years? And how do you plan to achieve this goal?

A: As a 136-plus year old institution, Hatton National Bank stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation. My ambition extends beyond banking; HNB aspires to be a diversified financial services leader.

While our foundation is robustly domestic, we envision expanding our horizons, exploring opportunities to establish a meaningful presence in at least three international markets in the coming five years.

Together with my team, I intend to navigate this transformative journey and position HNB as a truly global institution, which is dedicated to fostering prosperity for our customers and the communities we serve.

Q: Can you describe your leadership style – and how you intend to inspire and motivate your team?

A: My leadership style is rooted in passion, persuasion and a commitment to a shared vision. As a seasoned risk manager, I embrace change and see opportunity in transformation.

I recognise that leading a legacy institution such as HNB comes with challenges, particularly in cultivating agility and innovation.

I’m inherently a risk and change seeker because half my career was spent as a risk manager – so that helps me identify and mitigate risks.

Q: How do you plan to foster innovation within the bank? And what new growth opportunities do you see for HNB?

A: Innovation is crucial, yet one of the common barriers is the fear of failure. At HNB, we are committed to creating an environment where it’s safe to fail – not recklessly but within a structured framework that encourages responsible experimentation.

Our workforce – with predominantly over 40 percent being under 30 – brings a fresh perspective and natural inclination toward innovation. To support them with their energy and novel ideas, we’re in the process introducing a ‘pilot pod,’ a curated space where new ideas can be tested and refined before scaling them up across the bank.

By fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging our diverse financial services, HNB is poised to seize the growth opportunities that lie ahead.