They’re shuffling the deck at DBS again. Singapore’s biggest lender is putting a fresh face in charge of its institutional banking division, a move that signals big plans ahead. Han Kwee Juan, who’s been running things at home as Singapore Country Head, steps into the Group Head of Institutional Banking role starting January 1, 2025. Just around the corner, really.
This appointment lines up neatly with an approaching change at the top. By the end of March next year, Piyush Gupta, a longtime figurehead and CEO, will retire. Tan Su Shan, the current Deputy CEO and Group Head of Institutional Banking, is set to move into the CEO seat. That means Han, a man who’s proven he can handle hefty responsibilities and tough markets, will now guide a core division of the bank’s business.
A Changing of the Guard for DBS
This isn’t just another mid-level shuffle. It’s a fundamental switch in leadership that aims to keep DBS steady as the industry’s winds blow in every direction.
Piyush Gupta, set to leave on March 28, 2025, has been the face of DBS for over a decade. During his tenure, DBS expanded its footprint and solidified its position as a key player in Asia’s financial scene. Some say he’s been the linchpin holding it all together. Others believe his careful stewardship helped DBS stand taller at a time when banks across the region struggled.
Tan Su Shan, poised to step into Gupta’s shoes, is no stranger to front-line responsibilities. She’s seen the financial cycles, lived through changing consumer preferences, and handled the shifting regulatory backdrops that keep bankers awake at night. In her current role, she has worked closely with Gupta to shape DBS’s institutional strategy.
As Tan takes over as CEO, Han Kwee Juan’s move becomes something more than just a new title. It’s a statement that DBS wants continuity, a natural handover, and a strong bench of internal talent that can keep operations humming without major disruption.
Han’s Proven Track Record
Han isn’t some random pick off the bench; he’s the real deal.
He’s been at DBS since 2019, initially steering Group Strategy and Planning before taking on the Singapore Country Head role. Prior to that, he spent 27 years at Citibank, where he eventually rose to CEO of Citibank Singapore. That kind of experience doesn’t just fall off the nearest tree—he’s earned his stripes.
At DBS, he managed the Singapore franchise with a firm hand, ensuring its leading position in deposits, credit cards, and mortgages. Locals have come to know and trust DBS, and Han’s steady grip helped maintain that edge.
Under Han’s watch, DBS’s Singapore unit didn’t just hold ground; it tightened its grip on critical segments. Whether it’s individuals juggling multiple bank accounts or businesses hunting for stable partnerships, DBS remained a go-to option.
• According to MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) reports, DBS continued to command a significant share of the consumer banking market in 2024.
As Han steps into the larger stage of institutional banking, many insiders expect him to bring that same knack for strategy. People inside DBS say he’s a straight shooter who knows how to get results.
Lim Takes Over Singapore Operations
Somebody has to take Han’s old job, right?
Enter Lim Him Chuan, currently guiding the Group’s Strategy, Transformation, Analytics, and Research—GSTAR for short.
Lim is no rookie either, chalking up 23 years at DBS. He’s led DBS Bank Taiwan, orchestrated the acquisition of Citi Taiwan’s consumer banking business, and shown an ability to handle complex integrations. His track record suggests he’s ready to hit the ground running.
It’s a meaningful move that puts someone with proven experience at the helm of the Singapore operation. With Lim stepping in, DBS keeps that internal pipeline flowing, ensuring consistent stewardship without missing a beat.
Why Internal Shuffles Matter Now
It might seem like a bunch of musical chairs, but these moves are more than that.
Banking has always been influenced by consumer confidence, regulatory shifts, and digital trends.
The days of slow adaptation are long gone. Institutions need leaders who know how to balance tradition with new ways of doing business. DBS’s approach, picking successors from within, shows faith in its bench strength and culture.
Let’s check a brief comparative table of DBS’s strategic leadership focus areas before and after these appointments:
| Focus Area | Pre-2025 Leadership | Post-2025 Leadership |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Banking | Tan Su Shan | Han Kwee Juan |
| Singapore Market Growth | Han Kwee Juan | Lim Him Chuan |
| Regional Expansion | Piyush Gupta’s Guidance | Tan Su Shan’s Vision |
This table is just a snapshot, but it highlights the passing of torches in key segments.
Ultimately, DBS seems to trust its people. That trust might make all the difference in keeping pace with shifting dynamics.
Moving On and Looking Ahead
Piyush Gupta exits a stage he’s owned for years, leaving behind a legacy built on results. Some observers credit his ability to adapt while keeping clients and shareholders relatively happy.
As for Tan Su Shan, all eyes are on her next move.
Han and Lim, meanwhile, slot into roles that keep the engine humming, aligning skills with responsibilities. Their combined experience under one corporate roof might help DBS avoid the hiccups many organizations face after major leadership changes. In a banking sector that’s never truly quiet, that’s pretty significant.
