Sri Lanka's largest private sector retail bank, HNB PLC, announced another strategic addition to its Board of Directors with the appointment of Suresh Shah as an Independent Non-Executive Director. This appointment marks another significant step in strengthening the Bank's governance and strategic direction.

Shah brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record in both the corporate sector and public service. Currently serving as Chairman of Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC and a Director of Carson Cumberbatch PLC, Bukit Darah PLC, Hunter & Co PLC, and Lanka Canneries (Pvt) Ltd, Shah is highly regarded for his leadership and strategic insight. Meanwhile, in the public sector, he also leads the State-Owned Enterprise Restructuring Unit of the Government of Sri Lanka.

He previously served as Director and CEO of Ceylon Beverage Holdings PLC and Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership over three decades. A respected figure in the business community, Shah has also served as a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and as a member of the Monetary Policy Consultative Committee of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

His extensive involvement in professional and community organizations, including past chairmanships of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and the Employers Federation of Ceylon (EFC), underscores his commitment to fostering business excellence and economic growth in Sri Lanka.

Shah's appointment is expected to infuse invaluable perspectives to the Bank's efforts to help spur a vibrant economic recovery, within the context of an increasingly volatile global financial landscape. The Bank anticipates that his leadership will greatly enhance their commitment to excellence and innovation, further positioning HNB as a regional leader in the financial services sector.

Shah will join the esteemed HNB Board under the leadership of Chairman Nihal Jayawardene, PC. Alongside Shah, the board counts among its ranks distinguished members such as Jonathan Alles, Madura Ratnayake, Devaka Cooray, Osman Chandrawansa, Rimoe Saldin, Rasitha Gunawardana, Kithsiri Gunawardena, Dr Prasad Samarasinghe, Sivakrishnarajah Renganathan and Nanda Fernando.