KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 5): Affin Bank Bhd has appointed Mohammad Fairuz Mohd Radi as its executive director of group community banking, effective last Friday.

Fairuz brings nearly 20 years of experience across multiple industries, including banking, property development and consulting, Affin said in a statement on Tuesday.

“He held strategic roles, including as the head of strategy for community financial services and wholesale banking, chief strategy officer, and director of transaction banking. His contributions were integral to the transformation and expansion of the retail loan and deposit portfolio through a comprehensive sales distribution network," Affin said.

He also played a key role in establishing and expanding regional transaction banking operations across 17 countries, overseeing areas such as deposit, cash management, trade finance, the supply chain, financial institution correspondence banking and security services, the statement read.

Beyond his professional roles, Fairuz served as a co-chairman of the sustainability working group of the Council of Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions. He was also one of the representatives of the Global Alliance of Banking Values, a group comprising more than 60 member banks, credit unions, and micro-finance institutions from 44 countries.

In his new role at Affin, Fairuz will be responsible for steering the direction, strategy, financial management, and profitability of the community banking business. This encompasses driving the overall go-to-market strategy, overseeing relationship management, and spearheading business development for both new and existing community banking customers.

Affin president and group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali said that Fairuz's appointment marks a significant step in the bank's commitment to the expansion and success of its community banking business.

"Fairuz’s appointment reflects our dedication to providing unrivalled customer service, digital leadership and responsible banking with an impact on all our customers, shareholders and employees," said Wan Razly.

Fairuz holds a master of science in technologies for broadband communication from University College London in the UK, and a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Pennsylvania State University in the US.

At 12.30pm on Tuesday, shares in Affin were unchanged at RM2.04, giving the stock a market capitalisation of RM4.79 billion.