New Bank CEO Visits Antigua

Details

Banking

Monday, 30 January 2012 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua St John's - The recently-appointed CIBC FirstCaribbean CEO, Rik Parkhill, has said he is very optimistic about the future, as the bank has embarked on a number of activities designed to position itself for the future.

He said the institution has identified some immediate actions it can take to make a difference to the way it does business.

Parkhill visited Antigua & Barbuda on January 24 as part of a familiarization tour of the Caribbean territories where the bank has branches.

Accompanied by the bank’s executive chairman, Michael Mansoor, and Country Manager Michael Spencer, Parkhill made courtesy calls on Acting Prime Minister Harold Lovell, as well as General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union Senator David Massiah. He also met and greeted several customers and staff at the bank’s two branches in Antigua - High Street and Old Parham Road.

Parkhill said the past year has been one of continued challenges for CIBC FirstCaribbean as the institution, like many businesses across the globe, was forced to contend with a worsening world economy. Despite this, he said the bank remains strong.

“Nevertheless,” he said, “our core business remains rock solid, and despite the significant challenges, we have accomplished much during the last year and have built a stronger business and operations base for the future.”

The CEO said customer satisfaction will be the driving force behind all that CIBC FirstCaribbean does now and in the future, as the institution starts rolling out a number of initiatives.
 
He also pointed to the adoption of new brand elements that more closely align CIBC FirstCaribbean to the brand of its parent, CIBC. “By joining together the strong branding identities of both CIBC and FirstCaribbean, CIBC FirstCaribbean represents the proud heritage and uniqueness of the Caribbean region backed by the financial strength of CIBC, one of the largest and best capitalized banks in Canada,” he said.

Parkhill noted that Antigua & Barbuda is the first country in the Caribbean to introduce the new CIBC FirstCaribbean employee uniforms.

At a cocktail reception for some of the bank’s customers and other stakeholders, the CEO provided further insight into some of the new services that are in store for CIBC FirstCaribbean’s customers in Antigua & Barbuda and across the region.

Appointed in mid-2011, Parkhill is a graduate of Queens University and holds several credentials in the financial services industry. He has more than two decades of successful experience and solid accomplishments in the industry.

Prior to joining CIBC in Toronto, Canada, he was interim co-chief executive officer of the Toronto Stock Exchange Group. In this role, he was responsible for determining the strategic direction of the Exchange and enhancing its competitive positioning. He played a key role in expanding its domestic and international products and improving its operational effectiveness.

Meanwhile, in his welcome address, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Harold Lovell thanked the bank for the important role it is playing in the country’s development.

“You are one of the largest and strongest banks in the region, and of course you are backed by the strength and trusted name of CIBC," he said. "It is not business as usual as the entire world faces severe economic challenges and we must all work together to chart a way out of these trying times.”

The minister also lauded Country Manager Michael Spencer and the staff at CIBC FirstCaribbean for "their high level of professionalism". He also said that the bank has played a very significant role in partnering with the government.


Lovell commended the bank for its social programmes and sponsorships, especially the Unsung Heroes programme.

“CIBC FirstCaribbean’s social programmes and sponsorships are outstanding led by your Unsung Heroes Programme, which has unearthed and honoured so many persons in Antigua & Barbuda and across the Caribbean, who have quietly and without any fanfare, been making substantial contributions to the social development of our countries.”

• < Prev
• Next >