Anis Ahmed Elected New Chairman of Eastern Bank

Entrepreneur Anis Ahmed has been elected chairman of the board of directors of Eastern Bank PLC (EBL), one of Bangladesh’s prominent private-sector financial institutions. His appointment officially took effect on Monday, marking a new phase in the leadership of the bank.

Before assuming the top position on EBL’s board, Ahmed served as a member of the bank’s Executive Committee (EC). He also chaired the Risk Management Committee (RMC), giving him direct experience in two areas that are central to the governance and long-term stability of a modern banking institution.

Speaking after taking charge as chairman, Ahmed said EBL had entered a new era in banking services. He indicated that the board would place particular emphasis on developing senior leadership, with a strong focus on advancing women’s leadership within the organisation.

Ahmed also outlined priorities aimed at strengthening the bank’s financial foundation and accelerating its digital transformation. The initiatives, he said, are intended to make EBL more responsive to changing customer needs and help the bank become an integral part of customers’ everyday lives.

The appointment brings to EBL’s board a businessman with extensive experience across banking, logistics, technology and international supply chains. Ahmed is the founder and chief executive officer of Singapore-based multinational MGH Group, whose operations extend across 26 countries.

MGH Group has established a broad international presence, providing supply-chain solutions for leading fast-fashion, e-commerce, automotive and electronics brands. Its business interests also cover private container terminals, global distribution system distributorships, logistics, food and beverage retail, and financial services. The group’s diverse operations have given Ahmed exposure to a range of industries and international markets, experience that could prove relevant as EBL continues to navigate an increasingly competitive and technology-driven financial sector.

Beyond traditional business, Ahmed has also played a notable role in Bangladesh’s technology-led start-up ecosystem. He is recognised as the founder of the ride-sharing platform OVai, insurtech venture Waadaa dot Insure, and the housing-focused platform Jatra.

Over the past decade, he has been actively involved in supporting innovation and emerging technology-driven entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. His engagement with start-ups reflects the growing links between established businesses, financial services and the country’s expanding digital economy.

For EBL, the change in chairmanship comes at a time when banks are increasingly required to balance financial resilience with technological innovation and evolving customer expectations. Digital banking, risk management, corporate governance and leadership development have become important areas of focus across the financial sector.

Ahmed’s previous responsibilities within EBL’s Executive Committee and Risk Management Committee mean that his new role follows a period of direct involvement in the bank’s governance structure. His stated priorities of reinforcing the institution’s financial strength, accelerating digital transformation and nurturing senior leadership are therefore expected to shape the board’s direction under his chairmanship.

The new chairman’s combination of banking governance experience, international business exposure and involvement in technology ventures is likely to bring a broad perspective to EBL’s strategic priorities. As the bank moves forward, attention will remain on how these priorities translate into stronger institutional capacity, improved customer services and sustainable growth.