ANZ has appointed Rufus Pinto as chief executive (CEO) Laos, the bank announced today.

Pinto will commence the role on 1 October 2017, subject to regulatory approval. He will report to Dennis Hussey, CEO Vietnam and Head of Greater Mekong Region.

Pinto currently serves as regional country head for ANZ Vanuatu, Kiribati and New Caledonia.

His career has spanned over 12 years in banking and financial services across Australia and India, having served in various executive roles for NAB and Westpac before joining ANZ in 2011.

Initially appointed as ANZ’s director, consumer and services within the international and institutional banking division, Pinto transitioned to a senior wealth management position in ANZ’s Melbourne headquarters.

Commenting on the appointment, Hussey said the bank was “pleased to have someone with Rufus’ extensive experience in both Australia and international markets to lead ANZ Laos.”

Laos serves a key role for the bank’s wider business interests across the Asia-Pacific region, Hussey said.

“ANZ was the first locally incorporated international bank in Laos, where we play an important role supporting customers with trade flows across the rapidly integrating ASEAN region and our home markets,” Hussey said.