Caribbean Banking, RBC ; Kirk Dudtschak named Head, Caribbean Banking
Suresh B. Sookoo, CEO, RBC Caribbean Banking
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, – RBC today Wednesday, Sept. 3, announced that Suresh B. Sookoo, CEO, RBC Caribbean Banking, has decided to retire, effective October 31, 2014.
Sookoo, a career banker for more than 35 years, has led RBC’s Caribbean operations since 2008, when RBC acquired the RBTT Group, creating one of the most expansive banking operations in the Caribbean, from The Bahamas in the North to Suriname in the South. Sookoo will continue to sit on the Board of RBC Financial (Caribbean) Limited, the holding company for RBC’s Caribbean business, and has agreed to remain available as an advisor to its leadership team.
With Sookoo’s retirement, Kirk Dudtschak, currently President, Caribbean Banking will assume the role of Executive Vice-President and Head, Caribbean Banking.
Dudtschak joined RBC in 1986 and has held a variety of senior and executive roles since then. As President, Caribbean Banking, he has worked alongside Sookoo over the last 18 months to strengthen the performance of the business and position it for sustainable growth. Previously, Dudtschak held a variety of senior positions within RBC’s branch network and head office, with experience in strategy, human resources, sales, operations and risk management. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the overall strategic direction and business performance of Caribbean Banking, while also ensuring close and effective collaboration between the Caribbean business and the rest of RBC.
“Suresh is a trusted leader who dedicated his career to serving our clients, developing our employees and supporting our communities,” said Jennifer Tory, Head of Personal & Commercial Banking, RBC. “He has also contributed greatly to the growth and development of the banking sector across the region, especially in Trinidad and Tobago. We will miss his experience and expertise, and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Tory added: “Kirk is a proven, respected and experienced executive with a deep knowledge of our business. He understands the Caribbean markets and the needs of our clients in the region, and I am confident that he will drive our business towards sustainable, long-term success.”
Sookoo and Dudtschak will continue to work together in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
“As I prepare to retire, I’m confident we have turned a corner in our company,” said Sookoo. “We now have strong regional and local leadership in place across all of our markets to take this business forward, supported by RBC’s strength and risk management discipline. I have had a tremendous experience with RBC and have worked with some of the best talent in the industry. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of the Caribbean in other capacities.”
Dudtschak said: “This is a great privilege and honour for me. We have a great and diverse
