SMBC announced the appointment of Debbie Freer as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Americas. The appointment was effective on April 1, 2022.

Hirofumi Otsuka, CEO of SMBC Group in the Americas and President & CEO of SMBC Americas Holdings, Inc., said, “Debbie’s appointment as COO is a natural fit as she has spearheaded the successful transformation of our business in the Americas Division in addition to championing our diversity and inclusion initiatives. I am confident she will continue to lead our growth plans for SMBC in the region as well as ensure a relentless focus on our diversity efforts.”

Freer commented, “As COO, I hope to push us further on our journey to become a leading corporate and investment bank and to make our mark here in the Americas, with growth, teamwork, and client success. This firm has a rich history and culture that lends itself to deep and meaningful relationships with our clients, and I look forward to building our brand in the region.”

Freer joined SMBC in April 2019 as Chief Strategy Officer and Head of the Strategy & Transformation Department, where she led the establishment of a bank holding company structure and strategic plan, implemented through a transformation program with robust governance and projects spanning the organization’s three lines of defense.

Before joining SMBC, Freer was Global Head of Custody & Fund Services Product Development & Transformation at JPMorgan Chase. Prior positions included senior leadership roles at UBS, RBC, Citibank and Merrill Lynch.