Sterling Bank names new COO

Thrift bank Sterling Bank of Asia named Cecilio Paul San Pedro, a former foreign bank treasurer, as its chief operating officer and concurrent treasurer.

San Pedro joined the bank in 2011.

“The Sterling Bank workforce is in high hopes with Paul’s appointment as the new COO. From his stint as the bank’s treasurer, he brought extensive background in the financial industry and demonstrated record of leadership, innovation and integrity. We are bullish on the prospects for the coming years as we continue to strengthen the bank and make it adaptable so we can respond quickly to opportunities that will come,” Lamberto Villena, Sterling Bank of Asia president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

For his part, San Pedro said: “The challenge of contributing to the growth of Sterling Bank is one which I couldn’t refuse. Being presented with a lot of opportunities not only to make money for the bank but also an opportunity to interact with and mentor fellow Sterling Bankers is a great fulfillment for me.”

San Pedro sees both challenges and opportunities as his motivation to strive harder to succeed.

“There are creative ways to address difficulties, and anything can be done and is possible for as long as you put your mind and heart to it,” he said.

As the new COO of Sterling Bank of Asia, San Pedro is seen contributing to the strengthening of the bank’s operational productivity and back office performance to ensure efficiency and profitability commensurate with the best interest of the stakeholders, customers and its employees.

Before joining Sterling Bank, San Pedro is the former executive director and country treasurer of Royal Bank of Scotland (formerly ABN AMRO Bank) for eight years, from 2002 to 2010.

Prior to his appointment to this post, he occupied various positions in Bank of America-Manila Branch for 21 years, rising from the ranks to become the principal and country treasurer for global markets.