Having previously acted as strategic advisor to the board of Kingboard Chemical, the move represents a dive back into the financial markets for Poon. Prior to Kingboard, he headed the equity sales team for Asia at Deutsche Bank and his CV also includes time spent at HG Asia and Swiss Bank.
He graduated from the University of Hong Kong and earned his MBA at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The period at Kingboard, where he advised on strategic investment and mergers and acquisitions sets Poon apart from most financiers.
Kingboard, a manufacturer of electro-chemical materials, was mentioned by Forbes as one of the best-managed small to medium companies in Asia in 2000/1. However, Poon says it will not affect his work at ABN.
"It was a very valuable experience from a personal point of view, and in terms of my general business experience, but it won't affect my strategy at ABN," he says.
More to the point are Poon's excellent reputation and deep client relationships, developed during 15 years as a stockbroker, says Bruce Shu, a spokesperson for the Netherlands-based bank.
In his new capacity he will serve ABN AMRO's traditional client base of Hong Kong-based institutional investors.
ABN AMRO recently closed down operations in Japan and the US, and Poon's appointment is part of the bank's refocusing on Europe and the Pacific Rim, adds Shu.
