SMRT Board of Directors announced the appointment of Desmond Kuek Bak-Chye as President and Chief Executive Officer. He will assume his new role on 1 October 2012.

“After an extensive search and selection process, we are pleased that we have someone of Desmond’s background and calibre joining SMRT as the new CEO. SMRT is undergoing considerable change, not just in the way we operate transport services and serve our customers, but also how we will continue to grow as a company. Desmond has the attributes and proven qualities to lead SMRT through these challenges.” says Mr Koh Yong Guan, Chairman, SMRT Board of Directors.

Mr Kuek has served with distinction in both the military and civil service. He joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 1981 on being awarded an SAF Overseas Scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Engineering Science from Oxford University. He also holds a Master of Arts degree from Oxford University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.
He entered the Administrative Service in 1993, but remained in the SAF where he held various appointments including Chief of Army and Chief of Defence Force. In 2010, he was appointed Permanent Secretary (Environment and Water Resources).

Mr Koh thanks the Interim CEO, Mr Tan Ek Kia, for his outstanding leadership during this transition, noting that he will continue in this role till Mr Kuek is officially on board on 1 October. Mr Tan will remain as an Executive Director till end 2012 to assist Mr Kuek in the transition and onboarding process.