Priya PatelTLDR:
Santander has appointed Petri Nikkilä as the new global CEO of Openbank and head of the Digital Consumer Bank’s non-auto consumer business. Among his main priorities will be to lead the Openbank business in its current markets and continue to promote its international expansion. Nikkilä has extensive experience in the European financial sector, both in continental Europe and in the UK, especially in digital banking.
Santander has announced the appointment of Petri Nikkilä as the new global CEO of Openbank and head of the Digital Consumer Bank’s non-auto consumer business. In his new role, Nikkilä will lead the Openbank business in its current markets and drive its international expansion. He will also manage the Digital Consumer Bank’s non-auto consumer business and the buy-now, pay-later business. With extensive experience in digital banking and the financial services sector, Santander believes that Nikkilä’s knowledge will be a valuable addition to the team. Nikkilä will officially take on his new role in May, subject to regulatory approval.
Petri Nikkilä has had an extensive career in the European financial sector, particularly in digital banking. Until recently, he was involved in ING’s global retail digital transformation and previously served as the head of Retail Banking for the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. He has also held positions at Nordea and HSBC. Nikkilä has experience in the consumer sector as well, previously serving as the leader of Unilever’s business in Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.
Openbank has positioned itself as a leading digital bank in Europe, doubling its customer base since its relaunch in 2017. It has become one of the highest-rated banks by customers in Spain. Santander’s Digital Consumer Bank is one of the company’s growth initiatives and combines Santander Consumer Finance and Openbank. The appointment of Petri Nikkilä is seen as a strategic move to strengthen and further develop these businesses.
Petri Nikkilä’s appointment as the CEO of Openbank and head of the Digital Consumer Bank is part of Santander’s broader strategy to enhance its digital banking offerings and expand its reach in the global market. With his experience in digital banking and financial services, Nikkilä is expected to play a crucial role in driving the growth and success of Openbank and the Digital Consumer Bank at Santander.
