Mammootty is South Indian Bank's 'Global Brand Ambassador'

Kochi, Oct 16 (UNI) The Kerala-based South Indian Bank (SIB) has appointed popular film star Mammootty as its 'Global Brand Ambassador' to help reach out to a wider customer base, particularly those in the Gulf countries.

Making the announcement at a press conference here today, Bank Chairman and CEO V A Joseph said the 77-year-old SIB was going in for an ''image makeover.'' The decision to appoint Mammootty, ''who can connect with people of all ages and in all places,'' as the brand ambassador was a part of this change-over.

The bank was also in the process of changing its logo which will be out by January next year, he added.

With more than 450 branches spread across 19 states, SIB is focusing on expanding its overseas operations. ''Mr Mammootty, who was recently voted by NRIs as the top matinee idol of Kerala of the past 75 years, will help to reinforce the SIB's global identity,'' Mr Joseph said.

He said SIB had recently got the distinction of being the first private sector bank in India to provide management support to an exchange house in the Middle-East when it could take management charge of the Hadi Express Exchange in Dubai.

Speaking on the occasion, Mammootty described this as a ''big responsibility''.

Describing a customer's relation with a bank as that of a friend, the three-time National Award and Padmasree Award winning actor stressed the need for bigger banks to help the smaller ones which were struggling for survival.

Mr Joseph said the bank would be announcing its half-yearly results after the Board of Directors meeting tomorrow.

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