The Board of Directors comprises a team of high-calibre profiles who are responsible for the strategic direction and its long-term success in all the markets we serve.
Mr Mahendra Vikramdass Punchoo
Qualifications
• Masters in Economics with Merit – Birkbeck College, University of London, UK
• Maîtrise in Economic Sciences – University of Aix-Marseille III, France
• Licence in Economic Sciences – University of Aix-Marseille III, France
Background and Experience
An economist by training in France and the United Kingdom (UK) and by profession, Mr Punchoo worked close to 25 years in the Bank of Mauritius (BoM) Department of Economic Research, Analysis and Statistics during which he held various senior positions before stepping in as Second Deputy Governor in December 2014 until his retirement in February 2020.
During his career at the BoM, he has developed core competencies in economic analysis and research, banking regulation and supervision, financial markets and foreign exchange reserves management. His diverse skill set comes from the high offices he has occupied as deputy governor and member of the Board of Directors and of the Monetary Policy Committee of the BoM, as director on the Statistics Board and member of the Financial Reporting Council and member of various internal committees as well as years of interacting with international and regional organisations as representative of the BoM.
His atypical background offering a rare combination of a macroeconomist with a fairly deep knowledge of the economic and financial development of Mauritius and of a banking sector specialist in the field of regulation and supervision creates a unique value proposition in terms of his outlook and insights.
Mr Punchoo was the former Chairperson on the Board of Directors of La Prudence Leasing Finance Co. Ltd and a Panel Member of Rating Committee of CARE Ratings (Africa) Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Punchoo was appointed to the Board since 24 September 2025 and is a Non-Executive Director.
Mr Vimal Naikeny
Date of appointment
05 November 2025
Background and Experience
Mr. Naikeny has a formidable background spanning central banking, telecommunications, and financial technology innovation, he represents a new generation of banking leadership - one that bridges traditional financial expertise with cutting-edge digital transformation.
He was formerly the Head of Technology and Operations at Standard Bank Group where he demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen, driving a 20% revenue increase through operational innovation while reducing client onboarding time by 40% through digital transformation initiatives. His leadership of a diverse team across multiple African markets showcases his ability to harmonise regional priorities with global standards.
Mr. Naikeny's experience as Advisor to Management at the Bank of Mauritius positions him uniquely to navigate regulatory landscapes while innovating. There, he spearheaded the National Payment Switch implementation, substantially improving interbank transaction efficiency, and led explorations into Central Bank Digital Currency frameworks—initiatives that positioned Mauritius at the forefront of financial system modernisation.
His earlier roles as Chief Technology Officer at Huawei Technologies and various leadership positions at Emtel Ltd demonstrate Mr. Naikeny's exceptional capacity to drive cloud transformation, mobile financial services, and AI-driven banking solutions. His implementation of Emtel Cash transformed mobile financial services in Mauritius, underlining his commitment to financial inclusion through technology.
A recognised thought leader, Mr. Naikeny has spoken at prestigious global technology forums including Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and Africa's premier telecommunications summit, AfricaCom. His published articles on digital transformation, cloud computing, and technological intelligence reflect his forward-thinking approach to financial services evolution.
Qualifications
• Strategic Management in Banking Programme – INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France
• Leading Digital, Executive Program – MIT Sloan School of Management
• Executive Programme in FinTech and Regulatory Innovation – Cambridge Judge Business School
• Master of Business Administration - Université Paris-Dauphine
• MSc in Project Management – University of Mauritius
• B.Eng. in Computer Science and Engineering – University of Mauritius
Directorship in other entities
SBM Holdings Ltd, SBM (Bank) Holdings Ltd, SBM (NFC) Holdings Ltd
Mr. Luvee Toolsysingh Cheekhooree
Mr. Luvee Cheekhooree is a Mauritian entrepreneur with a strong background in real estate development and asset management, and in the hospitality industry. Over the years, he has gained significant experience in the planning, structuring, and execution of complex residential projects across Mauritius. His development approach combines strategic land use, sustainable community planning, and financial prudence.
He has led the promotion and delivery of residential estates including the successful execution of gated communities and the ongoing development of large-scale urban projects. His role includes overseeing the entire project lifecycle, from land identification and acquisition, securing necessary permits, engaging with professionals and contractors, to the marketing and sale of residential units. In addition to his development expertise, Mr. Cheekhooree actively manages a portfolio of income-generating residential rental properties located in key areas across central Mauritius. This includes tenant relations, occupancy optimisation, and strategic investment planning for long-term value creation.
His entrepreneurial ventures also extend into the hospitality and food service sectors, where he is responsible for driving operational excellence, customer experience, and brand growth. He has also been involved in early e-commerce innovation in Mauritius, which contributes to his adaptability and digital fluency in business.
Mr. Cheekhooree holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He currently serves as director in several privately held companies focused on real estate development, property management, and hospitality, including Jardin d’Anna Ltd, Residences d’Anna Ltd, and YAIL Hospitality Management Ltd.
Mr. Cheekhooree was appointed to the Board on 26 June 2025 as Independent Director.
Ms. Yakshmi Jhordy Ellapen
Ms. Yakshmi Ellapen has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, with a multidisciplinary background developed through exposure to diverse functions within the sector. She spent the early part of her career in London, specifically at Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, in technology-focused roles connected to the equities electronic trading businesses at both firms. She currently works in the investment management industry at Gavekal Wealth (Mauritius) Ltd, where she has gained experience in marketing as well as investment research and fund management.
Ms. Ellapen holds an MEng in Electronic Engineering with Communications Engineering from UCL (UK) and an MSc in Finance (Financial Sector Management) from the University of London. She is a CFA Charterholder and currently serves on the managing committee of CFA Society Mauritius.
Ms. Ellapen was appointed to the Board since 26 June 2025 and is an Independent Director.
MR RAOUL GUFFLET
Date of Appointment
Appointed since 15 September 2023
Qualifications
Advanced Management Programme – INSEAD, France
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) - Institute of Internal Auditors, USA
Postgraduate Diploma International Finance - Université de Paris XIII, France
Master’s Degree in Economics (specialisation in Finance) - University of Paris (La Sorbonne), France
BSc Economics - University of Paris (La Sorbonne), France
Member of the Mauritius Institute of Directors
Member of Les Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France (CCEF)
Background and Experience
Mr. Gufflet is a seasoned professional, who has spent nearly three decades in the banking and financial sector across multiple jurisdictions. He started his career as a strategy consultant, having been involved for over twelve years in restructuring and corporate advisory assignments with PwC in France, Eastern Europe and Africa. He has been exposed to several studies with the World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on financial institutions in both developed and transitional economies.
Prior to joining SBM Group, he was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of a renowned bank in Mauritius, as well as Director of several entities across Africa and the Indian Ocean. He has led the international development of the Bank’s franchise on the African continent, as well as the transformation of most of its business lines, bringing them to international digital, regulatory and compliance best standards.
As a firm believer in sustainability, he is committed to developing a sustainable banking and capital market philosophy, which is a prerequisite for unlocking value in Mauritius and across the African continent.
Directorship on Other Entities
SBM Holdings Ltd
SBM (Bank) Holdings Ltd
SBM Bank (India) Limited
Banque SBM Madagascar SA
SBM Bank (Kenya) Limited
SBM Capital Markets Ltd
SBM Factors Ltd
Mr. Sivakrisna (Kovi) Goinden
Mr. Goinden as Group Chief Financial Officer manages the finance, capital, performance management and procurement of SBM Holdings Ltd. He also provides his support and assistance to the different entities across the SBM Group on finance matters, performance management, budgetary control, capital requirements and any project related matters.
During his span at SBM, Kovi has contributed much to the evolution of the Group with his vast experience in merger & acquisitions, Group restructuring and capital projects.
Mr. Goinden holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University, UK and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK (FCCA). He worked in the financial industry for nearly 2 decades now out of which 17 years of banking experience.
Mr. Goinden is a director on certain entities of the SBM Group while also being a Councillor of the SBM Foundation, the CSR arm of the Group.
He was appointed to the Board since 26 June 2025 and is a Non-Executive Director.
Mr. Shailendrasingh Sreekeessoon
Mr. Shailendrasingh Sreekeessoon is currently the Chief Executive Officer of SBM (NBFC) Holdings Ltd. He has over 20 years of experience in the business and financial sectors in Mauritius across several fields including marketing and economic research, strategy, strategic communications, programme management, M&A and SME financing. He joined the non-banking cluster of the SBM Group in July 2019, and was appointed CEO of SBM (NBFC) Holdings Ltd in July 2020.
Mr. Sreekeessoon holds a BSc in Economics, with first class honours, and an MSc in Finance and Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is also a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).
He is a Member of the Board of Directors of several entities across SBM Group.