Citizens Financial Group Inc. Chairman and CEO Bruce Van Saun brought a breath of fresh air and purpose to a stagnant, uncertain local business community on Nov. 4.
Leaders stand up with conviction during challenging times. Mr. Van Saun did that during the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, while urging other business leaders to do the same.
“The world is shifting fast: geopolitics, technology, regulation, capital,” Mr. Van Saun said. “In moments like this, you don’t pull back. You scenario-plan, you pick your lane and press forward with conviction.”
He backed up the strong talk with insight into how Citizens is stepping up investment, focusing on wealth management while accelerating its own digital transformation.
“Everyone sees inflation, rate swings, political churn,” he said. “But you cannot freeze.” He urged investment “in customer experience, talent and productivity tools now.”
With legacy employer Hasbro Inc. leaving the state next year, he also reassured the audience that Citizens remains “part of this community. We were born here, and we are staying here.”