After five years as ING’s chief risk officer, Ljiljana Čortan steps into her new role as head of Wholesale Banking on 24 February, determined to grow the difference while adapting to a changing world and make ING the best European wholesale bank, powered by its global network. After five years as ING’s chief risk officer, Ljiljana Čortan steps into her new role as head of Wholesale Banking on 24 February, determined to grow the difference while adapting to a changing world and make ING the best European wholesale bank, powered by its global network.
Ljiljana, you’ve been with ING since 2021, but this is a new role for you. How does your previous experience help as you step into WB?
“I’m new in the role, but not new to ING. I’ve had time to get to know our business, our way of working, and our people – including teams in WB. Being able to see the business from different perspectives, first as chief risk officer and now as head of WB, is an advantage that ensures valuable insights. It also provides me with the opportunity to quickly bring value to the WB team.”
What excites you most about leading WB?
“WB has experienced significant business model changes accelerated by the pandemic. Our operating environment is also transforming with the entry of new players in the market, such as fintechs, payment service providers, private credit and others. It will be challenging but exciting to keep adapting our positioning as a trusted financial service provider to our clients, in such fast-changing and competitive environment. I am eager to take on that challenge.
Specifically, I look forward to working more closely with our clients. I’ve always been a corporate banker at heart and have explored different perspectives of that role in order to bring best value to clients. I see my deliberate move into risk as part of being a rounded banker.
Moreover, I strongly believe in the value of our network. Understanding specific markets and being able to tell a client ‘we can serve you from 35 countries’ is a real differentiator. It opens up opportunities for cross-border collaboration and brings our expertise closer to our where our clients are. I believe our legacy as a digital bank and our global network give us a competitive advantage to remain ‘most wanted’ by our clients.”
How would you describe your leadership style?
“I consider myself to be an open, straightforward and fair leader. People say I provide clarity and make choices based on merit. There’s no confusion about the course of action. I can be very direct at times but this always comes with respect and often makes it easier for teams to work together towards a common goal, which is essential in a business that spans 35 countries.
“I’d also say curiosity is something I bring to every role. I ask questions because I genuinely want to understand and need to know. In the same way, I encourage others to be curious too and stay open to new ideas. I encourage a healthy dose of professional scepticism, which makes us reflect on choices to be made, and contributes to better decision-making.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
“I like spending time with my family, and walking my dog, Arthur, who I absolutely adore. Music is another passion.
“I start every morning by taking Arthur for a walk. It’s also how I end my day. Sometimes people worry about me walking him late at night. However that’s the time when, while he happily sniffs around, my mind is at its clearest and some of my best ideas arise.”
Any final thoughts as you start your new role?
“I’m genuinely excited to work with the WB team. Let’s keep challenging ourselves to be better for our clients. It’s about teamwork, winning spirit, and never losing that sense of excellence and curiosity. To quote my favourite Briton, Winston Churchill: “Attitude is a little thing, that makes a big difference”. I couldn’t agree more.