As one of the leading banks in Mauritius, SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd Board of Directors comprises a team of high-calibre profiles who are responsible for the strategic direction of the bank and its long-term success locally.
Mr Rundheersing Bheenick, GOSK
Date of appointment
17 September 2025
Qualifications
• Master of Arts (Oxon) - University of Oxford, United Kingdom
• Bachelor of Arts in Honour School of Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) - Merton College, Oxford, United Kingdom
Background and experience
Mr Bheenick has had a long and distinguished career, both in Mauritius and abroad, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd. He began his career as Lecturer at the University of Mauritius in 1968 and thereafter joined the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office. He was then appointed at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in Vienna, Austria.
On returning to Mauritius in 1975, Mr Bheenick was appointed Deputy Director of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development before becoming Director-General in 1980. He was an elected Member of the National Assembly from December 1995 to September 2000, during which he served as Minister of Finance and subsequently as Minister of Economic Planning and Development.
In February 2007, he was appointed Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, serving in this capacity until December 2014. During his tenure, he received the ‘Central Banker of the Year for Africa’ award from the prestigious The Banker magazine for his stewardship of the economy during the global financial crisis.
He has consulted widely for organisations such as the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the United Nations, among others, in a range of countries from Albania to Zambia, and island States from the Bahamas to Tonga.
Mrs Kalindee Bhanji, GOSK
Date of Appointment
Appointed since July 2025
Qualifications
• MSc Public Sector Management – University of Technology, Mauritius
• B.A Hons Economics – University of Delhi, India
• Diploma in Public Administration & Management – University of Mauritius
Background and experience
Mrs Kalindee Bhanji is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in public administration. Renowned for her integrity, strategic vision, and commitment to good governance, she has built a distinguished career with a proven track record in managing high-profile offices, shaping policy and addressing international affairs. Currently serving as Senior Chief Executive, she heads and manages the private office of the Prime Minister. Mrs Bhanji plays a pivotable role in the formulation and execution of national policies. She is adept to streamlining operations leading to enhancing efficiency in Government functions. Her portfolio also includes engagement with international organisations, reinforcing global cooperation and alignment with international standards.
Mr Yajnik Bhujan
Date of Appointment
Appointed since July 2025
Qualifications
• BSc in Information Technology – University of Mauritius
•Diploma in Information Systems – Swami Dayanand Institute of Management
Background and experience
Mr Yajnik Bhujan is an IT expert with over two decades of industry experience, including 15 in managerial roles. Known for his strong leadership skills, strategic planning, and innovative approach to project management, he has dedicated his career to providing complex IT solutions tailored to clients’ needs across various sectors. As an avid business developer, Mr Bhujan is currently the Managing Director of Anagra Ltd (Mauritius), a consultancy company within the Information Technology marketplace operating across Africa.
He started his career in the early 2000s as Systems & Database Engineer at Orinux Mauritius Ltd before being appointed as Regional Director at Orinux Rwanda Ltd. He also held the position of Sales and Business Development Manager within the Orinux Group from 2012 to 2015. In 2016, Mr Bhujan founded Aequasys Ltd, and served as its Managing Director till 2023.
Mr RAOUL GUFFLET
Date of Appointment
Appointed since July 2021
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
Mr Thierry Chellen
Date of Appointment
Appointed since July 2025
Qualifications
LLB (Hons) - University of Kent, UK
Barrister, Bar of the Republic of Mauritius
Background, areas of practice and experience
Mr. Thierry Chellen is a Barrister practicing in Mauritius since 1995 with extensive experience in legal services in the corporate and financial services sectors. He began his career as from 1989 as legal officer in the banking, insurance and accounting fields.
His areas of practice and experience include providing legal services to and in connection with individuals, corporate entities, local banks, management companies and their clients, specifically Global Business Licence (‘GBL’) companies, trusts and foundations.
In the course of his practice, Mr Chellen advises individual and corporate clients on their needs and requirements pertaining to drafting, vetting and negotiation of legal documentation, compliance and legal due diligence as well as in civil law and employment matters.
Mr Chellen has been working on cross-border transactions alongside international law firms and advisors, providing advice from a Mauritius law perspective. He has been involved in the drafting of pleadings and has provided advice in connection with international arbitration.
Directorships in other entities
Mr Chellen has served on the board of directors of several GBL companies.
MR AVINASH GOBURDHUN
Date of Appointment
Appointed since July 2025
Qualifications
LLB (Hons) - University of Lancaster, UK
Fellow of the Mauritius Institute of Directors
Background and experience
Mr. Avinash Goburdhun is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of international experience in the apparel manufacturing and export sectors, with a strong track record in strategic leadership and business transformation. He is currently the Managing Director of Wensum Ltd, a globally recognised manufacturer of luxury formal wear.
Mr. Goburdhun has previously held senior roles in India with Norwest Industries and Forbes Campbell Knitwear, where he drove export growth and international market development across Europe and other global regions. Mr. Goburdhun is the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Mauritius. He also plays an active role in export trade advocacy as Vice Chairman of the Mauritius Export Association (MEXA), having served on its Board since 2015.
Directorship in other entities
Wensum Ltd
Wensum Management Ltd
Mauritius Export Association (MEXA)
Mr Aakash K. Kalachand
Date of Appointment
Appointed since August 2025
Qualifications
• Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ACA, ICAEW)
• BSc (Hons) in Accounting & Finance - London School of Economics, UK
Background and experience
Mr Kalachand is a distinguished business and finance expert with over 15 years of extensive experience across diverse sectors, including financial services, risk management, investment, operational and strategic management and corporate governance. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Executive Director at J Kalachand & Co. Ltd, where he contributes significantly to the management team, overseeing the company’s operations with strategic insight.
Mr Kalachand had served as an independent director on the Board of SBM Holdings Ltd (SBMH) and SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd (SBMBM) from 2014 to 2015. In his capacity as the former Chairman of the Risk Management Committee of SBMH and SBMBM, he was instrumental in fortifying their risk management framework and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, notably the Basel III regulations. He was appointed Independent Director on the Board of SBMH in April 2025 before being appointed as Non-Executive Director on the Board of SBMBM in August 2025.
His professional journey also encompasses roles at EPIC Private Equity LLP in London, where he functioned as an Investment Executive, and Deloitte LLP, where he served as a Senior Consultant. His expertise lies in audit, risk advisory, and regulatory compliance, having worked with prominent financial sector groups such as Morgan Stanley, Barclays Capital and BNP Paribas.
Directorship in other entities
J Kalachand & Co. Ltd, Mauritius Freeport Development, SBM Holdings Ltd, SBM Mauritius Assets Managers Ltd and SBM Bank (India) Limited
MR JEAN LI WAN PO
Date of Appointment
Appointed since July 2025
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) in Economics - University of Warwick, UK
Background and experience
Mr. Jean Li Wan Po is an experienced business leader and entrepreneur with a strong track record in strategic planning, sustainability, business and organisational development. He co-founded RT Knits Ltd in 2007 where he served as Executive and Managing Director until 2022.
Since January 2023, Mr. Li Wan Po has been a Director of Li Wan Po & Co. Ltd, a family-owned enterprise with over a century of operations in the consumer goods sector. As Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee of Li Wan Po & Co. Ltd, he has enhanced board effectiveness by promoting transparency, corporate governance, and fostering communication between management and shareholders.
Mr. Li Wan Po has served as Council Member of the Mauritius Export Association (MEXA), chairing its Textile Subcommittee from 2021 to 2022.
Directorship in other entities
Li Wan Po & Co Ltd
RT Knits Ltd
Prochem Ltd
Mr Veenay Rambarassah
Date of Appointment
Appointed since August 2025
Qualifications
MSc Finance and Investment – Open University of Mauritius
Background and experience
Mr Veenay Rambarassah is a finance professional with over 25 years of experience. He started his career as an accountant in 1998 at the National Pensions Fund, before working at Business Parks of Mauritius Ltd as Project Finance Manager. He also served as an Internal Audit Consultant at the Mauritius Revenue Authority between 2004 and 2006. He served as Senior Analyst and Lead Analyst at the National Pensions Fund before being appointed, in January 2017, Director of Investment at the National Pensions Fund (NPF), where he currently manages the portfolio of the NPF as well as a portfolio of several funds under the administration of the Ministry of Social Security, with an asset under management of around MUR 225 billion (USD 5 billion).
Mr Rambarassah has previously served on several Boards and Committees, including Director of the Port Louis Fund and, as of 2022, Chairman of its Investment Committee. Between 2010 and 2020, he served as a Director in the National Investment Trust (NIT) and chaired its Audit Committee. He was appointed Chairman of the NIT in June 2020. In December 2020, he was appointed Director on the Board of the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (currently Trade and Development Bank – TDB) and, during year 2022, served as its Chairman for a period of one year. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Board of the TDB for the second time.
Mr Rambarassah also serves as a Director in the Eastern and Southern African Trade Fund since March 2021.
Ms. Lavalina D Sawmy
Date of Appointment
Appointed since July 2025
Qualifications
• ODR Training - ADR-ODR International
• ADR-ODR Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator - ADR-ODR International
• Bar Professional Training Course - University of the West of England, UK
• Law LLB (Hons) - University of the West of England, UK
Background and experience
Ms. Lavalina D Sawmy is a legal practitioner with eight years of experience spanning Mauritius and the United Kingdom. Her areas of specialisation includes civil and criminal law, particularly financial crimes, as well as employment, family, and medical law. She appears regularly before the Supreme Court, Intermediate Court, District Courts, and specialised tribunals such as the Medical Disciplinary Tribunal. Ms. Sawmy is also an ADR-ODR accredited civil and commercial mediator. Beyond litigation, she plays an active role in the legal education. She serves as a panellist and speaker for The Inner Temple Insight Online events, where she shares her professional journey and mentors aspiring barristers.
Mr Sachin Kumar Sumputh
Date of Appointment
Appointed since July 2025
Qualifications
• MSc Actuarial Science – University of Kent, United Kingdom
• B. Bus. Sc. (Hons.) Actuarial Science – University of Cape Town, South Africa
• Certificate in Finance and Investment – Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, United Kingdom
Background and experience
Mr Sachin Kumar Sumputh is an actuary with extensive experience, having worked as Head of Actuarial Services at SICOM Ltd, and served as Senior Manager of the Insurance and Pensions cluster of the Financial Services Commission, among other senior managerial positions. He currently holds the position of Senior Manager at Safelane Insurance Brokers Ltd, part of the ABC Group.
Mr Sumputh’s career has been dedicated to applying sound actuarial principles with the goal of providing positive experience and outcomes for the insurance and pension sector in Mauritius. He has contributed to several Government projects, including the Portable Retirement Gratuity Fund and the Crop Insurance Scheme for small farmers. He has also worked as a consultant for several insurance companies and served as Senior Advisor (Project Monitoring) to the Government of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018. Mr Sumputh is an Associate of the UK’s Institute of Actuaries.
He has previously served as director on the board of several major companies in Mauritius.
Mrs Rita-Devi Persand Gujadhur
Date of Appointment
Appointed since July 2025
Qualifications
• Master of Business Administration – Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, UK
• Diploma in Business Management – Surrey European Management School, University of Surrey, UK
Background and experience
Mrs Gujadhur is a seasoned banker with a long career spanning over 37 years at SBM. She joined the Trade Finance Department in 1988, where she spent nine years and acquired a full insight of the trade finance operations before moving to the International Banking Division. She has from then on assumed various positions of increasing responsibilities within the Bank and at Holdings level as Head of Value-Based Performance Management, Head of Operations Centre & Trade Finance, Head of Strategy & Data Analytics and Chief Financial Management Officer. She currently occupies the post of Officer in Charge at SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd and is also an Executive Director of the Board of the SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd.
