Bank of Communications appointed 56-year-old Niu Ximing as its new board chairman.

In a statement on Monday, the bank said that Niu replaces Hu Huaibang who resigned on April 15. The appointment is subject to the China Banking Regulatory Commission's approval.

Niu joined the Bank of Communications in December 2009 and served as vice-chairman of the board and president of the lender.

Niu worked in the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China between 1986 and 2009. He holds a master's degree in economics from Harbin Institute of Technology.