(Yicai Global) Aug. 3 -- Bank of Communications Ltd. (BoComm) [SHA:601328; HK:3328] chairman Niu Ximing will take leave due to health reasons for an unspecified period and the board has elected vice chairman Peng Chun to perform Niu's duties in his absence, said a statement from BoComm yesterday.  The company is operating normally, it added.

Born in 1956, Niu is a financial expert. He was appointed executive director and deputy head of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (ICBC) [SHA:601398] in October 2005 and then became head of the bank. He has served as president of BoComm since December 2009 and was elected as chairman by its board in May 2013.

Niu's last appearance was at the Lujiazui Forum 2017, which was held late June this year. He delivered a keynote speech on behalf of China's banks.