Vlastimir Vuković
NLB Komercijalna banka
Chief Executive Officer & President of Executive Board
Vlastimir Vuković, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Executive Board at NLB Komercijalna banka, shares with Boris Plantier of Qorus his unique perspective and values-based approach to banking and living.
Can you share a bit about your background?
My career has been defined by transformation – leading teams through complexity and turning change into opportunity. Over two decades, I’ve held senior roles, steering two major banking mergers in Serbia. In 2021, I led the integration of Komercijalna banka into NLB Group, uniting two legacy institutions into one. Before that, I played a key role in Vojvođanska banka’s merger into NBG Group. But mergers aren’t just about numbers – they test leadership, vision and the ability to align people. Banking is about trust and the responsibility to build something stronger.
What does your workplace look like?
A workplace is more than just an office – it’s a reflection of our values. At NLB Komercijalna banka, we’ve built a culture of transparency, inclusion and meritocracy. People here know their voices matter, the best ideas win, and growth isn’t just encouraged – it’s expected. And it’s not just our perspective. We’ve been named Employer of the Year by the Serbian Association of Managers and certified as a Top Employer. These recognitions confirm what we already believe: our strength isn’t in our balance sheet, but in our people.
Could you describe your usual working day?
If there’s one constant in my day, it’s that no two days are the same. NLB Komercijalna banka is a dynamic, evolving organization, and that means embracing change – not just reacting to it, but shaping it. My schedule is always full, often with back-to-back meetings, but I make it a priority to carve out time for what truly drives long-term success: strategic thinking, big-picture decision-making, and direct conversations with people – whether it’s our team, clients or partners.
What’s your favorite food?
Food isn’t just fuel – it’s a choice, a statement, even a responsibility. What we eat shapes not just our health but also the communities around us. That’s why I choose local and organic whenever I can. Serbia has an incredible network of small producers who do things the right way – not the easy way. They protect the land and ensure future generations inherit something worth having. Supporting them isn’t just about taste or quality – it’s about backing those who are building something lasting. And in many ways, that’s the same philosophy I bring to banking.
What do you do when you need a break from work?
I travel. Not just to unwind, but to reset my perspective. Nothing expands your thinking like stepping into a different culture, seeing how people approach challenges, business, and life itself. Recently, I spent time in Latin America, and what struck me most was the deep sense of resilience and ingenuity. People don’t wait for perfect conditions – they create opportunities with whatever they have. In banking, as in life, progress isn’t about waiting for the ideal moment. It’s about moving forward, adapting, and making things happen.
What is the key to building a successful team?
A successful team doesn’t just happen; it’s built. And it starts with trust. Without trust, you’re just a group of individuals. But when trust is there, everything else follows. From there, it’s about making sure everyone understands where they’re going and why. It’s not enough to say, “Here’s our vision.” People need to own it. That shared sense of purpose keeps teams moving forward, despite challenges. And the real spark? Passion. People who care deeply about what they do are truly unstoppable.
There’s a saying that we learn more from failure than success. Tell me about one of your failures and what you learned from it.
Early in my career, I made a mistake that still shapes how I lead today. In corporate banking, I once assured a client that their loan approval was just a formality – that everything in their file met the requirements. But final approval wasn’t in my hands, and when the loan was declined, I had to face a difficult truth: I had given my word on something I couldn’t personally guarantee. That moment was a turning point. Banking is built on trust and integrity. If you can’t stand behind your word, you shouldn’t give it. Since then, I’ve made it a rule never to promise what I can’t personally deliver.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to succeed in the finance industry?
Stay in the industry – this is the most exciting time to be in finance. Over the next few years, banking will transform more than ever. To succeed, you need to be fearless. The old ways won’t work anymore. The key is creativity: listen to clients, anticipate their needs, and find faster, smarter ways to deliver solutions. It’s about being ahead of the curve, not following it. Take risks. Challenge norms. This is the moment to define the future of finance.
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