BUSINESS REPORTER
Pan African banking group, Ecobank, has appointed Jeremy Awori as its new CEO to replace Ade Ayeyemi who is set to retire after attaining the age of 60 according to the bank’s policy.
The relevant effective dates will be communicated in due course, group chairman Alain Nkontchou said on Monday.
Nkontchou thanked Ayeyemi for his immense contribution during his seven years at the helm of the Ecobank Group
“Ade can be rightly proud of his success in leading the implementation of the Roadmap to Leadership strategy, navigating Ecobank through challenges, seizing opportunities, and positioning Ecobank for sustainable long-term growth. Ade’s deep knowledge, unrivaled vision, commitment and infinite passion made all the difference. It has been a real pleasure working with him. I count on his continuous support to ensure a smooth transition as we onboard Jeremy Awori as the new Group CEO.”
He described Awori as a “highly respected leader” in the banking industry with significant achievements in his previous capacities.
“The Board of Directors strongly believes that his drive and strong focus on results will be vital in steering the Group in its next phase, ” Nkontchou said.
Ayeyemi expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Ecobank Group, describing it as a privilege to head an “amazing team of Ecobankers” in bringing the Ecobank Group back to growth and continuing to realise our commendable pan-African mandate.
He also expressed his commitment to a smooth transition and onboarding of his successor.
Awori said he was looking forward to consolidating the transformation of Ecobank, a truly pan-African institution full of talented people, while innovating to create value for all Ecobank’s stakeholders.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the continent’s economic development and financial integration with Ecobank Group,” he said.
Awori is joining Ecobank Group following a 25-year long career in the banking industry, with almost a decade leading Absa Bank Kenya Plc as the CEO & Managing Director.
Before joining Absa, he held multiple leadership roles at Standard Chartered Bank across the Middle East and Africa.
Ecobank group has banking operations in 33 African countries, including Zimbabwe.
