Former Absa bank Group CEO Jeremy Awori has been appointed new Ecobank Group Chief Executive.
Awori takes over Ade Ayeyemi who is set to retire upon hitting 60 years, in accordance to the Group's policy.
In a statement on Monday, Ecobank Group chairman Alain Nkontchou desribed 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” Alain Nkontchou said.
Awori resigned last week from Absa after ten years of service and is set to leave the bank at the end on September.
His Ecobank predecessor, Ade, has served the bank for seven years.
Ade is said to have navigated Ecobank through challenges, seizing opportunities, and positioning it for sustainable long-term growth.
As part of his parting shot, Ade Ayeyemi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Ecobank Group and stated: “It is a privilege to lead 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 on-boarding of his successor.
On his part, Awori responding to the announcement of his appointment said: “It is a great honour to be appointed Ecobank Group’s Chief Executive Officer. I look 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."
He added,"I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the continent’s economic development and financial integration with Ecobank Group.”
Absa's Board of directors last week said Jeremy will be leaving the bank on October 31.
"Jeremy has been instrumental in driving significant growth and transformation of our business over the past decade and under his outstanding leadership, Absa Bank Kenya PLC has evolved into a modern-day business," Charles Muchene, chairman of the Board said.
The Board said it had already initiated the process of identifying a successor.
