Absa Bank Kenya PLC
Absa Bank Kenya PLC is part of Absa Group Limited, an African financial services group that aims to be the pride of the continent. Absa Group Limited is listed on the JSE in South Africa and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups with a presence in 12 countries across the continent and around 42, 000 employees.
We’re committed to finding local solutions to uniquely local challenges and everything we do is focused on adding value. To this end, we offer our clients a range of retail, business, corporate and investment, and wealth management solutions. We also ensure a positive impact in all the countries where we operate.
We’re part of a truly African brand, inspired by the people we serve and determined to make our continent proud.
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Country Management Committee
Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Abdi Mohamed
Abdi Mohamed is the CEO and Managing Director of Absa Kenya Absa Bank Kenya Plc, effective from 1 May 2023. Abdi is a Kenyan with over twenty-eight (28) years of experience in the financial sector and has held various executive positions within Absa Group.
Prior to his appointment to Absa Bank Kenya, he was the Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania and acting Managing Executive for Retail and Business Banking, Africa Regional Operations, Absa- a role that spans multiple geographies where Absa operates within Africa.
He has also previously served as Chief Operating Officer for the Bank in Kenya.
Other roles he has held within the organization include Retail & Business Banking Director in Kenya and Zambia and Operations Efficiency Manager, Barclays Global Retail & Commercial Banking, London.
Abdi Mohamed holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) - Kenyatta University, Masters Business Administration (MBA) – Edith Cowan University and an Advanced Management Programme (IMD Business School – Switzerland).
Chief Finance Officer - Yusuf Omari
Mr. Omari joined Absa Bank Kenya PLC in 2004 from Audit Firm, KPMG (1998- 2004). He previously worked as the Head of Internal Audit East and West Africa cluster (2004- 2008) and then as Head of Compliance (2008-2009) before his appointment as the Chief Financial Officer in 2009.
He is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Yusuf is also a Board Member for The University of Nairobi Enterprise Services and ICPAK.
He is a qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as well as a Certified Internal Auditor. He holds an MBA from Strathmore Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi.
Consumer Banking Director - Moses Muthui
Moses is the Consumer Banking Director at Absa Bank Kenya. He has expansive experience in professional banking in the areas of Finance, Treasury, Investment Banking, Strategy, and Investor Relations divisions. He has worked in senior roles over the last 10 years in London, Wall Street - New York and Kenya.
Moses holds an MBA from the University of Nairobi, MSc. in Finance from the London School of Economics, a B.A in Economics and Mathematics from Egerton University Kenya, a certified accountant with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants of the United Kingdom, Certified Public Accountant Kenya (CPA, K) and a licenced Investment Banker (FINRA U.S).
Chief Risk Officer - Chiera Waithaka
Chiera joined Absa Bank Kenya PLC in 2017 as the Chief Risk officer. Chiera has over 20 years’ experience in risk management and has held senior management roles with the Standard Bank Group Regional Office, East Africa, Stanbic Bank Kenya and Barclays Bank.
Chiera holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) – Strategy and Finance from Warwick Business School, Bachelor of Law Degree from University of Nairobi, and an Associate Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Bankers, He is also a Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) by the Global Association of Risk Professionals.
Country Credit Director - Christine Mwai-Marandu
Christine has over 20 years of experience in Credit Risk working for Absa Bank Kenya PLC and has served in various capacities within the Group including in UK, South Africa, and Tanzania. She is the Country Credit Director where she is responsible for Credit, Country and Sovereign risk and the end-to-end credit life cycle for all borrowing clients in Retail and Business Banking, Corporate & Investment Bank and Markets (Sales and Trading). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Services and an MBA from Cranfield School of Management, UK. She also holds an Advanced Management Program qualification from Strathmore Business School, an Associate of Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) qualification and is a certified Executive Coach.
Director, People and Culture - Mumbi Kahindo
Mumbi is a seasoned HR practitioner and coach with over 20 years’ experience, half of which have been in leadership positions. Mumbi previously worked with Deloitte for 10 years in various disciplines of human capital based in Kenya and New York. More recently, and over the last 8 years, Mumbi has held various HR leadership roles within Absa Group, initially with Absa Bank Kenya PLC as a senior HR Business Partner and Head of Leadership, Learning & Talent, and most recently as the Head of Leadership and Learning for Absa Regional Operations covering 10 markets outside South Africa.
Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking - James Agin
James began his banking career in Absa Bank Kenya PLC in 1993 and undertook various roles in both Corporate and Treasury before moving to Barclays Uganda as Corporate Director in 2004. He later joined Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Uganda as the Managing Director in 2008 and moved back to Kenya in 2010 as the Chief Business Officer for the East Africa region and later as Corporate Banking Director. James has 10 years of Board experience and has served in the Boards of Barclays Uganda and the KCB subsidiaries.
He holds an Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School, an MBA from the IESE Business School in Spain and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nairobi.
Legal and Compliance Director - Ken Kanyarati
Ken Kanyarati was appointed effective 15 November 2021. Prior to his appointment Ken worked with the Standard Bank where he held several senior roles in the organization including, Regional Compliance Executive (Eastern Region), Head of compliance & Legal and Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Control. Ken holds a Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) from the University of Nairobi, Diploma from the Kenya School of Law, a Certificate of Proficiency for the Trustee Development Program from the College of Insurance. He is also a Certified Compliance Professional by the International Academy of Business and Financial Management and is a Certified member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI). He is also the Vice Chairman if the Compliance Society of Kenya
Chief Operating and Digital Officer - Julius Kamau Mwangi
Julius was appointed to the role of Chief Operating and Digital Officer on February 16, 2024, pending regulatory approval.
He has over 23 years of extensive experience in managing banking operations, enterprise projects, enterprise transformation, and ICT, Julius has a proven track record of success. His tenure as Group Director of Technology and Operations at NCBA Group, where he spearheaded various transformative initiatives, underscores his capabilities. He also oversaw critical departments and led initiatives such as the IT Integration project and the establishment of the Robotic Process Automation Center of Excellence among others.
Prior to joining NCBA Group, Julius held key positions at KCB Group and NIC Bank Kenya, where he demonstrated his ability to drive organizational growth and efficiency.
Julius holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Nairobi, as well as a CPA (K) from Strathmore University and ACI Treasury Operations Certificate from the Financial Markets Association.
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Board of Directors
Charles Muchene - Board Chairman Independent Non-Executive Director
- Appointed to Board: August 2016
- Appointed Chairman: October 2016
- Committee membership: Corporate Governance Nominations & Remuneration Committee & Strategy Committee
- External Directorships: AIG Kenya Limited
Previous roles
- Chairman and Non-Executive Director, East African Breweries Limited
- Independent Non-Executive Director, CfC Stanbic Holdings Limited
- Country Senior Partner and Financial Service Industry Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), University of Nairobi
- Fellow, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
- Member, Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya
- Member, Institute of Directors
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director - Abdi Mohamed
- Appointed MD and CEO on 1 May 2023
Previous roles
- Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania
- AG Managing Executive for Retail and Business Banking Africa Regional Operations - Absa - a role that spans multiple geographies where Absa operates within Africa.
- Chief Operating Officer – Absa Bank Kenya
- Retail and Business Banking Director in Absa Kenya and Absa Zambia
- Operations Efficiency Manager, Barclays Global Retail & Commercial Banking, London.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) - Kenyatta University
- Masters Business Administration (MBA) – Edith Cowan University
- Advanced Management Programme (IMD Business School – Switzerland).
Yusuf Omari - Chief Finance Officer
- Appointed to Board: June 2009
- Committee membership: None
External roles and memberships
- Board Member, University of Nairobi Enterprise Services
- Board Member, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)
Previous roles
- Head of Compliance, Barclays Kenya
- Head of Internal Audit East and West Africa, Barclays Kenya
- Senior Auditor, KPMG
Qualifications
- Advanced Management Program (AMP), Strathmore and IESE Business School
- MBA, Strathmore Business School
- B.A. Economics, University of Nairobi
- Fellow, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
- Certified Internal Auditor
Japheth Olende - Independent Non-Executive Director
- Appointed to Board: March 2018
- Board Chairperson: Absa Bancassurance Intermediary Limited
- Subsidiary Board Membership: Absa Asset Management Limited
- Committee Chairperson: Credit Committee
- Committee membership: Credit Committee, Corporate Governance Nominations & Remuneration Committee
External roles and memberships
- Board Member, Jumbo Chem Company Limited
- Board Member Ler Ltd
- Executive Director, OBG Company Limited
- Board Member, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Previous roles
- Board Member, Retirement Benefits Authority
- Board Member, AIG Kenya Insurance Company
- Board Member, AIG Uganda Insurance Company
- President, American Chamber of Commerce Kenya Chapter
- Director, Association of Kenya Insurers
- Director, Eagle Eye Laser Centre
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), University of Nairobi
- Chartered Insurer, CII London
- Member, Institute of Directors
Patricia Ithau - Independent Non-Executive Director
- Appointed to Board: March 2016
- Board Chairperson: Absa Securities Limited
- Committee Chairperson: Corporate Governance Nominations & Remuneration Committee
- Committee membership: ARC
External roles and memberships
- Managing Director, WPP-Scangroup Limited
- Regional Director, Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies – Stanford Seed
- Non-Executive Director, Vivo Activewear Limited
- Non-Executive Director, Jambojet Ltd
- Trustee, Vodafone Foundation UK
- Non-Executive Director, Mpesa Foundation
- Non-Executive Director, British Chamber of Commerce
- Executive Coach, Academy of Executive Coaching
Previous roles
- Non-Executive Director, Trade and Markets East Africa
- Former Non-Executive Director, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
- Non-Executive Director, WPP Scangroup Ltd
- Managing Director, L’Oreal East Africa
- Managing Director, EABL – International
- Managing Director, Uganda Breweries Ltd
Qualifications
- Advanced Management Program (AMP), Strathmore and IESE Business School
- MBA, United States International University Africa
- Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), University of Nairobi
- Dip. Executive Coaching, Academy of Executive Coaching
Louis Onyango Otieno - Independent Non-Executive Director
- Appointed to Board: March 2018
- Board Chairperson: Absa Asset Management Limited
- Committee Chairperson: Strategy Committee
- Committee membership: Audit & Risk Committee
External roles and memberships
- Board Member, Nation Media Group
- Chairman, Sera Afrika
Previous roles
- Director, Corporate Affairs, Microsoft 4Afrika
- General Manager, East and Southern Africa, Microsoft Corporation
- President, American Chamber of Commerce - Kenya
- ICT Advisor to the Presidents of Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique
- ICT Advisor, COMESA Business Council
- Board Member, Kenya Vision 2030
- Board Member, Red Media Africa (Nigeria)
- Board Member, Enablis East Africa
- Board Member, Fintech International
Qualifications
- MBA, Long Island University
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science, Mercy College
Charles Njenga Murito - Independent Non-Executive Director
- Appointed to Board: June 2020
- Committee membership: Strategy Committee, Nominations & Remuneration Committee, Credit Committee
External roles and memberships
- Regional Director, Sub Saharan Africa, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google
Previous roles
- Country Director, Google Kenya
- MD and Chief Commercial Officer of Programming, Wananchi Group (Zuku)
- Director, Business Development, Middle East and Africa, Turner Broadcasting (Europe)
- Senior Manager, Programming Strategy, Turner Broadcasting (Europe)
- Chief of Staff to the President, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
- Brand and Sales Manager, East Africa, MTV Networks Africa
- Sales Executive, Content Sales, Domestic TV Distribution, Warner Bros. Entertainment Ltd
Qualifications
- MBA, Entertainment Business and Finance, Cass Business School, London, 2011
- Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Management, Woodbury University Burbank, California, 2000
Christine Sabwa - Independent Non-Executive Director
- Appointed to Board: February 2022
- Committee Chair: Audit & Risk Committee
External Roles and Memberships
- Managing Partner, Sabwa & Associates
- Board Member, Britam Life Assurance Kenya Limited
- Board Member, Multi Choice Group Limited
- Board Member, ECLOF Kenya
- Board Member, Shalom Group of Hospitals
Previous Roles
- Group CFO, Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited
- COO, Airtel Money Africa
- Board Member, Spire Bank Kenya Limited
- Board Member, Royal Nairobi Golf Club
Qualifications
- BCom (Accounting), University of Nairobi, Kenya
- Certified Public Accountant, Kenya
Kedibone Imathiu - Independent Non-Executive Director
- Appointed 1 November 2022
- Committee membership: Audit & Risk Committee, Corporate Governance Nominations & Remuneration Committee
External roles and memberships
- Non-executive Director, AIG South Africa (Pty) Limited
- Non-executive Director, AIG Life (Pty) Limited
- Non-executive Director, The Federated Employees Mutual Assurance Company (Pty) Ltd
- Non-executive Director, Old Mutual Investment Services Nominees (Pty) Ltd
- Non-Executive Director, BK Capital Group Ltd
- Non-executive Director, Sekta Group (Pty) Ltd
- Director, Kazi Investments II (Pty) Ltd
Previous roles
- Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kazi Capital (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
- Fund Principal, Public Investment Corporation, South Africa
- Corporate Finance Consultant, Investec Limited, South Africa and UK
- Audit Manager and Senior Associate, KPMG, South Africa and USA
Qualifications
- BCom, University of South Africa
- Bachelor of Accounting Science (Honors), University of South Africa
- MBA, Cranfield University, UK
- Chartered Accountant, South Africa
- Chartered Director, South Africa
Fulvio Tonelli - Non-Executive Director
- Appointed to Board: October 2020
- Committee membership: Audit & Risk Committee, Credit Committee, Strategy Committee
External roles and memberships
- Board Member, Absa Group Limited
- Chairman, Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors
- Non-Executive Director, the Ethics Institute
Previous roles
- Partner, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Operating Officer, PwC South Africa
Qualifications
- BCom (Accounting), University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SA
- BCom, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SA
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absa.kenya@absa.africa