Jeremy Awori To Take Over As Ecobank CEO

Ecobank Group Board of Directors has selected outgoing Absa Group boss Jeremy Awori to succeed Ade Ayeyemi Group Chief Executive Officer.

The announcement comes barely a few days after Absa Group said Awori is stepping down as its CEO and MD to pursue a different career opportunity.

In a press release, Ecobank said Ayeyemi is set to go on retirement after he attains the age of 60 and will communicate the dates that Awori will take over.

Alain Nkontchou, Ecobank Group Chairman, thanked Ade for his immense contribution during his seven years at the helm of the Ecobank Group as Group CEO.

He said, “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, unrivalled 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.”

“Jeremy Awori is 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 a strong focus on results will be vital in steering the Group in its next phase” Nkontchou stated.

Ade Ayeyemi expressed his deep 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 onboarding of his successor.

The incoming Group CEO, Jeremy Awori, commenting on 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. I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the continent’s economic development and financial integration with Ecobank Group”

Jeremy Awori is joining Ecobank Group following a twenty-five-year-long career in the banking industry. He joined Absa bank, then Barclays bank, in February 2013 as CEO replacing Adan Mohamed who joined the government to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization.

Previously, Awori was the CEO and MD of Standard Chartered Bank, Tanzania as well as its regional sales & performance director for its Dubai operations.