Kenya
Nigeria
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Tchad
RDC
Cote d'ivoire
Gabon
Ghana
Guinea
Liberia
Moçambique
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
France
America
Mali
UK
Foundation
UAE
France
Leadership
The Group is led by a Board comprising a Chairman, independent Non-Executive Directors and Executive Directors.
Management
The Executive Leadership team of UBA Bank Kenya is made up of a crop of seasoned and industry-recognized professionals, with diverse (but complementary) skills in various backgrounds, as well as depth of experience (garnered from national and international institutions). Over the years, these executives have brought their knowledge, experience and leadership to bear on the development and delivery of solutions (through products and services) to meet the needs of our customers and, in the process, contributing to sustaining the performance of the bank till date.
Board Chairman
Alphan Njeru
Mr. Alphan Njeru retired from full-time employment with PricewaterhouseCoopers {PwC} Limited on 30 June 2015, having worked there since graduating from the University. For 36 years, he worked in several divisions within PwC, starting in the Audit and Assurance Division, then moving to Support services, and his last division being the Consulting/Advisory business. He has over the years held senior positions in the firm, among these being Partner heading the PwC Support Services, Company Secretary, and Business Leader for Advisory.
While still in employment, Alphan was active in the development and social activities of his community as Chairman of Mayori Secondary School, a public School in Embu for the last 10 years, and the Vice-Chair of the University Council of the Embu University College, a constituent college of the University of Nairobi.
Currently, Mr. Alphan sits on a number of Boards of several organizations in both the public and private sectors. Some of these companies include; Amatra (Pty) a company based in South Africa involved in the wine business, Alpha Gas Applications [East Africa] limited, a company involved in the specialized cutting gases business in Kenya, Sidai Kenya limited, a company which trades in agri-business and veterinary products with special focus on pastoralists communities in Kenya. He is also the Chairman of the Board of directors of Resolution Insurance Kenya Limited.
Non-Executive Director
Jacqueline Muka
Ms. Jacqueline Muka holds a Master of Science degree in Management from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major) degree from the University of Nairobi. She is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPAK) and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). She is also a member of the Institute of Directors (Kenya).
Jacqueline is an independent consultant, working primarily in institutional management, financial management and governance. She previously served as Financial Controller and thereafter as Finance Director at The Nairobi Hospital. Prior to that she was the CEO at the Institute of Directors (Kenya). Before that, Ms. Muka was at the Centre for African Family Studies (CAFS) where, over a span of 17 years, she held various positions and built extensive leadership experience. At CAFS she rose from Budget Controller, to Finance Officer, Senior Finance Officer and Head of Finance and Administration, Deputy Director and finally to the position of (Executive) Director where she oversaw strategic planning and general management of the Centre. Jacqueline started out her professional career as an auditor with Deloitte.
Ms. Muka currently sits on the Board of the Institute of Directors (Kenya) as well as the Board of African Corporate Governance Network.
Non-Executive Director
Kenneth Orji
Mr. Orji was educated at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria where he was a J. F. Kennedy Scholar, having emerged national first place winner of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Essay Contest, organized by the US Government. He graduated with BSc Hons. and was awarded the Sir James Robertson Prize and Medal for Outstanding Performance in Economics. He also obtained MSc Accounting and Finance from London School of Economics and attended Harvard Business School (Program for Management Development).
Mr. Orji has over 33 years’ experience, primarily in banking and finance, human capital development, consulting and advisory services. He began his banking career at International Merchant Bank Limited, Nigeria (the affiliate of First National Bank of Chicago). He then moved to Diamond Bank Limited where he was General Manager and Head of Divisions responsible for Corporate Banking, Commercial and Consumer Banking, Treasury, Investment Banking, Energy Unit, Project Finance, Public Sector, Private Banking, Strategic Planning, Financial Control, Risk Management, and Systems/Technology. He contributed to major innovations in the Nigerian banking industry and was involved in national policy development as a pioneer member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Technical Committee of Nigeria’s Vision 2010 project.
Mr. Orji is currently Chairman/CEO of Centennial Capital Limited and Director of several companies
Non-Executive Director
Ebele Ogbue
Ebele holds a B.Sc (Honours) degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos and an MBA (IT and Management) from CASS Business School, London.
His professional career started at Price Waterhouse in 1991, before his foray into banking, where he has spent the last two decades working at international banks such as Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank, before joining UBA in 2004. His banking experience spans various areas of banking from Asset Based Finance to Core Corporate Banking and Trade Finance.
Prior to his current role, he was Regional CEO, East & Southern Africa, MD/CEO, UBA Capital Europe Limited, and the pioneer MD/CEO, UBA Liberia.
Non-Executive Director
Susan Nkirote Omanga
Mrs. Susan Omanga holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with a Minor in Advertising from Rocky Mountain College in Billings Montana, USA. She is a member of the International Advertising Association (IAA), the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK), and the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK).
Susan is the CEO and founder of Exclamation Marketing Limited. She has previously served as the Head of Marketing in East Africa at Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays Bank. She also held previous senior marketing positions at Colgate Palmolive E.A Limited, and Boots (K). Her board experience includes serving as a non-executive Director in the Group Board of KCB where she was also Chairperson of KCB Foundation for 4 years, Director S & L Mortgages for 2 years and Director KCB Uganda for 4 years. Ms. Omanga holds various Board positions in a number of organizations such as UAP- Old Mutual Group, Longhorn Publishers, Kenya Tea Packers Limited (KETEPA), Pink Progress and Acumen Fund.
Non-Executive Director
Moses Obonyo
Moses Obonyo holds a Master of Laws (LLM) from Strathmore University, an Executive MBA from United States International University/Columbia University, a Post Graduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Nairobi. He is a member of the Institute of Certified Secretaries.
He is currently the Managing Partner of Buyuka Obonyo Advocates. He serves as Chairman of Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Limited, an Independent Director in the UAP Old Mutual Group in East Africa, Ghana Reinsurance (Kenya) Limited, and UAP Insurance Tanzania Limited. He is the immediate Chairman of the Tax Appeals Tribunal, Coast Provincial General Hospital, and served as Director of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Kenya (IRA) among others.
Moses is passionate about governance. His value offer is sharing knowledge on governance, risk strategies, international finance law, and regulation.
Non-Executive Director
George Otieno
George Otieno holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Lagos and is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, London.
He currently serves on several boards as a Non-Executive Director among them Capex Life Assurance Kenya, WAICA Re Kenya, and CITI TRUST Holdings in Nigeria. He served as CEO of the African Trade Insurance Agency from 2010 to 2019. Between 1988 and 2010 he held various positions with Africa Re such as Regional Director West Africa, Director of Operations both in Lagos, Regional Director East & Southern Africa in Nairobi, and Reinsurance Manager at Pan Africa Insurance from 1981 to 1984. He is currently the Chairman of Afrisure Risk Limited a risk management consultancy firm.
George is passionate about the insurance sector particularly on trade, investment, and political risks.
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MD/CEO MD/CEO
Mary Mulili
About:
With over two decades of unparalleled experience in the banking sector, Ms. Mary Mulili is a distinguished professional known for her expertise and leadership. Her journey in the financial industry has traversed various domains including Corporate, Commercial, Public sector, Institutional banking, SME, Retail and digital banking. Ms. Mulili’s commitment to providing comprehensive business advisory services and innovative solutions has earned her recognition among customers and key stakeholders alike.
Current Roles:
Ms. Mary Mulili has been appointed as the MD/CEO, UBA Kenya Bank Limited. Prior to this, she held the position of Executive Director for the institution. Alongside her previous role, Mary also occupies influential positions as a Commissioner at the Kenya Meat Commission, where she chairs the Audit Committee. Additionally, she is a dedicated Board Member of KAWBO (Kenya Association of Women Business Owners) and serves as the Vice Chair at the International Chamber of Commerce Kenya’s Banking Commission.
Professional Journey:
In recent years, Ms. Mulili has held pivotal Executive and Senior roles in Commercial banking with esteemed institutions such as Bank Of Africa – BMCE Group, GTBank, and KCB. Her contributions to the industry have been acknowledged with the prestigious Head of State’s Commendation, a testament to her exceptional service to the nation.
Educational Background:
Ms. Mulili’s academic prowess is reflected in her qualifications. She holds an MBA in Finance, a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a focus on Accounting and Economics, and a diploma in Business Management. Committed to continuous growth, she has actively participated in various leadership programs, enhancing her skills and knowledge.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement:
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Mulili is deeply involved in charitable initiatives. She is a member of Rotary, TCM Foundation, WECREATE, and Junior Achievement, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community and fostering positive change. Ms. Mary Mulili’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence have positioned her as a respected figure in the banking industry and a catalyst for positive change in the Banking sector.
Regional & Country Head, Customer Experience ESA Regional & Country Head, Customer Experience ESA
Naima Mwawasi
Profile Overview:
Naima is a seasoned Customer Experience Professional with over two decades of hands-on experience in service delivery excellence. With a solid background of 16 years in Emirates Airlines’ Service Delivery department and 5 years as a CX consultant, Naima brings a wealth of expertise in leadership management, problem-solving, and decision-making. She excels in monitoring and evaluating operational performance, driving initiatives to enhance results across diverse organizational landscapes.
Education and Certifications:
Naima’s academic achievements include a Global MBA in International Business from the London School of Business and Finance. She holds a Bachelor’s and an Associate Degree in Business Administration from California Miramar University. Naima’s commitment to continuous professional development is evident through her participation in various training programs, particularly in leadership, business execution, decision-making, and service delivery during her tenure at Emirates Airlines.
Professional Journey:
Throughout her career, Naima has successfully navigated through leadership and consultancy roles, honing her expertise in business transformation in the ethos of customer experience. She has contributed to the transformation of organizations across diverse sectors, including airline, finance, banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality. Active in professional bodies like the Institute of Customer Experience (ICX) in Kenya, Women In CX (WICX), and the Customer Experience Professional Association (CXPA), Naima upholds industry standards, contributing significantly to organizational success and fostering enduring customer relationships worldwide.
Current Role and Responsibilities:
Currently, Naima harnesses her extensive expertise by championing our Customer First Philosophy and fostering a positive culture throughout our Eastern and Southern African region. She is deeply committed to advancing the group’s customer experience goals and objectives, aiming to elevate the brand’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) to world-class standards. Naima diligently monitors and evaluates service delivery across subsidiaries to ensure consistency, standardization, and exceptional experiences across all touchpoints.
Head Marketing and Corporate Communication
Head Marketing and Corporate Communication
Catherine Awuor
Head Internal Audit
Head Internal Audit
Robert Chirchir
Profile Overview:
Robert Chirchir is a seasoned audit and assurance professional with over 16 years of extensive experience in financial oversight and risk management. His expertise encompasses audit, risk management, compliance, and project management, making him a versatile asset in navigating complex financial landscapes. With a solid educational foundation and a wealth of professional certifications, Robert brings a comprehensive skill set to every endeavor.
Education and Certifications:
Robert earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nairobi, complementing his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Kenyatta University. He is a distinguished Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds memberships with reputable professional bodies, including the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the Institute of Internal Auditors, and ISACA. Robert’s commitment to continuous learning is evident through his participation in numerous professional and leadership development programs.
Professional Journey:
Robert’s career trajectory is marked by leadership and managerial roles that have shaped his expertise. He previously served in various pivotal positions within the KCB Group, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Senior Audit Manager overseeing Kenya and Group Subsidiaries. His contributions were instrumental in bolstering financial integrity and operational efficiency within the organization.
Current Role and Responsibilities:
Presently, Robert holds the esteemed position of Country Head of Internal Audit at UBA Kenya Limited. In this capacity, he leads the Internal Audit and Assurance function, upholding the highest standards of compliance and operational integrity. Robert’s strategic oversight ensures that UBA Kenya Limited operates within regulatory frameworks while mitigating risks and optimizing performance. His dynamic leadership and proficiency in navigating complex financial environments continue to drive organizational excellence and foster sustainable growth.
Chief Credit Officer Chief Credit Officer
Michael Gitari
Profile Overview:
Michael is a seasoned Credit Risk Management Professional and previously held the role of Head of Credit Risk at African Banking Corporation. He has over 15 years of hands-on experience in Credit, the end-to-end credit life cycle for all borrowing clients in Retail Banking, Business Banking, Corporate Banking and Investment Banking & Markets.
Michael brings a wealth of experience in Credit Risk Management process which includes lending, credit administration, portfolio management, and remedial management.
Education and Certifications:
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics & Computer Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, an MBA- Finance from Kenya Methodist University, and is an Associate of the Kenya Institute of Bankers.
Michael has also undertaken several trainings and certifications in Leadership, Accounting and Project Management.
Country Head Internal Control Country Head Internal Control
Samuel Falade
Samuel Falade is a highly qualified finance professional with a diverse and accomplished background. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Jos, Nigeria, and is an associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. Furthering his education, he earned his MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and is also a Certified Information System Auditor (CISA).
Professional Journey:
Samuel embarked on his banking career in 1997 with UBA and later joined Standard Trust Bank in 2002. However, the merger between UBA and Standard Trust Bank in 2005 brought him back into the UBA family. Over the years, he has held various key positions, including Teller, Cash Officer, Customer Service Manager, Internal Control Officer, Head of Compliance Monitoring Team, and, most recently, as the Regional Controller for Northwest and Northeast Nigeria, overseeing operations in over 60 branches. Samuel’s expertise has transcended borders; he has conducted numerous staff training sessions across UBA Africa countries, including Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Current Role:
Presently, Samuel serves as the Country Head of Internal Control in Kenya. In this role, he spearheads the Internal Control and Assurance function for UBA Kenya Limited, ensuring the highest standards of compliance and operational integrity within the organization.
Head of Compliance Head of Compliance
John Oganda
John is an experienced Risk, Compliance, Regulatory, and AML/CFT Risk professional with over 10 years in the banking profession. Other areas of specialty include Banking Operations, Finance, and Enterprise-Wide Risk Management.
He holds a B.A degree from Egerton University and is currently pursuing an MBA from the University of South Wales. He is Certified in Risk & Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), and Certified Operational Risk PR actioner by Chase Cooper faculty of Risk.
Prior to his current role, he had worked with Commercial Bank of Africa (now NCBA) in various capacities including Compliance Manager, Risk & Compliance Officer, and Reconciliation and Revenue Assurance.
Head, Risk Management Head, Risk Management
Geoffrey Kimani
Geoffrey Kimani is a seasoned banker with 15 years’ post-qualification experience working in Risk management, compliance, and internal audit in various banks in the Kenyan banking sector. He joined UBA in 2017 as the Head of Risk Management in charge of implementing the bank’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework. Immediately prior to joining UBA, he worked at Jamii Bora Bank as Head of Enterprise Risk Management.
He has an MBA and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Nairobi. He is also a CPA (K), CISA, and a holder of Operational Risk Certification from Chase Cooper Faculty of Risk.
We have a diverse but complementary team
Over the years, these executives have brought their knowledge, experience and leadership to bear on the development and delivery of solutions (through products and services) to meet the needs of our customers.
Our People
At UBA, we realise that our people remain our most valuable assets. Our people are our competitive edge in a highly dynamic and competitive banking environment. We have invested in the best performance management systems to ensure our people always have the cutting-edge skills to excel in what they do.
We also have in place financial and non-financial incentive schemes, including a staff recognition scheme to reward our high-performance staff members for excelling in their duties.
Our staff is multicultural, multilingual, and highly diverse in outlook, reflecting the richness and diversity of the 24 countries we operate in. Our people strategy is hinged on always seeking to employ the best people, and creating a conducive environment for them to excel in their work and to delight customers, while providing competitive remuneration and reward systems to retain our best hands.
UBA employees are fondly referred to as the ‘UBA Lions and Lionesses’, reflecting the confidence with which they deliver financial solutions to the bank’s customers.
