By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A new board has been appointed for Keystone Bank Limited by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for sustained business growth.
The central bank in a statement on Wednesday disclosed that Ms Ada Chukwudozie would lead the board alongside other directors, who include two new executive directors, Ladi Oluwole and Abubakar Usman Bello.
Ms Chukwudozie will direct the highest governing body of the financial institution alongside five other non-executive directors, who are Abdul-Rahman Esene, Mrs Fola Akande, Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji, Obijiaku Samuel, and Mr Farouk Bello.
They are expected to use their wealth of experience to strengthen the company.
The new chairman is a leading figure in Nigeria’s corporate world, with nearly 30 years of experience in business strategy, management, and administration.
Her expertise spans multiple industries and institutions, including De-Endy Industrial Company Limited, Dozzy Group, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Vogue Afrique Magazine.
“We are pleased to welcome the new chairman, non-executive directors, and executive directors to the Board of Keystone Bank.
“We are confident that their extensive experience will be invaluable to us, as we continue to reposition the bank to make the most of emerging economic opportunities hinged on strong corporate governance and to provide our customers with a secure and reliable banking experience,” the chief executive of Keystone Bank, Mr Hassan Imam, commented on the appointments by the apex bank.
Abdul-Rahman Esene has over 43 years of experience in banking, investment management, corporate finance, and advisory services. He has made significant contributions to the financial sector in Nigeria and beyond through his accomplishments and leadership roles at renowned global institutions including Afrinvest, Global Arbitrage International Inc, Fidelity Bank PLC, The Nigeria Air Force, and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.
Mrs Fola Akande brings over 25 years of exceptional experience in navigating the complex fields of legal, regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate governance across various local and international markets, including Cadbury, Stanbic Chartered Bank, and Shell.
Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji has over 30 years of experience in accounting, finance, business development, risk asset creation, and performance monitoring with a distinguished career spanning financial institutions such as Sterling Bank, Access Bank, Intercontinental Bank, and Global Bank.
Obijiaku Samuel comes with over 35 years of expertise in financial consulting, banking, and treasury operations. He has significantly impacted Nigeria’s financial sector through his achievements and leadership roles at prominent institutions such as Fidelity Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Mr Farouk Bello is a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience and remarkable achievements in financial and banking operations. His leadership roles have spanned both the public and private sectors, including regulatory bodies and private enterprises. With a strong track record, he has successfully shaped and delivered business processes and financial solutions across various institutions like the National Assembly and Guaranty Trust Bank (now GTCO), among others.
Abubakar Usman Bello, Executive Director of Northern Directorate, has acquired considerable experience in banking and management which spans various areas of banking, managing commercial, retail, corporate and public sector clients; and has served in strategic leadership and management roles.