United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Africa’s global bank with operations in 20 African countries and international offices in London, Paris, New York, and Dubai, has announced significant changes to its executive board.
The development follows the retirement of four long-serving directors effective January 1, 2026. Deputy Managing Director Muyiwa Akinyemi and Executive Directors Abiola Bawuah, Alex Alozie, and Sola Yomi-Ajayi will step down after years of distinguished service.
Their exit marks the end of a chapter in which UBA consolidated its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, expanding digital banking platforms, strengthening corporate governance, and deepening its retail footprint across the continent.
UBA has consistently emphasised succession planning and leadership development as part of its long-term strategy. The bank’s board explained that the transition reflects its commitment to refreshing leadership while retaining institutional memory.
The departing executives were praised for their contributions to UBA’s growth, including driving innovation in payments, enhancing risk management frameworks, and expanding the bank’s corporate and investment banking reach.
Group Chairman Tony Elumelu expressed gratitude, saying their “dedicated service and unwavering commitment have played a significant role in UBA’s success. They remain cherished members of the UBA family and enduring ambassadors of our values.”
New Appointments and Strategic Direction
To ensure continuity and growth, UBA has appointed three new Executive Directors, subject to Central Bank of Nigeria approval.
Emmanuel Lamptey will serve as Executive Director for Digital Banking, bringing 25 years of multinational experience across retail and corporate banking, asset management, pensions, insurance, and microfinance.
Lamptey is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK).
He is widely recognised for leading digital transformation initiatives and enhancing customer experience across more than 30 African markets.
Tosin Adewuyi, with over 25 years of experience in sub-Saharan Africa and international markets, will join the board as Executive Director. Adewuyi has held senior roles in structured trade finance, corporate and investment banking, debt capital markets, and correspondent banking.
He is a Fellow of ACCA, an alumnus of The Wharton School, and an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. His expertise in building high-performing teams and executing business turnarounds is expected to strengthen UBA’s corporate banking and capital markets operations.
Chidi Okpala has been appointed Executive Director for UBA Nigeria. He previously served as Executive Director for Payments, Group Integration and Strategy at Heirs Holdings, where he oversaw strategic investments in technology and healthcare.
With more than 20 years of banking experience, Okpala holds degrees in Finance, Banking, and Strategy, including an MSc from London Business School as a Sloan Fellow. His appointment signals UBA’s focus on payments innovation and ecosystem development.
Beyond the board, UBA also announced other senior appointments: Vikrant Bhansali as Group Executive for International Banking, Joel Owoade as Group Chief Risk Officer, and Samuel Ocheho as Group Executive for Treasury and Financial Institutions. T
ogether, these appointments reflect UBA’s ambition to deepen its international footprint, strengthen risk management, and enhance treasury operations.
Elumelu concluded: “The board is confident that the incoming executives will bring the experience, depth, and execution capability needed to propel UBA into its next phase of growth.”
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
