By Francis Ajuonuma
United Bank for Africa Plc has announced a significant reshuffle of its Executive Board, approving key retirements and fresh appointments as part of its long-term succession and growth strategy.
The changes will take effect from January 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The bank said four long-serving Executive Directors will retire upon the completion of their tenures.
They are the Deputy Managing Director, Mr Muyiwa Akinyemi, and the Executive Directors, Mrs Abiola Bawuah, Mr Alex Alozie, and Mrs Sola Yomi-Ajayi.
UBA described the retirements as the close of an essential phase in the bank’s leadership journey.
To ensure continuity and deepen its leadership bench, the Board approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors—Mr. Emmanuel Lamptey, Mr Tosin Adewuyi and Mr Chidi Okpala—effective January 1, 2026.
Lamptey was appointed Executive Director, Digital Banking. He brings about 25 years of multinational experience spanning retail and corporate banking, asset management, pensions, insurance and microfinance, with professional exposure across more than 30 African countries.
He is widely recognised for driving digital transformation and improving customer experience. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK), and a graduate of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
Mr Tosin Adewuyi was named Executive Director, Corporate Banking.
With over 25 years of experience across Sub-Saharan Africa, including more than 15 years in senior management roles in London and Lagos, he has led engagements across corporate, institutional and sovereign clients.
His expertise spans structured trade finance, corporate and investment banking, debt capital markets and correspondent banking. Adewuyi is a Fellow of the ACCA, a University of Manchester graduate, an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and an alumnus of the Wharton School.
Mr Chidi Okpala was appointed as Executive Director at UBA Nigeria.
He previously served as Executive Director for Payments, Group Integration and Strategy at Heirs Holdings, where he oversaw payments businesses and strategic investments.
With over 20 years of banking experience, Okpala has strong credentials in payments, financial innovation and corporate strategy.
He holds degrees in finance and banking, as well as an MSc in Leadership and Strategy from London Business School, where he is a Sloan Fellow.
Commenting on the appointments, UBA Group Chairman, Mr Tony Elumelu, said, “I congratulate the incoming Executive Directors on their appointments. The Board is confident that they will bring the experience, depth and execution capability needed to build on the solid foundation laid by their predecessors and to propel UBA into its next phase of growth.”
Elumelu also paid tribute to the retiring executives, saying, “I extend my sincere gratitude to our retiring Executive Directors for their years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment. Each has played a significant role in UBA’s growth and success.”
The bank also announced other senior appointments, including Mr Vikrant Bhansali as Group Executive, International Banking; Mr Joel Owoade as Group Chief Risk Officer; and Mr Samuel Ocheho as Group Executive, Treasury and Financial Institutions.
UBA operates in 20 African countries and key global financial centres, serving over 50 million customers worldwide.
