UBA Announces Leadership Transition, Positioning for Continued Pan-African Growth
united Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, a leading financial institution with a vast footprint across Africa and key international markets, has announced a significant restructuring of its executive leadership team, effective January 1, 2026. This strategic move signals a commitment to sustained growth, innovation, and continued leadership in the rapidly evolving African financial landscape.The changes involve the well-deserved retirement of four seasoned executives and the appointment of a new generation of leaders poised to drive UBA’s next phase of expansion.
A Legacy of Service: recognizing Departing Leaders
UBA extends its deepest gratitude to four long-serving executives who will be retiring at the end of the year. These individuals have been instrumental in shaping UBA’s success:
* Muyiwa Akinyemi: Deputy Managing Director
* Abiola Bawuah: Executive Director
* Alex Alozie: Executive Director
* Sola Yomi-Ajayi: Executive Director
Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to UBA’s values have established a strong foundation for future growth. UBA group Chairman Tony Elumelu lauded their contributions, recognizing them as “enduring ambassadors of UBA’s values.” Their departure creates opportunities for fresh perspectives and innovative leadership.
Introducing the New Executive Directors: A Blend of Global Expertise and Regional Insight
The UBA Board has approved the appointment of three highly qualified individuals as Executive Directors, subject to final approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria. These appointments represent a strategic infusion of talent, bringing decades of combined experience and a proven track record of success:
* Emmanuel Lamptey – executive Director, Digital Banking: Mr. Lamptey brings over 25 years of experience in multinational banking, spanning retail and corporate banking, asset management, and more. His extensive experience across over 30 African countries positions him perfectly to led UBA’s digital transformation and capitalize on the growing demand for innovative financial solutions. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business school and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK), demonstrating a commitment to rigorous financial standards and continuous learning.
* Tosin Adewuyi – Executive director, Corporate Banking: With over 25 years of experience in sub-Saharan Africa, including significant tenures in London and Lagos with regulatory approvals from both FCA and CBN, Mr. Adewuyi is a seasoned corporate banking professional. His expertise in navigating complex financial landscapes and building strong client relationships will be crucial in expanding UBA’s corporate banking portfolio.He holds a BA (Hons) in Economics and Accounting from the University of Manchester and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), as well as an alumnus of The Wharton School.
* Chidi okpala – Executive Director,UBA Nigeria: mr.Okpala joins UBA from Heirs Holdings, where he oversaw payments businesses and strategic investments in technology and healthcare. His 20+ years of banking experience, coupled with his expertise in payments and strategic planning, will be invaluable in strengthening UBA’s position as a leading financial institution in Nigeria. He holds a BSc in Finance,an MBA in Banking and Finance,and an MSc in Leadership and Strategy from London Business School,where he is a Sloan Fellow.
Strengthening Key Functions: Additional Senior Appointments
Beyond the Executive director appointments, UBA has strategically reinforced key functional areas with experienced leaders:
* Vikrant Bhansali – Group Executive, International Banking: Formerly CEO of UBA Dubai, Mr. Bhansali’s 25+ years of international experience across Sub-Saharan Africa, the UK, Middle East, North Africa, and India will be instrumental in expanding UBA’s global reach and strengthening its cross-border financial services capabilities.
* Joel Owoade – Group Chief Risk Officer: Mr. Owoade brings over 20 years of financial services experience, with a deep understanding of credit risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. His expertise will be vital in maintaining UBA’s robust risk management framework. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Vice President of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria.
* Samuel Ocheho – Group Executive, Treasury and Financial Institutions: With over 27 years of experience in banking, trading, and investment management, Mr. Ocheho’s expertise in liquidity management, fixed income, and foreign exchange will be critical in optimizing UBA’s treasury operations and strengthening its relationships with financial institutions.
UBA: A Pan-African Powerhouse Poised for Growth
These leadership changes come at a pivotal time