United Bank for Africa has unveiled a fresh round of executive appointments set to take effect from 1 January 2026, marking a major leadership transition at the Group level. The changes follow the completion of statutory tenure by four long serving Executive Directors, this was  disclosed by the bank.

Retiring Directors Bow Out After Years of Service

Meanwhile, stepping down at the end of their tenure are the Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi, alongside Executive Directors Mrs. Abiola Bawuah, Mr. Alex Alozie, and Mrs. Sola Yomi Ajayi. Their retirement, effective 1 January 2026, closes a significant chapter in the bank’s leadership history.

Board Approves New Executive Directors

So, to ensure continuity and sustained growth, the UBA Board has approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors, subject to regulatory clearance by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

However, the incoming executives are Mr. Emmanuel Lamptey, Mr. Tosin Adewuyi, and Mr. Chidi Okpala, all of whom assume office from 1 January 2026.

Lamptey Takes Charge of Digital Banking

Mr. Emmanuel Lamptey joins the Executive Board as Executive Director, Digital Banking. He brings over 25 years of multinational and cross functional experience cutting across retail and corporate banking, asset management, securities brokerage, pensions, insurance, and microfinance. His professional footprint spans more than 30 African countries.

is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the United Kingdom, and a graduate of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Adewuyi Strengthens Corporate Banking Leadership

Mr. Tosin Adewuyi has been appointed Executive Director, Corporate Banking. With more than 25 years of experience across Sub Saharan Africa, he has spent over 15 years in senior leadership roles approved by both the FCA and the CBN in London and Lagos. Adewuyi has led high level client engagement across corporate and sovereign portfolios.

He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and holds a BA in Economics and Accounting from the University of Manchester. He is also an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and an alumnus of The Wharton School.

Okpala Joins as Executive Director, UBA Nigeria

Mr. Chidi Okpala assumes the role of Executive Director, UBA Nigeria. Prior to this appointment, he served as Executive Director for Payments, Group Integration, and Strategy at Heirs Holdings, where he oversaw payments businesses and guided strategic investments in technology and healthcare.

Okpala has over two decades of banking experience and 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.

Chairman Welcomes New Directors, Salutes Retirees

Commenting on the appointments, Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, expressed confidence in the incoming executives. He said the Board is assured that they possess the experience, depth, and execution strength required to build on existing foundations and drive UBA’s next growth phase.

Elumelu also paid tribute to the retiring Executive Directors, thanking them for their dedication and commitment over the years. He noted that each played a vital role in shaping the bank’s success and described them as enduring ambassadors of UBA’s values.

Additional Group Executive Appointments Announced

In addition to the board changes, UBA announced further appointments within its Group Executive Management. Mr. Vikrant Bhansali has been named Group Executive, International Banking.

ALSO WATCH: LAIF AWARDS 2025

Before this role, he served as Chief Executive Officer of UBA Dubai, where he led Middle East operations and regional expansion. Bhansali brings over 25 years of international banking experience across Sub Saharan Africa, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, North Africa, and India.

Strengthening Risk and Treasury Functions

Mr. Joel Owoade has been approved as Group Chief Risk Officer. With more than 20 years in financial services, he brings strong expertise in credit risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning.

He holds an MSc in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991, and currently serves as Vice President of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria.

WATCH ALSO:MARKETING EDGE ONTV

Meanwhile, Mr. Samuel Ocheho has been appointed Group Executive, Treasury and Financial Institutions. A financial markets professional with over 27 years of experience, Ocheho has led banking, trading, and investment portfolios across Nigeria and West Africa.

His expertise spans liquidity management, fixed income, derivatives, and foreign exchange, with a track record of driving revenue growth and operational excellence.

UBA’s Expanding Global Footprint

United Bank for Africa operates in 20 African countries, alongside a presence in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The bank delivers retail, commercial, and institutional banking services and remains a leading force in financial inclusion and technology driven banking solutions.

With more than 30,000 employees and over 50 million customers worldwide, UBA remains one of the largest employers in Africa’s financial services sector, reinforcing its position as Africa’s global bank.

WATCH ALSO: MARKETING EDGE 2025 SUMMIT.