PROF. ISAAC MACHARIA

NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Isaac holds a Master of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Nairobi and is a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). He is a Professor of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Nairobi. Isaac is the East African regional advisor for CBM in Ear and Hearing Care as well as being the Regional Secretary for Africa and the Middle East for the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies (IFOS). He is a past President of the Pan African Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies (PAFOS) and is a member of The Starkey Hearing Foundation Global Initiative Advisory Board. Prof Macharia was the founder Chairman of the Allergy Society of Kenya and the Cochlear Implant Group of Kenya (CIGOK). He is Chairman of Savannah Informatics, Jadala Investments and Co-founder as well as Chairman, Otolaryngology Associates and Nairobi ENT Clinic.

DR. JAMES MWANGI, CBS

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

James holds five honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of his positive impact on the Kenyan society. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is a Certified Public Accountant. He has been honored thrice with National Presidential Awards: The First Class Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and Head of State Commendation (HSC).

On the global front, he has won several awards including the G8 Global Vision Award, 2007. He was named among the Top 50 Emerging Market Business Leaders and the 20 most influential people in Africa in 2011; the World Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 2012; the Forbes Africa Person of the Year in 2012 and was recently named in the Bloomberg 50 list of people who defined 2019 globally. He is an honoree of the 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award, also described as the ‘Nobel Prize for Business’.

On the regional front, James was also recognized as the Africa Investor Awards, CEO of the Year in 2009 and 2015; Innovation Leader of the Year in 2012; African Business Leader of the Year in 2013 and African Banker of the Year in 2010, 2011 and 2017 at the African Banker Awards. He was also named the Banker of the Year during the Banker Africa (East Africa) Awards in 2017 and 2018, and named African CEO of the year by the African Business Leadership 2020 Awards. Locally, he has received the Think Business CEO of the Year award for the last 4 years.

James has served on board and advisory roles at the Global Advisory Council for VISA Inc., the Clinton Global Initiative, The G8 New Alliance For Food Security And Nutrition, US President Barack Obama’s Initiative for Global Development, the G20 Advisory Board of Agriculture and Initiative for Global Development and The Global Agenda Council on New Economic Thinking of the World Economic Forum from 2003-2007. He also served as the Founding Chair of Kenya’s Vision 2030 from inception in 2007 to 2019.

He currently serves on several international bodies as an advisor and was appointed to the Nairobi Advisory Board of Columbia Global Centres. He is a member of the continent-wide PACT initiative, a Board member of the Economic Advisory Board of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Mastercard MEA Advisory Board, the Africa Leadership Academy in South Africa, the Global Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition. He is also a guest lecturer at Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Harvard, IESE and Lagos Business School where Equity Bank Business Model is a case study. Locally, he is the Chancellor of Meru University College of Science and Technology and the Chairman of the Health Committee of Kenya COVID-19 Fund Board.

DR. EDWARD ODUNDO PhD,MBS

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Edward holds a PhD in Business Administration (Strategic Management) from The University of Nairobi, an MBA degree in Strategic Management and Marketing and a BSc Degree in Finance and Accounting. He is also an alumnus of Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government (HSB), London School of Economics (LSE) and holds membership in several professional bodies (FCPA, FCPS, FKIM, ICIFA). He is the former Chief Executive Officer of Retirement Benefits Authority (Kenya) and former Director, Nairobi Securities Exchange. He is the Director, School of Pension and Retirement Studies (SPRS), Chairman of the Public Service Superannuation Scheme, Kenya (PSSS) and a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, School of Business as well as a Consultant in Pensions, Tax, Corporate Governance and Financial Services. He is a recipient of the Moran of the Order of The Burning Spear (MBS). He is a published author having authored a book titled ‘The Doctrine of Strategic Planning’.

VIJAY GIDOOMAL

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Vijay holds a Bachelor of Arts– LLB (law) degree from the University of Warwick, UK and qualified as a lawyer from Clifford Chance in the UK in 1992. He has worked in various capacities with Car & General and has seen the company grow regionally with representation in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Seychelles, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. Aside from Equity Group Holdings Plc Board, Vijay is also a board member at Cummins C&G Holdings Ltd; Watu Credit Limited; Ole Pejeta Conservancy; Metropolitan Cannon Assurance Limited; Fincom Ltd among others. He is a member of the Cummins Global Advisory Council and is the Chairman Cummins Middle East & Africa Advisory Council. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Association and is its former Chairman (Kenya Chapter) and former regional board member.

DR. HELEN GICHOHI, MBS, OGW

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Helen holds a PhD. in Ecology from the University of Leicester in the UK, Master of Science degree in Biology of Conservation from the University of Nairobi and a B.Ed(Sc) in Zoology from Kenyatta University respectively. Helen is currently serving as the Ambassador for Conservation in Africa for Fauna and Flora International. She has held various positions including Managing Director of Equity Group Foundation, president of African Wildlife Foundation and Managing Director of African Conservation Center. She is a recipient of the Charlotte Wyman Trust’s Women in Conservation Program, the Order of Great Warrior (OGW) and the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS). She won the Giai Environmental Award in 2012 at The WIFTs Foundation International Visionary Awards. Helen serves on the boards of Bamburi Cement Limited and Ol Pejeta Conservancy and on the Advisory Board of the School of Wildlife Conservation, African Leadership University. She previously served on the boards of Africa Wildlife Foundation and Kenya Wildlife Service Boards.

JONAS MUSHOSHO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jonas holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science from University of South Africa, Bachelors Degree in Accounting and an MBA from the University of Zimbabwe. He also has postgraduate qualifications from the University of Cape town, Graduate School of Business, London Business School and Harvard Business School among others. He is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. He previously served in senior leadership positions in both the private and public sectors. He has led multi-national portfolios in different lines of business, particularly in financial services. He served as the Chief Executive Officer at Old Mutual Zimbabwe Limited between 2012 and 2019. He also doubled up as the Managing Director for Old Mutual Rest of Africa, where he was responsible for strategy implementation, stakeholder management, investment performance management, governance and compliance and functional effectiveness of the Old Mutual Business in 12 countries in the continent. He is currently a Director at Brooks & Oracle, a council member at Zimbabwe Open University and serves as a non-executive director at Delta Corporation.

DR. EVANS BAIYA

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Evans holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Technology Management from Northcentral University, Master of Business Administration from Northwest Nazarene University, Postgraduate courses in Electrical Engineering and chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Idaho State University. He is a graduate of the Executive Program in Business Strategy and Intellectual Property from Harvard Business School. He is a globally recognized consultant and a professional with over 25 years of extensive experience in areas of ICT, innovation, strategy, leadership, fundraising, consultancy, training, strategic partnerships, technology transfer and commercialization, and digital transformation in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa serving financial services, technology, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceutical, semiconductor, academia, and government sectors. He has co-authored the books, The Innovators Advantage, and Optimizing Strategy for Results, and many articles that appear in international publications such as Success Magazine®, Fast Company®, Innovation Management®, and more. Evans is currently the Chief Innovation Officer and MD at Evastrategics, Inc (IT Development and Data Intelligence studio) and the MD and Business advisor at Innovator’s Advantage, LLC (Innovation consultancy and Training Hub). He has served in board of directors at Venatrust Corporation, College of Business in Northwest Nazarene University, Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission, Peace Mentors Inc, and as Chair and President of Expansion International Inc, USA.

SAMWEL KIRUBI

Executive Director

Samwel holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Finance) from Moi University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Statistics from Egerton University. He is a graduate of Advanced Management Programme (Strathmore IESE Business School, Barcelona Spain). He joined Equity Bank in 2001 and has gained vast experience in operations, marketing and customer service. Samwel previously served as the Chief Operations Officer in Equity Bank South Sudan, Managing Director, Equity Bank Rwanda, and most recently as the Managing Director, Equity Bank Uganda.

CLIFFORD SACKS

Non–Executive Director

Clifford holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree and a Higher Diploma (Hdip) in Company Law, all from the University of the Witwatersrand. He is an advisor to boards, to help them navigate the world of Global Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and advising on executing and monitoring investment strategy. During his 35 years of experience in public markets & advising Global Institutional clients across Equity, Debt and Structured products, he has worked in New York City, London and Johannesburg. Clifford’s experience lies mostly in Global Investment Banks (14 years as Co-country head Bank of America Merrill Lynch) and the past 8 years with EY, where he has led the M&A and Capital Markets practice, where he was the Global Leader Lead Advisory - M&A, Capital Debt Advisory and Infrastructure Advisory responsible for 3000 people across EY’s global Capital Markets platform before his retirement from the Partnership in 2023; He is a member of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Finance Committee of One Degree Academy, a Board member of Nexus Bioquest Limited and a Board member of Xitus Insurance Limited UK and Xitus Insurance Limited Ireland.

Samuel Mwale

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Samuel is the Interim President GiveDirectly and the Chairman Millennium Water Alliance. He is a businessman and acts as both a Business Strategy consultant as well as Public Policy consultant. He has held various positions in the public sector including Principal Administrative Secretary & Asst Secretary to Cabinet (Principal Secretary & Deputy to Head of Public Service), Economic Advisor, Presidency, Economic Development Advisor, Ministry of Planning & National Development and Member of Governing Council, NEPAD/APRM. Further, he has held other leadership positions which include Independent Director: Kenchic Ltd, Independent Director: Mitchell Cotts Kenya, Advisory Board Member: Talanton Advisors (Impact Investors), Trustee: Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) , Advisor: Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) , US Representative: Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Independent Director: NIC Capital, Independent Director: NIC Securities and Independent Director: Jamii Bora Bank. Samuel holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Range Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and MSc Agricultural Economics from University of Oxford, UK. Additionally, he has a Certificate in Leaders in Development from John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA, Certificate in Agricultural and Natural Policy Analysis from Food Research Institute, Stanford University, USA and Diploma in Development Economics (Distinction) from the School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, UK.

LYDIA NDIRANGU

GROUP COMPANY SECRETARY

Lydia is a seasoned and accomplished professional with over eleven (11) years of local and international experience in Tax, Regulatory and Compliance Services. She holds a Law Degree from the University of Nairobi and is an Advocate of the High Court. She also holds a Masters in Law in Public Finance from the University of Nairobi and is a Certified Secretary and a Certified Public Accountant. Lydia is also a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya (ICS) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). Prior to her appointment, she was the Group Head of Tax for Equity Group Holding PLC. Prior to joining EGH, Lydia served as a Senior Manager at Ernst and Young (EY) and prior to that as a Manager at KPMG. Her role as the principal advisor for local and international organizations has equipped her to contribute substantively to the Group’s regulatory compliance.

DR. James Mwangi , CBS

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

James holds five honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of his positive impact on the Kenyan society. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is a Certified Public Accountant. He has been honoured thrice with National Presidential Awards: The First Class Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and Head of State Commendation (HSC).

On the global front, he has won several awards including the G8 Global Vision Award, 2007. He was named among the Top 50 Emerging Market Business Leaders and the 20 most influential people in Africa in 2011; the World Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 2012; the Forbes Africa Person of the Year in 2012 and was recently named in the Bloomberg 50 list of people who defined 2019 globally. He is an honoree of the 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award, also described as the ‘Nobel Prize for Business’.

On the regional front, James was also recognized as the Africa Investor Awards, CEO of the Year in 2009 and 2015; Innovation Leader of the Year in 2012; African Business Leader of the Year in 2013 and African Banker of the Year in 2010, 2011 and 2017 at the African Banker Awards. He was also named the Banker of the Year during the Banker Africa (East Africa) Awards in 2017 and 2018, and named African CEO of the year by the African Business Leadership 2020 Awards. Locally, he has received the Think Business CEO of the Year award for the last 4 years.

James has served on board and advisory roles at the Global Advisory Council for VISA Inc., the Clinton Global Initiative, The G8 New Alliance For Food Security And Nutrition, US President Barack Obama’s Initiative for Global Development, the G20 Advisory Board of Agriculture and Initiative for Global Development and The Global Agenda Council on New Economic Thinking of the World Economic Forum from 2003-2007. He also served as the Founding Chair of Kenya’s Vision 2030 from inception in 2007 to 2019.

He currently serves on several international bodies as an advisor and was appointed to the Nairobi Advisory Board of Columbia Global Centres. He is a member of the continent-wide PACT initiative, a Board member of the Economic Advisory Board of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Mastercard MEA Advisory Board, the Africa Leadership Academy in South Africa, the Global Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition. He is also a guest lecturer at Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Harvard, IESE and Lagos Business School where Equity Bank Business Model is a case study. Locally, he is the Chancellor of Meru University College of Science and Technology and the Chairman of the Health Committee of Kenya COVID-19 Fund Board.

Samwel Kirubi

Group Chief Operating Officer

Samwel holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Finance) from Moi University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Statistics from Egerton University. He is a graduate of Advanced Management Programme (Strathmore IESE Business School, Barcelona Spain). He joined Equity Bank in 2001 and has gained vast experience in operations, marketing and customer service. Samwel previously served as the Chief Operations Officer in Equity Bank South Sudan, Managing Director, Equity Bank Rwanda, and most recently as the Managing Director, Equity Bank Uganda.

Brent Malahay

GROUP CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

Brent holds a Master’s degree in Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He has over 16 years’ experience in financial services with competencies ranging from commercial banking, credit ratings, investment banking and fund management. He has previously worked at Standard Bank, Fitch Ratings, J.P. Morgan and Investec Asset Management.

Brent has worked at Equity Group since 2016.

GERTRUDE KARUGABA

CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

Gertrude is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere university, Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Dip L.P.) from Law Development Centre, Kampala Uganda and Master of Law (LL.M) (Commercial Laws) from University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. She is a member of the Uganda Law Society, East Africa Law Society and has been ranked as a leading lawyer in Uganda by global legal directories Chambers and Partners Global Guide to the World’s Leading Lawyers (since 2016) and Legal 500 (since 2016).

She is an experienced legal and business executive with practice experience spanning project finance, banking and financial law, capital markets, corporate law and governance, M&A, compliance, and regulatory support. The specific expertise is in banking and risk management with extensive work for and with clients in these areas. A financial sector expert, an experienced non-executive director, a governance practitioner and a technology enthusiast who often speaks publicly on matters of interest to financial sector participants and at other fora.

Gertrude has held various positions during her career including Legal Officer, Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited Staff Pension Fund, Head Legal and Company Secretary, Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited and Partner and Head Corporate/M&A, S&L Advocates (formerly Sebalu & Lule Advocates). She is currently the Chief Legal Officer, Equity Group Holdings PLC.

She has held various Board positions as Board Chairperson and co-founder, League of East African Directors, Board Chairperson, AK Life Sciences Limited, Board Chairperson and founder member, Financial Sector Deepening Uganda Limited, Chairperson Board of Trustees, Centenary Bank Staff Provident Fund and previously Director and Credit Committee Chairperson, KCB Bank Uganda Limited.

Sam Gitwekere

GROUP CHIEF RISK & COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Sam holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Queensland in Australia and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (UK). He has received leadership training at the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science and INSEAD’s Asia Campus in Singapore, and has completed a number of professional programs. He has over 20 years’ experience in senior Risk and coverage roles with leading international banks across Africa, Middle East and Asia. He is a past volunteer with the Autism Society of Kenya and South Africa’s Black Umbrellas, which mentors black-owned businesses.

Emmanuel Deh

GROUP DIRECTOR CREDIT RISK

Emmanuel holds an M.Sc. Finance from the Strathclyde University Business School in Scotland and a B.Sc. Administration (Banking & Finance) from the University of Ghana, Legon. He also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Project Finance (Oil & Gas, Conventional and Renewables Energy) from the Middlesex University (UK) and has attended various Executive Development courses on Cybersecurity, Financial Markets and Board Governance in Harvard and Yale Universities.

He is a banker with over 25 years' experience in Corporate and Institutional Banking and Credit Risk Management. He has held various senior management positions in Credit Risk Management in Corporate Banking, Financial Institutions and Project / Structured Finance in Ghana, Nigeria, UK and UAE with short term attachments in Thailand, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Sierra Leone and the Gambia.

Before joining Equity, he was the Senior Director of Special Situation, Distressed Asset Management in Al Rajhi Bank, a Corporate Credit Director in Barclays Bank Emerging Markets in UAE and worked as the Country Credit Director for Barclays Bank Ghana. He also worked in credit risk with Standard Chartered Bank Ghana and Nigeria.

Emmanuel is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (USA), Certified Islamic Finance Executive (CIFE), awarded by the World's renowned Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance and holds Credit Expert Certification from Omega Performance (USA) as well as an accredited Trainer on Credit Skills Assessment Modules developed by Omega Performance, USA.

LYDIA NDIRANGU

GROUP COMPANY SECRETARY

Lydia is a seasoned and accomplished professional with over eleven (11) years of local and international experience in Tax, Regulatory and Compliance Services.

She holds a Law Degree from the University of Nairobi and is an Advocate of the High Court. She also holds a Masters in Law in Public Finance from the University of Nairobi and is a Certified Secretary and a Certified Public Accountant. Lydia is also a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya (ICS) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

Prior to her appointment, she was the Group Head of Tax for Equity Group Holding PLC. Prior to joining EGH, Lydia served as a Senior Manager at Ernst and Young (EY) and prior to that as a Manager at KPMG. Her role as the principal advisor for local and international organizations has equipped her to contribute substantively to the Group’s regulatory compliance.

DAVID SSEGAWA

GROUP DIRECTOR HUMAN RESOURCES OPERATIONS

David holds an MBA from the University of Leicester, UK, Bachelor of Arts of Social Work & Social Administration-Makerere University, Uganda; Harvard Global Business Leadership Program-Boston, Harvard Business School. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Applied Leadership at Monarch University. He is an is an astute Human Capital Management leader, having provided strategic-thought direction as Human Resources

Director at some of the leading global multinational organizations including Unilever, The Standard Bank of South Africa and the Coca-Cola company and recently the Global Chief People & Culture Officer at Living Goods prior to joining Equity Group Holdings.

Over the last 20 years, David has played a key role in mapping and building African talent pools for multinational businesses in Uganda, East Africa and across Africa. He has mentored and coached many professionals to become top business leaders across Africa and globally. He is excited about the innovations around talent management practice which he has led as a way of laying a foundation for the workplace and workforce of the future in Africa.

He is Adept at formulating Organization Design & Effective Strategies, Business Transformation and Change Management, M&As Due –Diligence and integration leadership, Alliances and Start-ups, Cultural Capabilities & Employee Engagement Management, HR Business Partnership, Talent Strategies, Learning & Development design and delivery, Employee Value Proposition modelling, Performance & Productivity Management, Pensions Management, Industrial Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility .Results-focused, commercially astute HR business partner with extensive strategic and operational experience across different continents.

Ignatius Chicha

GROUP DIRECTOR TREASURY

Ignatius Chicha holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from the Copperbelt University. He is currently responsible for overall Risk Management, Revenue Generation, Governance structure of the six subsidiaries/countries Equity Group operates in i.e., Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and South Sudan.

Prior to that he was Citibank’s East Africa Markets Head from 2014 to September 2021, providing regional leadership and governance in full partnership with the product partners in Risk Treasury, Sales and Trading. Supervising risk activities in the countries, and delivering a client centric model, leveraging the full range of Markets, Securities Services and Capital Markets Origination products across all customer segments including Investors, Corporates and Public Sector.

Begun his career with Citibank Zambia in 1993 in Operations (Internal Control Unit) and was appointed Country Treasurer for Citibank Zambia in 2000, with overall responsibility of managing the balance sheet, capital and funding issues of Citibank’s activities in the country.

RENE KALONJI

CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER

Rene is a professional certified management accountant, a certified treasury professional and holds a Master of Business Administration from UCW.

Rene is a result driven business development leader with extensive experience across all aspects of the financial services industry; prior to his current position as the Group Chief Product Officer, he served as the global head of technology service delivery at JP Morgan Chase, manager Business development and later the Vice president- Foreign exchange at TD Bank.

Christine Browne

GROUP DIRECTOR SPECIAL ASSETS

Christine is a Chevening alumnus who holds a Master of Laws from UCL - University of London. She is an accomplished legal practitioner and has previously worked at The World Bank and the Industrial Promotion Services (K) Limited (IPS). She joined the Group in 2014 after a six-year stint as Principal Counsel at East African Development Bank. Prior to her current position, she was the General Manager for Legal, Corporate Banking, Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd. Christine is a member of Law Society of Kenya, Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya and International Commission of Jurists, Kenya Section.

JOY DIBENEDETTO

GROUP DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS

Joy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. She is an award-winning entrepreneurial communications professional; a veteran journalist and media executive whose focus has always been global. She is the Founder of the international content and information company -HUM: Human Unlimited Media, Inc. (AKA, HUMNEWS.COM) and has covered major international events – from the studio and in the field – as a storyteller, producer and diplomat for more than 25 years. A founding partner in the C5 Collective, she has maximized the impact and brand awareness of social innovators, corporations, NGO’s, media, academia, and service organizations worldwide.

She is the Immediate Past President/CEO of the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Friendship Force International (FFI), and was previously the Global Vice President of Network Booking and Research for CNN Worldwide; starting her career in Corporate Finance with Turner Broadcasting. Her career squarely spans the media industry as well as humanitarian interests and always builds on the intersection of both for the greatest social impact.

MICHAEL KWOFIE

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Michael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from University of Liverpool and an MBA from the University of South Wales and has various certifications including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified In Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) & Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

He is a business and technology leader with over twenty years’ experience in Financial Services where he held various roles in Information Technology Risk, Cyber Security and Networking.

His specialties are in establishing and maintaining compliance to security standards, legal frameworks and regulatory requirements, IT Strategies and providing guidance in digital transformation. He is very passionate about emerging technologies and in bridging information and cyber security with business management.

In his current role at Equity Group, Michael provides leadership for the continued development of an innovative, robust, and secure information technology environment.

PAUL WAFULA

GROUP DIRECTOR COMPLIANCE

Paul holds an MBA from Hult International Business School, a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from Uganda Management Institute and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics and Applied Economics from Makerere University Kampala, Uganda. He also has an ACI Settlements Certificate from the Financial Markets Association, Paris. He is an Alumni of the Haggai International Leadership Institute in Hawaii. He is a career banker with over 25 years of banking experience.

He joined Equity Group Holdings in June 2023, as the Group Director for Internal Controls and Compliance, where he oversees the first line risk management across the Banking, Insurance and Technology Groups plus the Foundation.

He has previously worked in various roles within Standard Chartered Bank Group PLC across different regions in Africa, Middle East and Asia based out of the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, and Uganda. He has served as Regional Director Risk & Policy Legal for Africa Middle East and Asia, Regional Operational Risk Officer for Global Markets Africa, Senior Operational Risk Officer for Wholesale Banking in Kenya and East Africa, Zimbabwe, and Angola and as Head of Wholesale Banking Operations Uganda among many other significant positions.

Paul is also the President and Founder of the Inspire Synergy, a network of marketplace fellowships, in Africa and the Diaspora focused on raising a generation of effective transformational leaders from Afrika for the Global Market place.

BETH KITHINJI

GROUP CHIEF INTERNAL AUDITOR

Beth holds a Master of Commerce in Development Finance from the University of Cape Town, South Africa and a Bachelor of Commerce-Finance from the University of Nairobi. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (Kenya).

Beth is a seasoned Audit and Risk Management professional with over 19 years of deep and broad experience working across the financial services sector in the UK and across Africa.

Beth joined Equity Group recently from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) where she was the Advisor to the Governor and the Director for Internal Audit and Risk Management. Beth started her career at KPMG East Africa and held various key roles as Head of Quality and Risk Management, Financial Services Leader in East Africa and other key roles in KPMG across the world. She has vast experience in the financial services sector on accounting, due diligence, assurance and advisory, IT transformation, and data analytics.

Thelma Kganakga

CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER

Thelma holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Gordon Institute of Business Science, a BCOM-Honors from the University of Pretoria and a BCom-Informatics.

In her current role at Equity Group, she drives the organization’s information security across the Group functions and its subsidiaries in seven countries. Her Responsibilities span all Equity Group businesses – Equity Bank, Technology Group, Insurance Group and Equity Foundation.

She is a business and technology leader with over twenty-two years’ experience in IT and financial services where she held various roles that included MD of Shaya Infosec, Associate Partner at KPMG, Divisional COO at ABSA and CISO at 4 other banking and telco companies, before joining Equity. She has successfully developed and currently implementing the Information Security Strategy for the Group, working with all technology and commercial CIOs and business leaders on the implementation.

She has received numerous accolades in the last 4 years as the Best CISO Africa and Top 100 Global CISO for 2020 to 2024.

Bildard Fwamba

CHIEF INTERNAL AUDITOR

Bildard holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from Kenyatta University and is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of ICPAK. He has worked in the banking sector for 22 years, serving in various senior management capacities. He has extensive knowledge and experience in Financial Management, Risk Management, Internal Controls and Regulatory Oversight. He joined Equity Bank in 2004. Before his current role, Bildard served in various capacities in Equity Bank Kenya Limited including Compliance Manager, Head of Internal Audit, General Manager- Finance and General Manager- Internal Audit. He previously worked with Central Bank of Kenya and Britam.

MOSES NYABANDA

Moses has 22 years of deep and broad experience in delivering sustainable strategic value for organizations throughout his consulting career.

Before joining Equity Group, Mr Nyabanda was the Managing Director and Country Senior Partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Rwanda and a member of PwC Eastern Africa leadership team. He has a proven track record of leading effective teams, strategic planning, driving business growth and delivering impactful solutions to businesses and governments in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the United Kingdom. He has worked closely with Executive Teams, Boards of Directors, and Senior Government officials to co-create trusted solutions to business challenges and has over the years developed trusted relationships and networks across different markets.

While at PwC, he was responsible for driving operational efficiency including resource planning, digital transformation, innovation, and cost management at PwC Eastern Africa. At Equity Group, Mr Nyabanda is a key member of the executive team who has demonstrated commitment to the Group's corporate philosophies and customer value creation. Throughout his career, Mr. Nyabanda has distinguished himself as a disciplined and thorough professional, demonstrating exceptional leadership in promoting robust control environments and productivity.

Isabela Maganga

Managing Director, Equity Bank Tanzania

Isabela holds a Master of Science in Finance and Investments from Coventry University, a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture. She also holds a Higher Diploma in Banking from Milpark Business School. She is a certified Professional Banker and Certified Expert in SME Finance. She brings on board her vast experience in retail and commercial banking, having served in the banking industry for 16 years. Prior to her appointment, she was the Acting Managing Director of Equity Bank Tanzania and previously, the Head of Commercial at the Bank.

HANNINGTON NAMARA

MANAGING DIRECTOR, EQUITY BANK RWANDA

Hannington is the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda. He holds a degree in Business Administration (Finance option) from Makerere University Business School, a graduate of Advanced Management Programme from Strathmore Business School. He is a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative-East Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He has over 19 years work experience in banking and Private Sector Development with extensive knowledge and a track record in Strategic Leadership, Banking and Finance, Management and Communications. He has held various leadership positions while working with different reputable organizations in the past including TradeMark East Africa, Rwanda Private Sector Federation, Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR), Rwanda Investment Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA-now known as Rwanda Development Board). He holds several positions of responsibility in Boards of corporates and parastatals.

GIFT SHOKO

MANAGING DIRECTOR EQUITY BANK UGANDA LIMITED

Gift holds a Bachelor of Business Studies and Computer Science Degree from the University of Zimbabwe and a master’s in business administration - Banking and Finance (CIMA, Nicosia, Cyprus). He holds various diplomas including Advanced Diploma in Business Administration ABE, UK), Diploma in Banking (Institute of Bankers in Zimbabwe), Advanced Diploma in Credit (Institute of Bankers South Africa) and Diploma in Treasury Management and Trade Finance (Institute of Bankers South Africa).

He has a rich commercial multi-regional banking and leadership experience across markets in Africa, with a good appreciation of the Ecosystem and Sectoral Banking approach. His specialties are in corporate and retail banking, business strategy, banking operations, stakeholder management, regulatory compliance and executive coaching and mentoring.

Gift has a proven history of spearheading successful turnaround and expansion strategies, nurturing strategic partnerships and orchestrating digital transformation initiatives.

WILLY K. MULAMBA

MANAGING DIRECTOR EQUITY BCDC

Mr. Mulamba is the former Chief Executive Officer of Citibank DRC and former Chairman of the DRC Bankers Association. He is a results driven, experienced banker with 20-plus years in the global financial services industry, specializing in executive management, corporate governance, risk management, deal origination and DRC local markets. He has a Master’s degree in Banking, Finances and law from the University of Paris-Saclay, France; a Master’s studies in Economics, University of North Texas; and a Master’s degree in Applied Economics from the University of Liege, Belgium.

Angela Okinda

MANAGING DIRECTOR, EQUITY LIFE ASSURANCE (KENYA) LIMITED

Angela Okinda is a senior executive in the investments, actuarial science, insurance, retirement benefits and alternative investments with solid strategic and tactical expertise in the financial services sector across Africa. Prior to joining Equity group holdings, she was the Director in charge of pensions at Zamara Group across Africa. She is a regular speaker at international conferences and seminars on investment, social security, employee benefits, and pension matters.

Angela has been involved in providing a wide range of consultancy services working with clients across East, Western, and Southern Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial science (Honours) from the University of Nairobi, Bullet proof manager from Crestcom International Incorporated, Colorado, USA, and a certified Financial Analyst (Level 111 candidate). She has received numerous awards and recognition such as Top 40 under 40 Women in Kenya, award for 10 years of Outstanding service.

ALVIN OKARI

MANAGING DIRECTOR, FINSERVE AFRICA LIMITED

Alvin holds a Bachelor BA degree from the University of Nairobi and is an alumni of Rutgers University business school graduate program. He is also an Alumni of University of Salford MSC in Financial Services and Management & a certified ACAMS professional.

He has over 20 years’ experience in telecommunications, Fintech and the financial services sector. He joined Equity Group from Airtel Africa, where he was Head of Product and Operations (Airtel Africa) for 14 African countries and Director for Mobile Financial Services in Airtel Money Kenya with overall leadership of the business.

Prior to joining Airtel, he was at MTN West Africa as the Director for Mobile Money for 2 years having joined to lead the Mobile money business for Guinea. He also worked in Millicom Tigo based out of the London office overseeing 6 African countries in both Anglo and Francophone as the Head of commercial and Products in 2015.

Alvin has also worked in Safaricom PLC, MPESA as Snr Manager Product development for 5 years where he led the growth of the product offering as well as development and launch of micro lending and savings product Mkesho in partnership with Equity as well as M-shwari digital lending product in partnership with NCBA. He was also responsible for partnerships with banks for mobile banking integrations, bill payment and utility services as well as the set-up of the buy goods payment set up with large retailers.

Prior to Safaricom, he held different IT and business roles with Celtel & Zain Kenya for 9 years ranging from credit control, customer provisioning and business intelligence management and reporting and IT project management.w