Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has appointed Chukwuma (Chuma) Nwokocha as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, following regulatory approvals, the financial group announced in a filing with the Nigerian Exchange on Thursday.

Nwokocha, a seasoned banker and chartered accountant with more than 30 years’ experience across Africa’s financial services industry, takes over from Dr. Adekunle Adedeji, who had been serving in an acting capacity during a strategic transition period.

Adedeji will return to his role as Executive Director and Chief Finance and Value Management Officer.

The new CEO has previously held senior leadership positions, including as Chief Executive of Standard Bank’s Mozambican subsidiary, where he drove governance and growth strategies.

His background spans retail and corporate banking, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory engagement.

Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, said the Board was confident in Nwokocha’s ability to steer the group through its next phase of growth.

“Chuma has a proven track record in strategic transformation and governance. We are confident that his appointment will further strengthen the Group’s leadership and support its long-term strategy,” she said.

David-Borha also praised the contributions of Adedeji during his interim leadership, describing his tenure as “impactful and historic.”

She noted that the acting chief executive oversaw the group’s strongest financial performance since inception and successfully concluded its rights issue programme, enabling the banking subsidiary to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation requirements well ahead of the March 2026 deadline.

With Nwokocha at the helm, the group said it was poised for stability, continued strategic execution, and sustained shareholder value in an evolving regulatory and economic environment.

Stanbic IBTC, a member of the Standard Bank Group, is one of Nigeria’s leading financial services conglomerates, offering banking, asset management, pensions, and investment services to individuals and businesses. (The Guardian)