Ecobank announced that Arnold Ekpe, its Group Chief Executive, will step down at the end of 2012 after seven and a half years in office. It was under Ekpe’s tenure that Ecobank entered the Rwandan market in June 2007. Ecobank Rwanda currently operates 16 branches across the country. “Ekpe was a top businessman and very intelligent; as our Group CEO, we are lucky to have someone whose commitment and leadership qualities are unquestionable,” Doreen Mabethiene, Ecobank Rwanda’s Head of Product and Marketing said in an interview yesterday. “During his tenure, Ecobank has managed to create branches in many African countries, as well as mini banks in New York, China and Dubai. Ekpe also spearheaded Ecobank’s acquisition of Oceanic Bank in November 2010, which controlled 373 branches and 800 ATMs.” “Our presence in Africa more than any other bank reassures our clientele about our objective to ensure that services we provide are professional and meet international standards,” Mabethiene added. Ecobank signed a partnership with Bharti Airtel, a giant telecoms company that recently entered the fray in Rwanda, to promote mobile banking across Africa. A press release says that, Thierry Tanoh, currently IFC Vice President in charge of Africa, Latin America and Western Europe, was appointed as Ecobank’s CEO designate. ivan.mugisha@newtimes.co.rw
