By TWV Business Desk
Access Bank Kenya (ABK) has announced the appointment of Ralph Chinedu Opara as Country Managing Director for Kenya, effective 8 September, following approval by the Central Bank of Kenya. Opara joins the Kenya leadership team from his previous role as Group Head of Access Bank Group’s Commercial Banking Division, which he successfully grew into the Group’s largest commercial business, with a balance sheet exceeding US\$1.2 billion and risk assets surpassing US$1.3 billion.
A seasoned banker, Director, and Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Opara brings a proven track record in driving growth, managing large-scale portfolios, and leading transformational initiatives across Africa. He holds advanced degrees in banking and international development, alongside executive education from Harvard, Wharton, IMD, and Cranfield.
At Access Bank, Opara has overseen several strategic initiatives, including the Commercial Banking workstream for the Access–Diamond Bank integration and the international expansion of specialised desks in partnership with DEG (Germany), FMO (Netherlands), and other global DFIs. His leadership was instrumental in ensuring Access Bank met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new capital requirements ahead of all other banks in the country in 2024.
Commenting on the appointment, ABK Chairperson Barbara Barungi said:
“On behalf of the Board of ABK, I would like to welcome Ralph Opara into his new role. Mr Opara is an Access Bank Group veteran and a seasoned banker who has demonstrated agility and efficiency throughout his career. I am confident that his operational experience and leadership capability, combined with the management team’s deep local knowledge, will drive the business to greater heights in Kenya and beyond.”
Opara takes over from Lillian Odhiambo, who has been leading the business in an acting capacity since 2024. Odhiambo, a seasoned banking professional known for her focus on innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment, will remain with the bank in her role as Executive Director, Wholesale Banking, where she will play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition.
Barungi added:
“We thank Lillian Odhiambo for her capable leadership. Since assuming the role in an acting capacity, she has delivered on critical projects and initiatives, including numerous community impact programmes and the launch of innovative products in the market. We are fortunate that she will remain within the business and, together with Mr Opara and the leadership team, continue steering the bank forward.”
Opara’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as ABK advances its merger process with National Bank of Kenya (NBK). Working alongside the leadership teams of both ABK and NBK, he will continue to guide the Integration Management Office (IMO) to deliver a stronger, regionally connected, future-ready institution. This new entity aims to blend local trust and heritage with pan-African scale and capability to drive inclusive growth, foster regional trade, and accelerate Kenya’s economic transformation.
