Absa Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Awori has stepped down from the role and is expected to leave the lender effective October 31, 2022.

According to Absa Bank Kenya Chairman Charles Muchene, the Board has initiated the process of identifying a suitable successor and will announce the new chief executive once the process is completed, subject to regulatory approval.

“Jeremy has been instrumental in driving significant growth and transformation of our business over the past decade and under his outstanding leadership, Absa Bank Kenya PLC has evolved into a modern-day business that all our stakeholders can be proud of,” said Muchene.

Awori who has been at the helm of the lender for nearly 10 years since before acquisition of Barclays Bank Kenya by the South Africa’s Absa Group.

“I am honored to have led Absa Kenya in making a difference in our society while achieving significant commercial milestones over the past decade. I am confident that Absa Kenya will scale greater heights going into the future,” said Awori.

Awori has been instrumental in growth of the lender as Barclays Kenya since June 2013, and through the transition face to Absa Bank Kenya after the acquisition of majority stake in Barclays Africa by Absa Group.

Subsequently, Barclays Bank Kenya rebranded to Absa Bank Kenya officially in February 10, 2020.

During the period, Awori has led the bank from an asset base of Ksh 184.8 billion to Ksh 445.3 billion as at the end of June 30, 2022.

“I thank the Board of Absa Kenya PLC and Absa Group for the opportunity and pay special tribute to Absa Kenya staff and customers for the honor to serve,” he added.

He previously served in various roles at Standard Chartered with his last stint being CEO of Standard Chartered Tanzania before joining Barclays Bank Kenya in 2013.

By Fred Azelwa.