United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has revealed significant shifts in its Executive Board, following the retirement of four long-serving Executive Directors effective January 1, 2026.
The departing executives include Deputy Managing Director Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi, alongside Executive Directors Mrs. Abiola Bawuah, Mr. Alex Alozie, and Mrs. Sola Yomi-Ajayi. Their retirements mark the end of notable tenures that have contributed to the bank’s sustained growth.
In line with its robust succession and leadership development strategy, UBA’s board has approved the appointments of three new Executive Directors: Mr. Emmanuel Lamptey, Mr. Tosin Adewuyi, and Mr. Chidi Okpala. These appointments, subject to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulatory approval, also take effect January 1, 2026.
Emmanuel Lamptey will head Digital Banking. Lamptey brings 25 years of multinational experience across retail and corporate banking, asset management, pensions, insurance, and microfinance. With a Harvard Business School background and extensive leadership in digital transformation, he is expected to advance UBA’s technology-driven banking initiatives.
Tosin Adewuyi appointed Executive Director of Corporate Banking, boasts over 25 years’ experience across Sub-Saharan Africa, with senior roles in London and Lagos. He has deep expertise in structured trade finance, debt capital markets, and corporate banking, complemented by qualifications from the University of Manchester and The Wharton School.
Chidi Okpala now Executive Director for UBA Nigeria, previously served as Executive Director for Payments, Group Integration, and Strategy at Heirs Holdings. He brings over 20 years of experience in payments innovation, corporate strategy, and ecosystem development, backed by degrees from London Business School and a broad leadership portfolio.
Group Chairman Tony Elumelu extended gratitude to the outgoing executives for their dedication and underscored confidence in the new appointees to drive UBA’s next growth phase. “The board is confident they will build on the solid foundation laid by their predecessors and propel UBA forward,” Elumelu said.
In addition to the executive board changes, UBA announced other key appointments:
Mr. Vikrant Bhansali as Group Executive, International Banking, bringing 25 years of global banking experience, especially across the Middle East and Africa.
Mr. Joel Owoade as Group Chief Risk Officer, a credit risk expert with over two decades of experience and strong regulatory knowledge.
Mr. Samuel Ocheho as Group Executive, Treasury and Financial Institutions, an accomplished financial markets specialist with 27 years in banking, trading, and investment management.
Operating across 20 African countries and key global financial centers including the UK, US, France, and UAE, UBA serves over 50 million customers. The bank is recognized as a leader in financial inclusion and technology-driven banking, employing some 30,000 staff globally.
These leadership transitions and appointments underscore UBA’s commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and excellence in Africa’s dynamic banking sector.
