Chief Executive Officer at Umba

Strategic Leadership

• Formulate and execute the company's strategic plan aligned with the organization's mission and objectives.
• Lead the various business functions in establishing functional and business strategies and provide strategic leadership in the implementation of Board-approved strategic goals.
• Provide forward-thinking leadership to propel the company towards its long-term goals.
• Collaborate with the Board on developing and executing succession  and business continuity plans for key leadership roles, including the CEO position.
• Promote leadership development within the organization to build a strong pipeline of future leaders.
• Champion organizational values and ethics, modeling behaviors that reflect the company’s culture and standards.
• Business Growth, Market and Competitive Analysis
• Stay informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and competitors' activities.
• Utilize market insights to identify opportunities and threats, adapting the company's strategies accordingly.
• Strategically Drive business Growth, Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and alliances to expand the company's market presence and meet company’s revenue targets
• Lead initiatives to enhance the company's competitiveness and revenue streams, increasing the organization’s profit margins.
• Drive customer acquisition by increasing our lending base and driving business growth. Responsible for introducing the organization’s products into the market.
• Establish a substantial liabilities base through high-net-worth individual fixed deposits, SME business accounts, retail savings, and current accounts.
• Champion a customer-centric approach, ensuring that the bank’s products consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships and partnerships. 
• Drive digital marketing and Brand Visibility efforts
• Financial Management and Business Performance Management
• Establish and monitor organizational performance metrics in alignment with Board-approved strategic goals.
• Ensure accountability for organizational results and provide regular performance evaluations to the Board.
• Oversee the company's financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Make informed financial decisions to drive profitability and growth.
• Take ownership of the profit and loss (P&L) and achieve all financial and business targets for the bank.
• Develop and present annual budgets, financial forecasts, and performance reports to the Board of Directors.
• Manage organizational resources effectively, seeking Board approval for major financial decisions and investments.
• Provide regular updates on company performance and strategic initiatives.
• Innovation and Technology
• Champion innovation and technology adoption to enhance product offerings and operational  efficiency.
• Guarantee the highest level of operational efficiency for our digital banking services, both on the web and mobile
• Collaborate with the Group Leadership Team to design and deliver innovative products meeting the bank's customer needs.

Operational Oversight:

• Elevate the operational efficiency of each department within the company with the aim of increasing revenue.
• Introduce operational enhancements and employ cost-effective strategies to enhance sales. 
• Collaborate with the Group Leadership Team to determine pricing for the bank's products and services.
• Team Leadership
• Lead change management initiatives, guiding teams through organizational transformations.
• Establish performance metrics and conduct regular evaluations, providing feedback and recognition to drive excellence 
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Attract, develop, and retain top talent within the organization, ensuring the team is motivated at all times.

Compliance and Governance

• Cultivate and manage relationships with regulators such as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC), ensuring continuous compliance with relevant regulations and banking ratios.
• Ensure the company's operations adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Provide regular, clear, and comprehensive updates to the Board on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Maintain transparency in communication, sharing both achievements and challenges to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Foster a culture of ethics and compliance throughout the organization.
• Implement policies and governance frameworks established by the Board to ensure organizational compliance and operational integrity.

Stakeholder Communication

• Establish effective communication channels with stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, employees, customers, and shareholders.
• Represent the organization to external stakeholders, enhancing relationships with partners, investors, regulators, and the community.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen the organization’s brand and stakeholder confidence.

Risk Management

• Lead the development of enterprise-wide risk management framework and assess risks that may impact the organization, developing risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery plans are in place.