Ecobank announces retirement of Group Chief Risk Officer Chinedu Ikwudinma
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of the Ecobank Group, has confirmed the early retirement of its Group Chief Risk Officer, Chinedu Ikwudinma, after three years in the position.
Ikwudinma’s exit brings to a close a chapter marked by his leadership in risk oversight during a period of considerable economic turbulence. Since taking up the role in 2022, he has directed the bank’s risk management strategies and ensured compliance with regulatory frameworks across its network of operations.
He joined Ecobank in 2019 and spent a total of six years with the institution, during which he made a substantial impact on its risk governance structure. His efforts contributed to reinforcing the bank’s internal controls and maintaining financial stability through changing market conditions.
In a formal statement released by Company Secretary Madibinet Cisse, Ecobank announced that the Group’s Risk Management responsibilities will be temporarily overseen by Ademola Awokoya and Pankaj Talwar.
Awokoya currently serves as Chief Credit Officer for Corporate and Investment Banking, while Talwar holds the same title for Consumer and Commercial Banking. The two will act as joint heads of the division, reporting directly to Group Chief Executive Jeremy Awori.
Group CEO Jeremy Awori expressed appreciation for Ikwudinma’s work, acknowledging the depth of his experience and the consistency of his contributions.
“Chinedu has been an essential member of Ecobank’s Leadership team, playing a key role in strengthening our risk management framework,” Awori said.
“His dedication and professionalism were instrumental in helping us steer through complex macroeconomic environments. We are grateful for his service and wish him continued success in his next chapter.”
Ecobank also noted that a formal announcement will be made regarding Ikwudinma’s permanent successor once the selection process has concluded.
Prior to joining Ecobank, Ikwudinma held the position of Managing Director at Nova Merchant Bank in Nigeria between September 2017 and August 2018. His earlier career was spent at Citigroup, where he served for over 26 years in various senior roles across Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Risk Management.
He also led Citibank Uganda as Managing Director and previously served as Head of Corporate Banking at Citibank Zambia, deepening his expertise in credit approvals and complex financial structuring.
