Sports

Ecobank appoints top executives to drive GTR strategy

Published

2 months ago

March 22, 2024

Ecobank Group, a pan-African financial services organisation, has appointed key executives to strengthen its leadership and effectively drive its Growth, Transformation and Returns (GTR) strategy.

The Group Communications Manager of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Ms Christiane Bossom made this known in a notification sent to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on Thursday in Lagos.

According to Bossom, Mrs Abena Osei-Poku has joined Ecobank Group as the Regional Executive, Anglophone West Africa and Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, while Mr Martin Miruka has been appointed the bank’s Group Executive for Transformation, Enablement and Customer Experience.

Bossom said that Anup Suri had become Ecobank’s Group Executive, Commercial and Consumer Banking, while Mr Michael Larbie had become the Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking.

She added that Thierry Mbimi emerged the Group Executive, Internal Audit and Management Services.

Bossom said that the top-level appointments were strategic as Ecobank Group entered its next phase of growth and transformation.

She stated that the financial services organisation aimed to become the bank of choice and a leader in delivering responsive, innovative and affordable financial services and solutions for Africa.

“Ecobank Group has decided to combine the commercial and the consumer businesses, under the leadership of Anup Suri, underscoring its commitment to strengthening these two business units to drive growth.

“In addition, establishment of the new role of transformation, enablement and customer experience underscores the group’s determination to prioritise the necessary leadership for successful execution of its transformation,” Bossom stated.

She quoted Mr Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group, as saying that the appointments were crucial to the execution of the bank’s recently-announced five-year GTR strategy.

”I am delighted that Abena Osei-Poku, Martin Miruka, Anup Suri, Michael Larbi, and Thierry Mbimi are joining our leadership team, each bringing proven, valuable, global and African financial services experience.

“I have no doubt that they will play pivotal roles in driving Ecobank’s future growth and success,” Bossom quoted Awori as saying.

Ecobank Group a leading private pan-African banking group with presence in 35 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as France, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and China.

It has more than 15,000 people in its employment and offers consumer, commercial, corporate and investment banking products, services and solutions across multiple channels.

Sports

Transfer: Akpom tipped to leave Ajax this summer

Published

8 hours ago

May 18, 2024

NewsDirect

Chuba Akpom is expected to leave Eredivisie giants Ajax Amsterdam at the end of the season.

Akpom joined the former European champions from Sky Bet Championship club, Middlesbrough last summer.

The 28-year-old has, however, struggled for regular time at the club and has been linked with a return to England.

According to Ajax insider, Lentin Goodijk, the Nigerian-born striker could leave the club before the start of next season.

“I don’t think he will accept sitting on the bench. Certainly not if serious clubs come for him, which I expect,” Goodijk was quoted as saying by Soccernews.

“It could easily take until August when the Premier League clubs start to panic a bit. Then they all have it on the list. If he can be picked up for €15m.

“That is absolutely nothing for Premier League clubs.”

Sports

Juventus sack Allegri after Italian Cup triumph

Published

21 hours ago

May 17, 2024

NewsDirect

Massimiliano Allegri has been dismissed by Juventus just two days after steering the team to victory in the Italian Cup.

Recall that the Turin club triumphed over Atalanta 1-0 in Rome, with Dusan Vlahovic securing an early goal.

However, Allegri’s behaviour marred the celebrations as he was ejected for ranting at match officials and dismissing the sporting director.

The Italian Football Federation’s disciplinary tribunal has since opened an investigation into Allegri’s conduct.

On Friday, Juventus officially announced Allegri’s departure in a statement via their website.

“Juventus announces that it has relieved Massimiliano Allegri of his position as head coach of the men’s first team,” Juventus’ statement partly read.

“The club wishes Massimiliano Allegri good luck in his future endeavours.”

Sports

LaLiga Awards: Full list of nominees out as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Girona dominate

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2024

NewsDirect

LaLiga has revealed the shortlist for their upcoming end-of-season awards ceremony, which includes four categories and the team of the season.

The winners will be announced on May 28 at the KAFD Globe Soccer European Awards in Sardinia.

Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are among the favourites for the Player of the Year award, but Girona also has two nominees, with Artem Dovbyk and Aleix Garcia in the running.

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid are also shortlisted for the prestigious award, with Takefusa Kubo, Kirian Rodriguez, Isco, and Alexander Sorloth in the mix.

The Young Player of the Year award has nominees under the age of 23 and is dominated by Girona and Barcelona. Among the candidates are newcomers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, along with Miguel Gutierrez, Savio, and Yan Couto from Barcelona. Kubo and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, Javi Guerra from Valencia, and Nico Williams from Athletic Club are also named.

For Goal of the Season, there are eight nominees, including Vinicius, Joao Cancelo, Saul Coco, Aitor Ruibal, Jesus Areso, Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix, and Memphis Depay.

The Coach of the Year award is the final category, with Carlo Ancelotti, Michel Sanchez, Diego Simeone, Ernesto Valverde, and Marcelino Garcia Toral all nominated.