Access Bank Kenya Statement On Appointment Of Ralph Opara As Managing Director

Access Bank Kenya (“ABK”) today announces the appointment of Ralph Chinedu Opara as the Country Managing Director for Kenya, effective 8 September 2025. This follows the approval of the Central Bank of Kenya (“CBK”).

Mr. Opara joins the Kenya team from his previous role of Group Head of Access Bank Group’s Commercial Banking Division, which he has grown to become Access Bank Group’s largest commercial business, with balance sheet of over US$1.2bn and risk assets exceeding US$1.3bn. Mr. Opara has a proven record of driving growth, managing large-scale portfolios, and leading transformational initiatives across Africa. He is a seasoned banker, Director and Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. Mr. Opara holds advanced degrees in banking and international development and executive education from Harvard, Wharton, IMD, and Cranfield.

At Access Bank, Mr. Opara has led strategic initiatives including the Commercial Banking workstream for the Access–Diamond Bank integration, international expansion of specialised desks in partnership with DEG (Germany), FMO (Netherlands), and other global DFIs. His leadership was also instrumental in ensuring that Access Bank met the new Central Bank of Nigeria capital requirements ahead of any other bank in the country in 2024.

Commenting on his appointment ABK Chairperson, Barbara Barungi said: “On behalf of the Board of ABK, I would like to welcome Ralph Opara into his new role. Mr. Opara is an Access Bank Group veteran and a seasoned banker who has demonstrated agility and efficiency throughout his career. I have every confidence that his operational experience and leadership capability, combined with the local management’s deep local knowledge, will drive the business to greater heights in Kenya and beyond.”

Mr. Opara takes on this role from Lillian Odhiambo who has been leading the business in an acting capacity since 2024. Ms. Odhiambo is a seasoned banking professional who has demonstrated an ability to drive innovation, inclusivity and empowerment. She will remain within the bank in her capacity as Executive Director, Wholesale Banking and will be instrumental in ensuring a smooth handover to Mr. Opara.

Barungi adds: “We thank Lillian Odhiambo for her capable leadership. Since taking on this role in an acting capacity she has delivered on critical projects and initiatives for ABK. These include leading the team through numerous community impact projects as well as launching innovative projects in the market. We are immensely fortunate that she will remain within the business and that together with Mr. Opara and the leadership team will steer the business forward.”

Mr. Opara’s appointment takes place during a merger process in which ABK and National Bank of Kenya. Together with the leadership teams of ABK and NBK Mr. Opara will continue to guide the Integration Management Office (IMO) to ensure the delivery of a stronger, regionally connected, future ready institution that blends local trust and heritage with pan African scale and capability to inclusive growth, enable regional trade, and accelerate Kenya’s economic transformation.