Standard Chartered Bank has named Dalu Ajene as the new Chief Executive Officer of its Nigerian operations.
Ajene succeeds Lamin Manjang, the Vice Chairman for Africa and Acting Chief Executive Officer, who retires after a 25-year stint with the bank.
The bank said Ajene’s appointment reflects its commitment to excellence and reassures its esteemed stakeholders in the Nigerian financial sector.
With over 23 years in global financial services, Ajene previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Rand Merchant Bank in Nigeria, where he was credited for driving significant profit before tax growth in 2023.
Ajene holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
“We are delighted to welcome Ajene as the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited. His extensive banking and finance background positions him ideally to lead our Nigerian operations,” the bank stated.
The bank affirmed its dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting clients in Nigeria, while it anticipates that Ajene’s leadership will enhance its regional presence and continue providing outstanding service and innovative solutions.
The Regional Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank, Kariuki Ngari, praised Ajene’s strong business and commercial leadership skills, noting his experience across various markets in Africa, the United States, and the Middle East has broadened his understanding of diverse market dynamics.
In response to his appointment, Ajene expressed his honour in joining the bank during a pivotal period of change and development in Nigeria.
He highlighted the bank’s role in providing critical financial services such as trade finance, structured solutions, and development finance, all underpinned by technology to deliver client-centered services.
“I am eager to collaborate with our skilled teams to boost our activities in Corporate and Investment Banking, as well as Wealth and Retail business, thereby enhancing our service to customers and channeling catalytic financing into the Nigerian economy. This effort will positively impact the communities we serve,” Ajene noted.
