Absa Group has appointed Kenyan Sitoyo Lopokoiyit as the Chief Executive Officer of retail banking, with his start date set for April 1, 2026. This decision is part of a series of changes within the executive leadership aimed at strengthening governance and supporting the group’s growth strategy, according to a statement released on Wednesday, February 11.
Previously the CEO of M-PESA Africa and Director of Financial Services at Safaricom, Sitoyo Lopokoiyit has held several leadership positions in the telecommunications company since joining in 2011, including Head of Strategy and Business Development for M-PESA. He is credited with major innovations such as the M-PESA Super App, Fuliza, and strategic partnerships with global platforms like PayPal and AliPay.
According to Absa CEO Kenny Fihla, this appointment aligns with the South African group’s strategic focus on integrated customer-centric solutions and developing new growth opportunities in personal and private banking.
The group also announced changes in its governance functions. Prabashni Naidoo, formerly Head of Internal Audit, has been appointed Group Governance Director. She will oversee the group’s legal, compliance, and secretarial functions.
Rushdi Solomons has been promoted to Group Head of Internal Audit and Fatima Newman appointed as Group Head of Compliance. Their start dates are also set for March 1.
Absa states that these appointments are aimed at strengthening succession planning, governance, and organizational capabilities following the completion of its re-focused pan-African group strategy.
