Christine Kagendo 
Absa Asset Management Limited CEO Elizabeth Irungu (3rd L) joins ICEA Lion Trust CEO & Principal Officer Peter Wachira, Branch International MD, EA Rose Muturi, Safaricom PLC Chief Financial Services Officer Esther Masese, HF Group CEO Robert Kibaara and Media Personality Claire Munde during a panel discussion on Investment tools and skills for building a resilient portfolio at the 4th Annual Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference.
End of year awards show trends in banking top talent
The tough economic environment has sparked a competition among bankers for top talent to drive growth through innovative new and bold ideas that are drawing awards while showing the banks that have the best hires.
As the year comes to an end, financial industry experts are naming their best performers across the banking sector with top banks scooping most of the awards on consolidating best talent in the industry.
Industry lobby, Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), CIO Africa, Africa Brand Leadership Awards, Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference, and a host of industry rankings have been announced recently closing the year with a review of top performing bankers. While the awards indicate the banks that have the best processes, it also shows the strong teams and talents behind the banks that scoop most of the awards.
Absa Bank for instance had its Managing Director and CEO Mr Abdi Mohamed recognized for excellence in brand building and leadership by the prestigious 2024 Africa Brand Leadership Awards.
The lender’s Director of Consumer Banking Moses Muthui was also recently celebrated among the top 3 CXOs of the Year for championing technology and innovation as a non-tech executive at the 2024 CIO100 Symposium and Awards. Mr. Muthui won CXO of the Year award just after Absa Asset Management Limited CEO Elizabeth Irungu was awarded the Asset Management CEO of the Year at this year’s 4th Annual Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference.
The CXO of the Year Award celebrates excellence in IT leadership and innovation.
Absa Bank also emerged the overall winner of Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) inaugural Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFI) Catalyst Awards, also winning several other accolades for Promoting PWD Accessibility, being Best in Sustainable Finance and as the Most Innovative bank in 2024.
“Moses has transformed consumer banking with his strategic use of technology, redefining customer experience and driving digital innovation in financial services. His leadership is setting new standards in banking,” CIO Africa said while announcing Mr Muthui’s win at the CIO100 Awards.
Ms Elizabeth has successfully led Absa Asset Management Limited to become a prominent player in the asset management industry. She is passionate about financial literacy and often shares her insights on managing personal finances, especially during economic downturns, and is also a strong advocate for prudent financial management and the importance of saving before spending.
Absa Bank Kenya through its leadership has positioned itself as a leader and an industry expert in the banking sector.
