Absa Group has announced a series of senior executive leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its leadership capability and accelerating customer led growth following the finalisation of its refocused Group Pan African Strategy.
The appointments span Personal and Private Banking, Governance, Internal Audit and Compliance, and take effect from March and April 2026.
Sitoyo Lopokoiyit appointed Chief Executive Personal and Private Banking
Absa has appointed Sitoyo Lopokoiyit as Chief Executive Personal and Private Banking, effective 1 April 2026. The appointment is expected to support the bank’s focus on integrated, customer centric solutions and new growth opportunities across its retail and private banking franchise.
Lopokoiyit joins Absa from Safaricom, where he served as Managing Director of M-PESA Africa and Chief Financial Services Officer. During his tenure, he helped lead the strategy and expansion of Africa’s largest fintech platform, which serves more than 56 million customers and over 5 million businesses across the continent.
He has more than 12 years of fintech experience and played a key role in scaling M-PESA, leading innovations including the M-PESA Super App, Fuliza and partnerships with global platforms such as PayPal and AliPay. He also previously held roles including Head of M-PESA Strategy and Business Development and led operations in Tanzania.
His work in advancing financial inclusion earned him induction into the 11 FS Hall of Fame, recognising industry leaders who have significantly improved the financial services ecosystem.
Kenny Fihla, Group Chief Executive Officer of Absa Group, said: “This appointment demonstrates Absa’s strategic focus on delivering integrated, customer centric solutions across our Personal and Private Banking franchise while unlocking new growth opportunities.”
Governance leadership strengthened with new Group Chief Governance Officer
Prabashni Naidoo will transition into a newly reconstituted role as Group Chief Governance Officer from 1 March 2026. The expanded portfolio will combine Legal, Compliance and Group Secretariat functions.
Naidoo currently serves as Group Chief Internal Audit Executive and brings extensive experience across audit, risk, regulatory engagement and organisational assurance. Her appointment is expected to reinforce governance standards across the Group.
Rushdi Solomons promoted to Group Chief Internal Audit Officer
Rushdi Solomons has been promoted to Group Chief Internal Audit Officer, effective 1 March 2026. He currently serves as Managing Executive Compliance Strategy, Regulatory Relations and Governance.
Solomons previously served as Chief Operating Officer in Group Internal Audit after joining Absa in June 2020. Prior roles include Partner at Deloitte Risk Advisory, Acting Business Executive at the Auditor General of South Africa and positions at PwC in Advisory and Audit and Assurance.
Fatima Newman appointed Chief Compliance Officer
Fatima Newman has been appointed Chief Compliance Officer, effective 1 March 2026. She brings 28 years of experience across risk, compliance, governance and financial services.
Newman previously served as Chief Risk Officer at EOH Group Limited and held senior leadership roles at Absa, EasyHQ and MTN South Africa.
Leadership changes support future ready strategy
Commenting on the appointments, Fihla said: “These appointments reflect both the depth of talent within Absa and the strength of our succession planning, as well as our ambition to enhance our organisational resilience by bringing onboard expertise from outside the firm to close the gaps in key capability areas. We are building a future fit leadership team, deepening our bench strength, and ensuring the right capabilities are in place to deliver on our strategic ambitions. The appointments also bring significant depth of experience across legal, regulatory, assurance and control disciplines, supporting Absa’s commitment to a strong and resilient governance framework. I am confident that our newly appointed leaders will play a significant role in driving the Group forward.”
The leadership changes underline Absa’s focus on strengthening governance, accelerating innovation and delivering long term growth across its African markets.
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