InstinctBusiness CEO of the Week: Jeremy Awori, Group Chief Executive Officer at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI)

Jeremy Awori, Group Chief Executive Officer at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, has been honoured as InstinctBusiness CEO of the Week.

At the helm of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) as Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori is driving a new era of financial innovation and growth across the continent.Awori leads the Ecobank Group—a pan-African banking titan serving over 32 million customers across 33 countries—with a vision that blends strategic execution and transformative leadership.

Under his stewardship, Ecobank reported a record-breaking $658 million profit before tax in 2024, alongside a net revenue of $2.1 billion, cementing its status as a powerhouse in African finance.Awori’s journey to this pinnacle is marked by over two decades of trailblazing achievements in the banking sector.

Before joining Ecobank, he served as Managing Director and CEO of Absa Bank Kenya PLC (formerly Barclays Bank Kenya Ltd.). There, Awori managed a workforce of 4,000 across an 84-branch network, steering Absa to prominence as one of Kenya’s largest listed companies on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

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His oversight extended to subsidiaries like Absa Financial Services and Absa Life Assurance Ltd., where he also served as a Non-Executive Director, sharpening his expertise in wealth management and insurance across Africa.Earlier, Awori’s tenure at Standard Chartered Bank showcased his global acumen.

As CEO of Standard Chartered Tanzania, he revitalized its retail and commercial banking operations. His role as Regional Sales Director for Middle East, South Asia, and Africa saw him manage product sales across 23 countries, commanding a 10,000-strong sales force. In the UAE, he turned Standard Chartered into the most profitable foreign bank as Head of Consumer Banking, overseeing 1,000+ employees.

His career began to soar in East Africa, where, as Executive Board Director at Standard Chartered Kenya, he became the youngest board director in the bank’s history.

Today, Awori’s leadership at Ecobank is redefining African banking. From pioneering a $400 million Eurobond issuance on the London Stock Exchange to forging a landmark partnership with XTransfer to boost SME trade between China and Africa, his strategic foresight is undeniable. Add to that the enhanced ‘Ellevate by Ecobank’ initiative, empowering women-led businesses, and Awori’s legacy as a visionary leader is clear: he’s not just managing a bank—he’s shaping Africa’s financial future.

InstinctBusiness Magazine’s recognition celebrates top-performing executives globally, honouring exceptional leadership, innovation, and transformative impact across diverse industries.