InstinctBusiness CEO of the Week:Abhinav Nehra, CEO/MD of CIB Kenya Limited

Abhinav Nehra stands at the forefront of financial innovation, bringing a wealth of expertise from a career spanning Africa, Europe, and Asia. Since taking the helm as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of CIB Kenya Limited, he has been instrumental in launching the group’s inaugural expansion beyond Egypt.

Under his guidance, CIB Kenya is rapidly establishing itself as a trailblazer in Nairobi’s financial sector, introducing cutting-edge solutions and setting new standards for pan-African growth. Nehra’s forward-thinking approach is redefining what’s possible for the continent’s financial landscape as CIB embarks on its ambitious journey across Africa.

Before CIB, Nehra served as Regional Managing Director for Network International, overseeing operations in Francophone and East Africa. Based in Abidjan and Nairobi, he drove business development and digital payment solutions, strengthening the company’s footprint in the region. His expertise in payments and executive management was instrumental in scaling operations across diverse markets.

Nehra has successfully led CIB Kenya’s stabilization and growth following its 2023 acquisition by Commercial International Bank (Egypt).IB Kenya rolled out innovative, client-focused financial products tailored to the Kenyan market. These include niche wealth management solutions and SME-focused propositions, leveraging trade corridors with Egypt to enhance financial inclusion and meet local market needs.

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Nehra co-founded and led FinnAfrica as CEO in Accra, Ghana, where he pioneered innovative financial services, focusing on payments and digital transformation. His earlier role as Group Director for Ecobank Transnational Incorporated in Lagos saw him manage retail and commercial banking across 34 African markets, overseeing a network of over 1,300 branches. His strategic oversight enhanced Ecobank’s dominance in trade, SMEs, and local corporates.

Nehra’s tenure at UBA Groupin Lagos included roles as Managing Director & CEO and Deputy Managing Director, where he established and scaled the consumer banking franchise, encompassing retail lending, insurance, cards, payments, mortgages, and microfinance. His global experience includes leadership positions at Ahli United Bank in Kuwait , Citifinancial UK, and Citifinancial India , where he served as Chief Operating Officer. Earlier, at Citibank India, he rose to Regional Director, driving lending product innovations.

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