Diamond Bank Plc, Nigeria’s fastest growing retail bank, has appointed Dele Babade, an Advisor to Carlyle Group’s Sub-Saharan Africa Fund, to its Board of Directors. Babade, who will join as a Non-Executive Director, will replace Carlyle Group’s existing representative Genevieve Sangudi, who has served on the board since 2013.

Juliet Anammah, a retail and eCommerce specialist, and Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, a CSR and community expert, will also join Diamond Bank’s Board as Non-Executive Directors and will help develop the Board’s expertise and diversity.

Babade, who has almost 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, including as Chief Executive of Ecobank Capital, was appointed as an Advisor to Carlyle Group’s Sub-Saharan Africa team in March 2017. In this role, Babade advises Carlyle on investment opportunities and partnerships across the continent, as well as on existing portfolio investments.

Anammah comes from a consumer goods, sales and marketing background, and currently serves as the CEO of Jumia after more than a decade at Accenture. Muhammed-Oyebode’s expertise is in social responsibility and financial services, and she has been the CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation – which advocates democratic and human rights in Nigeria – since 2001. She is also the CEO of real estate investment and property management investor, Asset Management Group Ltd (AMG).

Commenting on the appointments, Dr. Chris Ogbechie, Chairman of Diamond Bank, said: “I am delighted that Dele will be joining Diamond Bank’s Board, as he brings with him a wealth of experience in the financial services sector and capital markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. His experience and expertise will help maintain our strong commitment to the highest governance standards and help support our continued success as Nigeria’s fastest growing retail bank.

“Juliet and Aisha are also welcome additions to the board, with each bringing unique skills. In particular, Juliet’s track record in eCommerce and technology will help us remain a leader in digital banking and underpins the commitment to our technology-led retail strategy. “Aisha’s deep understanding of social issues coupled with her business acumen, means she is superbly placed to support Diamond Bank’s efforts to make a positive contribution to Nigerian society by providing banking services to the underbanked and those unbanked altogether, particularly women and those in rural communities.

“On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Genevieve Sangudi for her hard work and dedication to Diamond Bank over the past 3 years. Her contribution has been hugely valuable. She leaves with our gratitude and very best wishes for the future.”

Commenting on his appointment, Dele Babade said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining Diamond Bank’s board and look forward to sharing my industry knowledge and expertise to best aid the bank’s continued success as it helps redefine Nigeria’s 21st century economy and what it is to be a bank. Diamond Bank has a great history, but I believe its focus on technology and innovation marks it out not only as an industry leader of today, but for the future too.”

All three appointments are effective from May 19, 2017.

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