Ikwudinma, who joined Ecobank in 2019, assumed the position of Group Chief Risk Officer in 2022. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the bank's comprehensive risk management framework and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements across its extensive network of operations. Over his six-year tenure with the Ecobank Group, Ikwudinma is credited with significantly strengthening risk governance and contributing to the overall stability of the financial institution.
In a formal statement released by the Company Secretary, Madibinet Cisse, Ecobank announced the interim leadership arrangement for the Group's Risk Management division. Ademola Awokoya, the current Chief Credit Officer for Corporate and Investment Banking, and Pankaj Talwar, the Chief Credit Officer for Consumer and Commercial Banking, will jointly manage the function as co-acting Heads. Both will report directly to the Group CEO, Jeremy Awori.
CEO Jeremy Awori Commends Ikwudinma's Leadership
Ecobank Group CEO, Jeremy Awori, expressed his appreciation for Ikwudinma's significant contributions to the organization. He lauded his dedication and expertise in the critical area of risk governance. "Chinedu has been a key member of Ecobank’s Leadership team, playing a crucial role in managing the Group’s risk governance. His contributions, hard work, and commitment helped the company navigate through significant macroeconomic challenges. We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors," Awori stated.
Ecobank has assured its stakeholders that a formal announcement regarding the appointment of Ikwudinma’s permanent successor will be made in due course, following the completion of the necessary selection process.
Ikwudinma's Extensive Background in Financial Risk Management
Prior to his tenure at Ecobank, Chinedu Ikwudinma held the position of Managing Director at Nova Merchant Bank in Nigeria from September 2017 to August 2018. His professional career spans over 26 years with the global financial institution Citigroup, where he held various senior management roles across Commercial Banking, Corporate & Investment Banking, and Risk Management divisions. His international experience also includes serving as Managing Director of Citibank Uganda and Head of Corporate Banking at Citibank Zambia, further solidifying his expertise in credit approvals and complex financial structuring.
Recognized as a seasoned risk management specialist, Ikwudinma possesses a broad and deep understanding of corporate finance, project finance, trade finance, derivatives structuring, and working capital solutions. Throughout his extensive career of over 25 years, he has provided critical risk assessment and credit approvals, playing a vital role in shaping financial strategies across diverse international markets.
Ikwudinma holds an MSc in Structural Engineering and an MBA from the prestigious University of Lagos, Nigeria, underscoring his strong foundation in both technical and financial disciplines. As Ecobank navigates this leadership transition within its risk management division, the institution has reiterated its unwavering commitment to maintaining robust risk governance practices and ensuring sustained financial resilience across its operations in the African continent and beyond.