The announcement was made public on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, through an official notice addressed to GTCO shareholders, the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), and the general public, signed by the company’s Secretary, Erhi Obebeduo. The appointment has received formal approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In its statement, GTCO highlighted Mrs. Namias’ impressive career spanning over 25 years in retail banking, corporate banking, digital banking, and strategy consulting. A French national, she has held key positions in leading financial institutions across Europe, bringing a wealth of governance and operational expertise to the Nigerian banking sector.
“Mrs. Namias is a seasoned professional whose international banking experience and strategic insight will enhance the Board’s oversight and contribute to the company’s long-term objectives,” the company said.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Namias has held several prominent roles. She served on the Executive Board of Caisse d’Epargne Bretagne Pays de Loire (Groupe BPCE), overseeing the Retail and Corporate Banking Divisions, and was Director of BRED Espace (Digital Banking) at BRED Banque Populaire. Additionally, she advised on corporate finance matters at Deloitte & Touche.
Her academic background includes a Master of Science in Strategic Management from HEC, a Master of Laws in European Community Law from Universiteit Maastricht, and a degree from the prestigious Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po).
GTCO’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje, welcomed the appointment, noting the value Mrs. Namias’ experience will bring to the company. “Her extensive international banking experience, strategic expertise, and strong governance background will further strengthen the Board’s oversight and support the company’s strategic objectives,” he said.
The company underscored that this appointment reflects its ongoing commitment to corporate governance, board diversity, and adherence to global best practices.
Current GTCO Board Composition
- Mr. Suleiman Barau – Chairman
- Mr. Segun Agbaje – Group Chief Executive Officer
- Mrs. Catherine Echeozo – Non-Executive Director
- Mr. Babatunde Soyoye – Independent Non-Executive Director
- Mr. Adebanji Adeniyi – Executive Director
- Mrs. Marie Namias – Independent Non-Executive Director
This development follows GTCO’s recent strategic moves, including a December 2025 announcement that it had obtained approvals from the CBN and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to raise N10 billion through a private placement of ordinary shares. The company clarified that the capital raise was not in response to any shortfall at its subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), which had already exceeded the CBN’s minimum capital requirements for internationally authorised commercial banks. GTBank had earlier increased its capital base to N504.04 billion in August 2025, surpassing the regulatory threshold.
With Mrs. Namias joining the board, GTCO aims to reinforce governance standards and ensure continued strategic growth as it consolidates its position as a leading financial institution in Nigeria and beyond.