The new chief executive of AFG Holding will be expected to continue the strategy pursued in recent years, marked by acquisitions and a presence across multiple markets on the continent.

Mehanvais Karim Koné was appointed director general of Atlantic Financial Group (AFG) Holding, the financial arm of Atlantic Group, the company said after a board meeting on April 26.

He replaces Sionlé Seydou Yéo, who is retiring. Yéo has led the holding company since 2021 and will retain roles as chairman and board member in several subsidiaries.

Koné will lead a company operating in 15 countries across West, Central and East Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean region. AFG Holding is expanding through acquisitions, including the purchase of several subsidiaries from Nigeria’s Access Holdings, and further growth across the continent.

He is expected to continue the group’s strategy to “build a banking group rooted in African realities and focused on performance and operational efficiency,” the company said.

Koné previously served as deputy director general for the banking division at AFG Holding, overseeing commercial banking, investment banking and capital markets, and contributing to the group’s growth and profitability. He also led the banking division’s operations across multiple regions.

Earlier in his career, he worked at Ecobank Group, where he was regional treasury sales manager for the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), covering currencies, interest rate products and commodities. He also held roles in portfolio management and risk analysis, including at Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.

He holds an Executive MBA from HEC Paris and an executive certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Sandrine Gaingne