• Ecobank appoints Rebecca Mbithi CEO of Kenya unit

• She succeeds Josephine Anan-Ankomah, pending CBK approval

• Pre-tax profit rose to 734 million shillings by Q3 2025

Ecobank Group on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, formally announced the appointment of Rebecca M. Mbithi as chief executive officer of its Kenyan subsidiary.

She assumed her duties on Feb. 9, 2026, pending final approval from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Mbithi succeeds Josephine Anan-Ankomah, who will now focus on her responsibilities as regional executive for Central, Eastern and Southern Africa (CESA).

Mbithi's mandate is to continue Ecobank Kenya's growth in a market considered one of the most strategic in the East African sub-region and to consolidate the financial results recorded under her predecessor's tenure. "The Board is confident that Mrs Mbithi possesses the requisite experience, leadership capability, and professional standing to lead Ecobank Kenya, and looks forward to working with her to continue strengthening the Bank’s performance and governance," said Yesse Oenga, acting chairman of Ecobank Kenya's board of directors.

Mbithi brings more than 20 years of expertise in senior management positions in the financial services sector. Before joining Ecobank, she served as chief executive officer of Family Bank Limited, where she led a turnaround and growth program. She also served on the board of directors of NCBA Kenya and held the position of vice president of the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA). Academically, she holds an MBA in strategic management and a law degree.

The transition comes as Ecobank Kenya shows strong growth momentum, according to its data. The subsidiary's pre-tax profit rose from 132.9 million shillings ($1 million) in 2022 to 734 million in the third quarter of 2025. This increase was supported by better cost control and improved operational efficiency.

The bank has also strengthened its financial structure through a successful recapitalization, reporting core capital of 8.8 billion shillings in September 2025, a level exceeding regulatory requirements through 2028. The new chief executive officer will need to sustain this momentum.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has been present in Kenya since 2007. It now operates 16 branches, 16 automated teller machines and more than 100 Xpress Point outlets, employing more than 370 staff members. Across the continent, the group is established in 32 sub-Saharan African countries and serves more than 32 million customers through its various banking divisions.

SG