Absa Group has unveiled a series of executive leadership changes designed to strengthen its position as a leading Pan-African financial services powerhouse.

The appointments, announced this week, mark a bold step toward driving growth, innovation, and customer-centricity across the Group’s diverse markets.

The sweeping leadership changes underscore Absa’s commitment to operational excellence and its ambition to scale impact across Africa’s fast-evolving financial landscape. With the new appointments, the Group seeks to deepen regional influence, build resilience, and maintain agility in meeting client needs.

One of the most notable appointments is that of Charles Russon, who will assume the role of Group Executive: Africa Regions, effective 1 September 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Until June 2025, Russon served as Interim Group Chief Executive, and prior to that, he was the Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking.

In his new capacity, Russon will be accountable for overseeing the Group’s operations across African regions, ensuring strategic alignment, financial discipline, and adherence to regulatory frameworks. His mandate also includes providing advisory support to business units while spearheading strategic planning and execution in support of the Group Chief Executive.

Absa commended Russon for his leadership during the transition to the new Group Chief Executive and praised his continued impact on the Group. He will remain a member of the Group Executive Committee and serve as a Prescribed Officer for both Absa Group Limited and Absa Bank Limited.

Zaid Moola Joins as New CIB Chief

Another strategic appointment is Zaid Moola, who will take up the role of Chief Executive: Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB). Subject to regulatory approval, Moola will officially join Absa on 1 December 2025 and assume full accountability as CIB Chief on 1 January 2026.

Moola brings a wealth of experience from Standard Bank, where he most recently served as Head of Global Markets. His prior roles included Deputy Head of Global Markets and Head of CIB South Africa. A Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) and a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme from INSEAD, Moola is also a FAIS-certified Authorised Representative and Key Individual.

As CIB Chief, he will focus on strengthening Absa’s investment banking franchise, expanding global market reach, and driving competitive advantage in corporate banking across the continent. His appointment signals Absa’s intent to deepen its corporate and investment banking footprint in line with global best practices.

Musa Motloung Strengthens Risk Oversight

In addition, Musa Motloung has been named Group Strategic Risk Officer, reporting to the Group Chief Risk Officer, Rajal Vaidya. His appointment is also subject to regulatory approval.

Motloung joins Absa from Standard Bank, where he served as Chief Risk Officer for the Corporate and Investment Bank. With an extensive background spanning finance, investment banking, and corporate strategy at major institutions including Barclays Africa, BHP Billiton, and Anglo American, he brings both depth and diversity of expertise to his new role.

A Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with advanced qualifications, including an MPhil in Corporate Strategy and a PhD, Motloung will be a critical voice on the Group Executive Committee. His focus will be on embedding robust risk management frameworks that safeguard long-term value creation and ensure sustainable growth.

Commenting on the appointments, Kenny Fihla, Absa Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed confidence in the fresh leadership lineup.

“Our ability to design and deliver as a client-centric Pan-African organisation—enabled by top talent—is critical to our success, and I’m excited to work with these colleagues moving forward.”
Kenny Fihla

Fihla emphasized that the changes reinforce Absa’s long-term strategy of building resilience, enhancing client experience, and positioning the Group as a leader in Africa’s financial services industry.

These executive changes arrive at a pivotal time for Absa, as the Group navigates intensifying competition, shifting customer demands, and a dynamic regulatory landscape. By consolidating leadership expertise, Absa aims to sharpen its competitive edge, accelerate digital innovation, and deliver inclusive financial solutions across its markets.