Zenith Bank (Ghana) Ltd has announced the appointment of Mr. Charles Boakye Nimako as its new Board Chair, effective January 1, 2026.
The appointment marks a significant leadership transition at the top of one of Ghana’s leading financial institutions and signals continuity in the Bank’s governance and strategic direction.
Mr. Nimako succeeds Mrs. Freda Yahan Duplan, who has served as Board Chair since 2020. Her exit from the role follows the completion of the maximum six year tenure permitted under the Bank’s governance framework. Zenith Bank has described the transition as orderly and well planned, ensuring stability and sustained momentum in the Bank’s operations.
Duplan’s Six Years of Resilient Leadership
During her tenure, Mrs. Duplan played a pivotal role in steering Zenith Bank Ghana through a challenging and evolving banking environment. Her leadership coincided with periods of economic uncertainty, regulatory reforms, and rapid technological change within Ghana’s financial sector. Under her guidance, the Bank demonstrated resilience, strengthened its governance structures, and advanced innovation across its operations.
Although she steps down as Board Chair, Mrs. Duplan will continue to serve on the Board as an Independent Non Executive Director. This move allows Zenith Bank to retain her institutional knowledge and experience while creating room for new leadership at the chairmanship level.
Nimako’s Journey Within Zenith Bank
Mr. Nimako is no stranger to Zenith Bank Ghana. He has been a member of the Bank’s Board since 2023, serving as an Independent Non Executive Director. During this period, he also chaired the Risk and Cyber Security Committee, a role that placed him at the heart of the Bank’s oversight of operational risk, digital resilience, and emerging cyber threats.
His elevation to Board Chair reflects the confidence of the Board and management in his understanding of the Bank’s strategy, risk profile, and long term ambitions. The appointment is also expected to ensure a smooth transition, given his prior involvement in Board level decision making.
Extensive Corporate and Global Experience
Beyond Zenith Bank, Mr. Nimako brings a wealth of experience spanning corporate governance, financial services, and strategic leadership across multiple industries and geographies. He is currently the Director of Africa Initiatives for Safe Water Network, a United States based non governmental organisation focused on market driven community water solutions. Notably, he established the Safe Water Network Ghana office in May 2010.
Before his work in the development sector, Mr. Nimako built a distinguished corporate career within PepsiCo’s franchise operations across Africa. His previous roles include Chief Executive Officer of Beverage Investments Ghana Limited and SBC Beverages Ghana Limited, both PepsiCo franchise holders.
He also served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Ghana and Franchise Operations Manager covering Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. In addition, he worked as a Consultant and Project Director for AngoAlissar LDA, a new PepsiCo franchise in Luanda, Angola.
Background in Consulting and Accounting
Mr. Nimako’s professional background also includes global experience in management consulting and accounting. He previously worked as a Management Consultant with McKinsey and Company in Johannesburg and London. Earlier in his career, he served as a staff accountant with Coopers and Lybrand, now PwC, in Los Angeles, and later as an Audit Manager at Great Western Financial Corporation in Beverly Hills, California.
His academic and professional credentials further reinforce his governance profile. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and holds an MBA in Management from the Stanford Business School in California, United States.
In addition to his new role at Zenith Bank Ghana, Mr. Nimako currently serves as Board Chair of Unilever Ghana PLC, a position he assumed in November 2025. He also sits on the boards of Beverage Investments Ltd, a Pepsi Cola bottler, and Beverly Ranch Ghana Limited. These roles underscore his broad exposure to multinational operations, consumer markets, and board level leadership.
Management Welcomes the Appointment
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Ghana, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, described the appointment as timely and critical to the Bank’s next phase of growth.
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Nimako as our new Board Chair. Having already served on our Board, Mr. Nimako ‘s appointment ensures a smooth transition and strengthens continuity at the highest level of leadership. His proven track record of leadership across diverse industries, strategic insight and deep understanding of governance will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our position in Ghana’s banking sector. We look forward to working closely with him to drive innovation, enhance customer experience, and deliver sustainable growth.”
Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo
Nimako Signals Commitment to Excellence
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Nimako expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to the Bank’s vision.
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility and build upon the strong track record of disciplined execution and growth. Together with the Board and Executive Management, I look forward to advancing Zenith Bank’s vision of excellence, innovation, and customer centricity in Ghana’s financial landscape.”
Mr. Charles Boakye Nimako
As Zenith Bank ushers in this new chapter of leadership, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the Bank leverages Mr. Nimako’s diverse experience to consolidate its market position and pursue sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive banking environment.
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