Absa Group Limited has announced the appointment of Kenny Fihla as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 17 June 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
Fihla, a seasoned financial services executive with nearly 20 years of experience, will succeed interim GCEO Charles Russon, who has led the Group for the past six months.
Announcing the appointment, Absa Board Chairman Sello Moloko expressed confidence in Fihla’s ability to steer the bank forward.
“Kenny is a recognised leader with substantial Pan-African banking experience, has relationships across the banking and financial ecosystem, and a proven track record to drive results in complex environments.”
Sello Moloko
Moloko further commended Charles Russon for his leadership during the transition period.
“Charles has done an excellent job in leading the Group as interim GCEO over the past six months and will continue to do so until Kenny joins in June. Charles demonstrated steady leadership, clear strategic focus and the ability to deliver results in a challenging operating environment.”
Sello Moloko
Until Fihla officially assumes his role, Russon will remain as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Absa Group and Absa Bank until 16 June 2025. Afterward, he will transition into a senior role within the Group Executive Committee, ensuring a seamless handover of responsibilities.
Fihla’s Vision for Absa Group
Following his appointment, Fihla expressed enthusiasm about leading the financial services giant.
“I am honoured to join and lead a team dedicated to making a positive impact across the continent. I look forward to working with Absa’s talented teams to build on the Group’s foundation. Together, we will drive forward-thinking strategies that meet our clients’ needs, empower our communities, and ensure long-term growth and success for the Group.”
Kenny Fihla
Fihla’s appointment followed a rigorous recruitment and selection process led by the Board, emphasizing the importance of finding a leader who aligns with Absa’s strategic direction and values.
Kenny Fihla’s Banking Career
Fihla brings with him a wealth of experience in the banking sector. He joined Standard Bank Group in 2006 and was appointed to the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) executive committee in 2007.
In 2008, he assumed the role of Head of Transactional Products and Services, and by 2012, he was appointed Executive and Head of Client Coverage. His rise continued when he was promoted to Deputy Chief Executive of CIB in November 2016 and later to Chief Executive Officer of CIB in May 2017, a position he held until August 2024.
In September 2024, Fihla took on a dual role as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank Group and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank South Africa. As Deputy Chief Executive, he was responsible for overseeing Standard Bank’s subsidiaries outside of South Africa, demonstrating his ability to lead across diverse financial markets.
Absa Group Limited is a leading diversified financial services provider listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The Group offers a wide range of services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management, and insurance.
With a strong presence across the African continent, Absa holds majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda, and Zambia. Additionally, the Group operates insurance businesses in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia.
Beyond Africa, Absa maintains representative offices in China, Namibia, Nigeria, and the United States. It also operates securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States and has a technology support team based in the Czech Republic.
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