Citi Business News has gathered outgoing CEO of Ecobank group, Albert Essien is likely to be appointed as the board chairman of Ecobank Ghana.
Vacant position
The board chairman position became vacant last month following the passing of the former chairman of the bank’s board Lionel Van Lare Dosoo.
[contextly_sidebar id=”q1Y2bRRhJGE0XVs9Ei6CY8GJh7YyOgxy”]Lare Dosoo who was the bank’s board chairman since 2010 reportedly died on Saturday 9th May,2015.
Mr. Lionel Van Lare Dosoo was the Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Ecobank Ghana Ltd from April 24, 2010 until his death and was also Deputy Governor of Bank of Ghana from 2000 to 2009.
Albert Essien to fill vacant position?
But persons familiar with the matter tell Citi Business News Albert Essien has been tipped to occupy the position.
Albert Essien a veteran banker has worked with Ecobank for over 20 years.
In March, 2014 he was appointed as group CEO of the bank and became the first Ghanaian in the history of the bank to hold that position.
His appointment followed the dismissal of Thierry Tanoh as CEO and brought to an end, a nine-month battle over allegations of mismanagement that shook confidence in the pan-African lender.
Prior to his appointment Albert Essien was the deputy chief executive of the bank and was in charge of the corporate and investment banking arm for more than 20 years.
But Mr Essien would have to give up the group CEO position because he is up for retirement in June, 2015.
Total exit?
Some industry players fear the veteran banker’s exit who has been in the banking industry for over thirty years, will create a huge vacuum in the banking industry.
But banking consultant and head of the Osei Tutu II Centre for Executive Education & Research, Nana Otuo Acheampong commenting on Mr Essien’s exit said he believes he will still play a key and active role in the banking sector.
He is up for retirement and he has to retire however that should not be out of the banking industry while as CEO you have to retire nothing stops him from moving to directorship.
I have the strongest indication that he may end up as board chairman for Ecobank Ghana.’ He told Citi Business News.
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By: Vivian Kai Lokko/citifmonline.com/Ghana