Stanchart poaches Barclays Ghana MD
His role as Chief Risk Officer for Africa is a new position, strengthening further the regional management team.
Over the past five years, the Bank’s franchises in Africa have delivered a compound annual growth rate of 15 per cent.
In 2012, the region generated income of US$1.6 billion, up 20 per cent, with operating profits up 28 per cent at $771 million.
Mr Dabrah’s experience in risk management spans his career, with his previous roles including Regional Credit Director for West Africa, Standard Bank and Country Credit Director, Kenya for Barclays and it is expected to have a positive impact on the operations of Stanchart as it strives to consolidate its foothold on the continent.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to join Standard Chartered in Africa. In recent years I have seen first-hand the Bank’s strengths, ambition and investment in the continent”, Mr Dabrah said.
He said he was attracted by Standard Chartered’s brand promise to be “Here for good” and I am looking forward to supporting the Bank in its major contribution to economic growth and social change in Africa.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanchart Africa Region, Ms Diana Layfield, said: “We are delighted that Ben is joining us; Standard Chartered continues to attract top talent to key positions in Africa.”
She said; “The strength of our business and brand allows us to hire and develop the best people in the market”.
Ms Layfield was confident that Mr Dabrah’s skills and expertise will bring immense value to the bank in Africa, “helping us maintain our strong growth and reputation as the leading international bank on the continent, connecting Africa to Asia and the Middle East.”
Meanwhile some of the employees of Barclays who spoke on grounds of anonymity have described the move by Mr Dabrah as the biggest poach by a banking institution in recent times.
“He was everything to us because he turned around the bank when all hopes were lost”, he said.
They wished Mr Dabrah well in his future endeavor and expressed the hope that his legacy will be a guiding path for his successor.
Story by Charles Benoni Okine