Ecobank Kenya names Rebecca Mbithi as new Managing Director in major leadership transition
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 11– Ecobank Kenya Limited has officially announced the appointment of Mrs. Rebecca M. Mbithi as its new Managing Director effective 9 February 2026, the strategic leadership transition subject to regulatory approval by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) marks a significant milestone for the pan-African lender as it seeks to strengthen its market position and drive sustainable growth within the Kenyan financial sector.
Mrs Mbithi succeeds Mrs Josephine Anan-Ankomah, who has stepped down from the role of Managing Director to focus on her responsibilities as Regional Executive, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa (CESA), within Ecobank Group, in line with the Group’s leadership and strategic priorities.
Over 20 years Mrs Mbithi brings senior leadership experience, drawn from diverse industries, including the financial services sector, Prior to her appointment, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Family Bank Limited, where she led a multi-year turnaround and growth programme. She has also served as a Director on the Board of NCBA Kenya and previously as Vice Chairperson of the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA).
Additionally, Mrs Mbithi holds an MBA in Strategic Management from United States International University–Africa, a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from the University of Nairobi, is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and a Certified Public Secretary (CPS-K). Mrs Anan-Ankomah remains an executive of Ecobank Group and continues to oversee 17 markets across the CESA region, including Kenya.
The Ecobank Group has taken the strategic decision to sharpen leadership focus in both Kenya and the wider Central, Eastern and Southern Africa region, enabling the Bank to better serve clients, strengthen regional connectivity, accelerate performance, and unlock the next phase of growth.
Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jeremy Awori while commenting on the transition said Mrs Anan-Ankomah has provided strong leadership in Kenya while also driving improved performance across the CESA region.
“Mrs Mbithi continued focus at the regional level supports the Group’s strategy to enhance execution and oversight across key markets, We warmly welcome Mrs Mbithi in her new role and look forward to her contribution to growing our Kenyan Business”, said Awori.
Mr Yesse Oenga, Interim Chairman of the Board of Ecobank Kenya, while welcoming the appointment stated that the Board is confident that Mrs Mbithi possesses the requisite experience, leadership capability and professional standing to lead Ecobank Kenya and looks forward to working with her to continue strengthening the Bank’s performance and governance.
Speaking during a handover ceremony at the Ecobank Kenya Headquarters, Mrs Mbithi indicated that she was honoured by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Bank into its next phase of growth.
“I look forward to working closely with our staff, customers, regulators and partners to build a more resilient financial institution that contributes to the growth and development of Kenya’s economy.”
Further, the Board commended Mrs Anan-Ankomah for her service and contribution during her tenure as Managing Director of Ecobank Kenya, During the period, the Bank recorded improved financial performance, with Profit Before Tax increasing from KShs 132.9 million in 2022 to KShs 734 million in Q3 2025, supported by enhanced cost discipline and operational efficiency.
The Bank also achieved a strengthened capital position, following a successful recapitalisation exercise, As of September 2025 core capital stood at KShs 8.8 billion, placing Ecobank Kenya well ahead of the Central Bank of Kenya’s revised minimum capital requirements through 2028, while remaining fully compliant with all regulatory capital ratios.
“I am proud of the strong foundation we have laid together at Ecobank Kenya and grateful to the Board, management and staff for their commitment and support. I look forward toworking closely with Rebecca during the transition and to seeing the Bank build on this progress as it moves into its next phase of growth”, said Mrs Anan-Ankomah.
“The Board confirms that appropriate handover arrangements are in place to ensure continuity of operations and effective transition of responsibilities”.
