Access Bank Kenya has announced the appointment of Ralph Chinedu Opara as its new Managing Director. The appointment took effect from September 8, 2025, following approval from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
Digital Banking News reports that Mr. Opara joins ABK from his role as Group Head of Access Bank Group’s Commercial Banking Division, where he expanded the unit into the Group’s largest commercial arm, boasting a balance sheet of more than US$1.2 billion and risk assets exceeding US$1.3 billion.
Opara is said to have built a reputation for driving growth, managing large-scale portfolios, and leading transformational initiatives across Africa.
A seasoned banker and director, Opara is a Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. He also holds advanced degrees in banking and international development, and has completed executive education programmes at Harvard, Wharton, IMD, and Cranfield.
At Access Bank, he spearheaded several high-level projects, including the Commercial Banking workstream for the Access-Diamond Bank integration and the international expansion of specialised desks in partnership with development finance institutions such as DEG (Germany) and FMO (Netherlands).
His leadership was instrumental in helping Access Bank meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s capital requirements ahead of other banks in 2024.
Commenting on the appointment, Access Bank Kenya Chairperson, Barbara Barungi said: “Mr. Opara is an Access Bank Group veteran and a seasoned banker who has demonstrated agility and efficiency throughout his career.”
She added: “I have every confidence that his operational experience and leadership capability, combined with the local management’s deep local knowledge, will drive the business to greater heights in Kenya and beyond.”
Mr. Opara succeeds Lillian Odhiambo, who has served as Acting Managing Director since 2024.
Odhiambo, a banking professional with strong experience in innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment initiatives, will continue as Executive Director, Wholesale Banking, to support the transition.
Barungi acknowledged Odhiambo’s contribution, saying: “We thank Lillian Odhiambo for her capable leadership. Since taking on this role in an acting capacity she has delivered on critical projects and initiatives for ABK.”
Mr. Opara’s appointment comes as Access Bank Kenya advances its merger process with the National Bank of Kenya (NBK). He will collaborate with both leadership teams to oversee the Integration Management Office (IMO), with a focus on building a stronger, regionally connected institution.
The merged entity is expected to combine local trust and heritage with pan-African scale, supporting inclusive growth, regional trade, and Kenya’s wider economic transformation.
