Access Bank Kenya has confirmed the appointment of Ralph Opara as its new Country Managing Director, effective September 8, 2025, following formal approval by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
Opara steps into the role with over two decades of experience in commercial and investment banking across multiple African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda. His leadership is expected to accelerate Access Bank Kenya’s transformation agenda, deepen market penetration, and enhance customer experience in one of East Africa’s most competitive banking environments.
Ralph Opara: A Versatile Leader with Pan-African Banking Expertise
Ralph Opara is a highly motivated and versatile business development management partner known for his high execution standards and consistent performance across key financial, operational, risk, and compliance functions.
His career spans corporate finance, the public sector, and commercial banking within some of Africa’s most prestigious financial institutions. He currently oversees strategic international relationships through specialised desks serving Indian, Lebanese, German, Chinese, and Dutch clientele.
Opara has successfully led multiple high-impact business initiatives and consistently delivered across all key performance indicators. His core competencies include:
- Financial intermediation and international development
- Risk management and change agility
- Digital innovation and operational transformation
- Leadership and mentorship are grounded in strong work ethics
He is deeply committed to developing young leaders and advancing gender equality and inclusiveness in financial services. His executive education includes programs at Wharton Business School, Cranfield, IMD, and Harvard Business School.
Access Bank’s Regional Footprint and Vision 2025
Access Bank operates in 23 countries, with Kenya positioned as a strategic hub for East African growth. The bank’s focus areas include digital innovation, SME financing, and financial inclusion, all aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Under Opara’s leadership, Access Bank Kenya aims to expand its retail footprint, strengthen fintech partnerships, and scale youth- and women-focused financial products.
Barbara Barungi, chairperson of Access Bank Kenya’s Board of Directors:
“On behalf of the Board of ABK, I would like to welcome Ralph Opara into his new role. Mr. Opara is an Access Bank Group veteran and a seasoned banker who has demonstrated agility and efficiency throughout his career. 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.”
Barungi adds, “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. These include leading the team through numerous community impact projects as well as launching innovative projects in the market. We are immensely fortunate that she will remain within the business and that, together with Mr. Opara and the leadership team, she will steer the business forward.”
Opara commented:
“I am honoured to take up the role of Country Managing Director for Access Bank Kenya at this important moment in its trajectory in the market. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues—both at Access Bank and National Bank of Kenya—as we continue our efforts to deliver the world’s most respected African bank.”
