Ecobank boss to step down

Mr Ekpe leaves after seven and a half years with the group – the second time he has run Ecobank, which he previously led between1996 and 2001.
In a statement, Ecobank group chairman Mr Kolapo Lawson said: “Arnold is certainly one of the most important African businessmen of his generation.
“His integrity, intellect and leadership have been extraordinary, and his commitment to a uniquely African vision has been our driving force.
“Having led Ecobank from a small five-country operation to its current status as the leading pan-African Bank, he has worked closely with me and my board colleagues to identify a successor.”
The group announced that Mr Thierry Tanoh, currently International Finance Corporation vice president in charge of Africa, Latin America and Western Europe, had been appointed CEO-designate, and will take over from Mr Ekpe at the end of 2012.
Mr Tanoh will join Ecobank in July 2012 and will work alongside Mr Ekpe until the end of the year to ensure a smooth handover.
Mr Albert Essien, currently the group executive director responsible for the corporate bank, and Ms Evelyne Tall, the group chief operating officer, have been appointed deputy group chief executive officers with effect from January 1, 2012.
Mr Ekpe added: “My seven years with Ecobank have challenged and inspired me. I pay tribute to the team of successful and dedicated professionals who run Ecobank, and will retire satisfied with the journey we have made together. I believe they will go further to achieve our ambition of becoming the leading bank in Africa.
“I thank the chairman, Mr Kolapo, and members of the Ecobank board for their leadership and support which has been unwavering. And I thank all of the employees of the bank for the part each has played in the success story.”