After the dissolution of the Boards and Management of Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has appointed Yetunde Oni as the new Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer of Union Bank plc.
Sidi-Ali Hakama, the acting director of Corporate Communication, announced Yetunde Oni’s appointment through a circular dated January 10, 2024, following the recent shakeup.
Last December, Titan Trust Bank’s chairman, Babatunde Lemo, faced questioning by Special CBN Investigator Jim Obazee regarding TTB’s acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (UBN). Titan Trust Bank swiftly issued a press release refuting the allegations.
Against this backdrop, Yetunde Oni’s arrival as the new Chief Executive Officer and MD of Union Bank introduces an element of uncertainty to the ongoing saga surrounding the acquisition. She succeeds Mudassir Amray, the former CEO.
Background
With a career spanning 25 years, Yetunde Oni takes the helm at Union Bank, known for her expertise in client solutions, team management, and talent development. Holding a degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan in 1991, Executive Training at Oxford University in 2016, and an MBA in Business Administration from Bangor University in 2020, Oni’s academic background is robust.
This appointment signals a significant development in Union Bank’s leadership, with Oni’s extensive experience expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s strategic direction.
Career and Experiences
Yetunde Oni’s journey began with Prime Merchant Bank Treasury & Money Markets Group, followed by an 11-year stint at Ecobank Nigeria as a Relationship Manager in the Institutional Banking Group. During this period, she played a crucial role in revalidating the bank’s strategy and overseeing its implementation.
Joining Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria in 2005, she progressed to become Managing Director and country Head of Commercial Banking in West Africa in 2014. Her strategic leadership focused on profitability, balance sheet optimization, and long-term client engagement.
Before her role at Union Bank, Oni served as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Standard Chartered Bank in Sierra Leone, starting in January 2021.
Yetunde Oni’s appointment heralds a new chapter for Union Bank, with her wealth of experience poised to steer the institution towards continued growth and success.
