Our Management
Meet the minds that make our bank what it is today.
John Gachora
Group Managing DirectorMr. Gachora has several years of experience in executive management positions at various global companies in Corporate and Investment Banking, Structuring and Financial Engineering, Commercial Banking and Financial services. He is a Director of several other companies and previously served as a Managing Director at Bank of America Securities and as Managing Director, Corporate and Investment Banking at Barclays Africa prior to joining the NCBA Group. Mr. Gachora holds Bachelor of Science and Masters in Engineering degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA and an MBA degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
David Abwoga
Group Director, FinanceMr. Abwoga has over 25 years regional experience in Audit, Operations and Finance, having worked for several years in various executive management positions at Citibank N.A., Marshalls (E.A.) Ltd. and Deloitte, the last three of which have been as Director, Finance and Strategy at NIC Bank. Mr. Abwoga holds a BA degree in Economics from Moi University and an MBA, Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, CPA (K) and Certified Public Secretary, CPS (K) in Kenya. He joined the Board on 21st March 2018.
Monicah Kihia
Group Director, Human Resources & CultureMrs. Kihia is the Group Director, Human Resources and Culture, and previously served as the Director, Human Resources at NIC. Mrs. Kihia holds an MBA (Strategic Management & Human Resources) from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Education (Mathematics & Economics) from Egerton University. She is also a Certified Executive Coach by the Academy of Executive Coaching – UK and a member of the Institute of Human Resources Management (IHRM). Prior to joining NCBA, she was the Deputy Head of HR for E.A. and Head of Learning & Development for Sub-Saharan Africa at Citi Bank, responsible for providing leadership in the human capital and organizational development functions. Prior to this, she held several senior positions in Africa within the Human Resources, Operations, and Customer Service functions of Citi Group. She joined NCBA in July 2014 and has over 20 years of experience as a Business Leader.
Tim Armitage
Group Director, Risk and ControlsTim brings on board over 19 years of Risk Management experience in regional and global roles in international banking (Investment, Corporate and Retail banks). His experience is in designing and implementing risk models, methodologies, policies and frameworks that enhance bank strategy. He has provided industry thought leadership on the country and sovereign risk, built specialist credit and risk functions as well as helped steer organizations through both growth and crisis. He has experience leading industry forums, regulatory engagement, ministerial and C-suite level advisory and due diligence missions. He is professional media trained with interviews and articles featured across TV, Radio and Print media including Bloomberg, BBC, CNBC, Reuters, Financial Times and Newsweek. Tim has served in a number of leadership roles in global companies. His most recent engagement was with ANZ Bank Ltd, Singapore, where he headed the Global Country Risk team, and Asia FI Risk team and deputized for the Singapore Chief Risk Officer (CRO). Prior to this, he worked with Nomura International Plc, London UK as Executive Director - Global Head of Country Risk. Morgan Stanley, London UK as Vice President - EMEA Country Risk. Tim has a Global Executive Masters of Business Administration from INSEAD, France, a Master of Science in International Economics from Suffolk University, Boston, USA and a Bachelor of Science joint honours in Economics & Geography from University of Wales Swansea, UK.
Kathryne Maundu
Group Company SecretaryKathryne is a governance expert and legal practitioner with over 19 years’ experience having previously worked with Bowmans – Stamford Corporate Services LLP and with Deloitte in the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, guiding local and multinational companies and their boards in discharging their statutory and corporate governance mandate. Prior to joining NCBA, she served as Company Secretary for four leading blue-chip companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Kathryne is a practicing Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a practicing Certified Public Secretary, a serving Council Member of the Institute of Certified Secretaries – Kenya, a member of the Women on Boards Network and an Independent Director on the Board of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya. She holds a Post Graduate Certificate in International Business Law from the University of London, Bachelor of Laws (LLB - Hons) from the University of Nairobi, and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law together with other certifications and accreditations.
Dennis Njau
Acting Group Director Retail BankingThroughout 2024, Dennis has demonstrated himself as a dynamic and driven leader, earning the respect of his peers. He brings extensive expertise in payments, network, and distribution to the role, complemented by his experience in credit risk and ecosystem management.
Raphael Agung
Group Director of Global MarketsRaphael has previously held the position of Head of Treasury - Kenya in one of our predecessor institutions, and until this appointment has been our Chief Economist. Global Markets will continue to be an important business for our Group, and we look forward to his leadership. Raphael’s appointment follows a successful interview process and no objection letter from our primary regulator, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)
Isaac Owilla
Group Director, Technology and OperationsMr. Isaac Owilla is an accomplished Banking Operations and Technology executive with over 20 years of experience. He is a holder of Bachelor of Commerce, Management Science Option from the University of Nairobi and an MBA in Information Technology Management from University of Leicester, UK. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and holds a Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (CMI Level 7– UK). At NCBA, Isaac leads a diverse team responsible for supporting Business goals, delivering exceptional Customer Experiences, and driving Operational efficiency through Technology and delivery of Transformational Projects. Prior to this, Isaac held senior roles at Citibank across Africa and the Middle East, spearheading initiatives such as payments modernization, core banking system implementation, and operational resilience. He is a strategic leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and operational excellence in the banking sector across multiple geographies. He has served as the Vice President Technology and Operations in Citi Kenya and also as Country Business Head for Technology and Operations in Uganda and Jordan. He has also served as a board member for Citibank Tanzania and has also worked in South Africa, United Kingdom and Cameroon. In addition, Isaac loves to lead and develop a diverse team of world-class technology and operations staff capable of supporting business goals, deliver first class client experience through quality and innovation while embracing technology efficiency and strong focus on a robust control environment.
Lennox Mugambi
Group Director, Asset Finance and Business SolutionsMr. Mugambi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree from Kenyatta University, an Executive Masters of Business Administration from Strathmore Business School, and Panafrican EMBA Module and Leadership, Innovation and Growth in Globalized World program from IESE Business School, the University of Navarra in Barcelona, Spain. He has 20 years of experience in Banking, having previously worked at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited, Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited, and later Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited as Head of Asset Finance before joining NCBA (then NIC Bank Limited) in October 2015 as Deputy Director, Asset Finance.
Louisa Wandabwa
Acting Group Director for Regional Business and Director of Group StrategyLouisa Wandabwa is the Director of Strategy & Chief of Staff at NCBA Group. In this role she is responsible for the Group Strategy, Corporate Development & Investor Relations functions at NCBA Group and is a member of the Group Executive Committee. Louisa is an accomplished executive with a proven 15+ year track record of driving transformative initiatives and catalyzing change for global organizations and in Africa. She has extensive experience in crafting and implementing high impact strategies, optimizing operations and fostering innovation to deliver outstanding shareholder value. She is uniquely skilled in her ability to navigate complex business landscapes through the combination of visionary thinking and tactical execution. Louisa has a solid general management foundation across strategic planning, innovation, finance, marketing, corporate development and risk management. She is a dedicated people first leader who is known for building high performing teams where every individuals potential is unlocked. Her skills and experiences were forged at Fortune 500 organizations including; Johnson & Johnson, CIT Group, PwC and American Express (all in the US). She has an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a B.S Business Administration from Newberry College (Summa Cum Laude).
Eric Muriuki Njagi
Group Director, Digital BusinessMr. Muriuki is the Group Director, Digital Business, and previously served as the General Manager of New Business Ventures at CBA Group since 2011. Mr. Muriuki has been a key member of the CBA Group team since 2007 when he joined as a Business Development Manager, a position he held up to 2009. He then served as the Head of Enterprise Programmes Management until he moved into his most recent role in 2011. Mr. Muriuki has extensive regional experience in the banking industry dating back to 1999. Prior to joining the CBA Group, Mr. Njagi was the Head of Business Change Management at the Co-operative Bank of Kenya. He also worked as a Business Systems Manager and an Information Technology Officer at Citibank N.A. He holds a BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Business Administration from Strathmore Business School. He is also a member of the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS), a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Tirus Mwithiga
Group Director, Corporate and Investment Banking AdvisoryMr. Tirus Mwithiga has over 30 years of experience in Retail Banking across business management, Wealth and Retail products management, sales management, channel management, and service delivery digitization. Tirus has served in an array of Retail Banking leadership roles locally, regionally, and internationally, initially with Barclays Bank and lastly with Standard Chartered. Tirus is a certified banker with professional training from The London Institute of Banking and Finance and holds a Chartered Banker MBA from Bangor Business School, Bangor University in Wales UK.
Pauline Ndote
Group Director, Credit Risk ManagementMs. Ndote is the Group Director, Credit Risk Management and previously served as the Group Head of Credit Risk Management at CBA. She has had the overall responsibility for the Group’s Credit Risk Management process, which includes lending, credit administration, portfolio management, and remedial management. Prior to joining CBA, Ms. Ndote worked with Housing Finance Company of Kenya as the Chief Risk Officer and Stanbic Bank as Head of Credit. She holds a Global Executive MBA from USIU Kenya, a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with double majors in Accounting and Business Administration & Management from Daystar University, and is an Associate of the Kenya Institute of Bankers.
Nelly Wainaina
Group Director, Marketing, Communication and CitizenshipMs Wainaina is the Group Director- Marketing, Communication and Citizenship with over 22 years of international marketing experience across multiple countries, where she has led a number of strategic marketing initiatives including consumer innovations and developing marketing campaigns. She has led notable business projects in Africa and grown market share plus brand equity for global brands. Nelly has served in diverse roles for multinational companies namely The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser and Mondelez.