Equity Group Holdings PLC has brought in six heavyweight thinkers from across the globe to join its Board of Directors, a move the bank says will inject fresh expertise into its leadership as it eyes new frontiers in financial innovation, governance and inclusive growth.

The appointments, made official during the group’s 21st Annual General Meeting on 25 June, mark one of the largest board renewals in Equity’s recent history.

A New Look Board, A Global Outlook

Among the appointees is Farida Khambata, a veteran investor with more than 30 years of experience in emerging markets. A former IFC executive and co-founder of Cartica Capital, she coined the term “Frontier Markets” in the early 1990s and has advised firms and institutions across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. She was once named among Euromoney’s Top 50 Women in Finance.

Also joining the board is Nick O’Donohoe, former CEO of British International Investment. A respected figure in impact investing, O’Donohoe previously helped lead the Global Impact Investing Network and co-founded Big Society Capital in the UK.

“We are privileged to welcome such a distinguished group of global leaders,” said Prof. Isaac Macharia, Chairperson of Equity Group. “They bring deep experience and insights that will support our mission to uplift communities across Africa.”

Other new directors include:

• Dr. Aloysius Uche Ordu, who has held senior roles at the World Bank and African Development Bank;

• Dr. Vijay Gidumal, an expert in insurance and former CEO of Equity Life Assurance Kenya;

• Dr. Lakshmi Shyam-Sunder, former Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at the World Bank Group;

• Eng. David Mutombo, a global infrastructure and energy expert with past leadership roles in Africa and Canada.

Farewell to Long-Serving Leaders

The announcement also marked the retirement of several directors who have shaped the Group’s strategy for years. Among them is Dr. Edward Odundo, who served on the board of Equity Life Assurance, and Mr. David Ansel, who brought financial insights to the bank’s growth strategy.

In a statement, the board expressed gratitude to the outgoing members, saying their vision and guidance had been instrumental in steering Equity’s expansion and social impact agenda.

Charting the Next Chapter

Equity’s latest appointments underscore its ambition to become not just Kenya’s largest bank by assets — but a continental force driven by thought leadership.

With new minds at the helm, the bank is expected to accelerate its investments in climate finance, social inclusion and digital transformation. Analysts believe this global-local mix may help Equity navigate the complex financial terrain in Africa while maintaining its people-first mission.

All appointments are subject to regulatory approval by the Capital Markets Authority and the Central Bank of Kenya.