The recent appointment of Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole (FCA) as Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc marks a pivotal moment for the institution. As he steps into this role following the retirement of Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, the banking industry is keenly observing whether he can sustain and accelerate the bank’s operational tempo.
Mr. Kolawole, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he earned a First-Class Honours Degree in Accounting, brings over three decades of experience in banking and financial services. His career journey has been defined by strategic leadership and financial acumen, making him a fitting choice to steer Unity Bank into its next phase of growth.
His professional trajectory began in 1992 at Caribbean Finance Limited, Kaduna, and later advanced at Ecobank, where he rose to Deputy Financial Controller. His expertise became more pronounced during his tenure at Standard Trust Bank (STB), where he played a crucial role in the bank’s merger with United Bank for Africa (UBA). Post-merger, he served as UBA’s Chief Financial Officer, solidifying his credentials as a financial strategist.
Kolawole’s impact extended to Mainstreet Bank as Group Chief Finance Officer, where he led transformation initiatives. His experience also spans the telecommunications sector, having worked with Globacom in corporate business development. Since joining Unity Bank in 2015 as Chief Financial Officer, he has been instrumental in the bank’s financial restructuring and strategic repositioning. In 2018, he was appointed Executive Director, overseeing Finance, Operations, and Information Technology.
Now, as Acting MD/CEO, he is expected to leverage his extensive expertise to maintain Unity Bank’s operational stability, drive corporate transformation, and execute strategic initiatives that will ensure the bank’s continued growth. The challenges ahead include strengthening the bank’s financial standing, navigating regulatory dynamics, and driving innovation in an increasingly competitive banking landscape.
His academic credentials, including executive education from Columbia Business School and The Wharton School, complement his practical experience. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and holds memberships in several other professional bodies.
The OAU community has expressed immense pride in his appointment, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire celebrating his success as a testament to the university’s legacy of producing leaders who shape industries.
As Mr. Kolawole assumes this leadership position, industry stakeholders and Unity Bank customers alike await his strategic direction. Can he sustain the momentum and drive Unity Bank towards greater heights? Time will tell.
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