After receiving regulatory approvals for acquisition of the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has appointed its managing director of National Bank of Kenya (NBK) for the transitional 2-year period of its integration into KCB, subject to approval by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
He is to take over from Wilfred Musau who joined NBK in 2015 as the director of retail and premium banking before being appointed managing director in 2016. Previously holding the position of group regional businesses director and that of group human resources director at KCB Group from mid-2014 to late-2018, Mr Russo has also worked for Barclays Bank as head of human resources as well as K-Rep Bank Limited as the chief human resources officer. The new MD also had a stint at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) holding the role of head of human resources between 2007 and 2008. Prior to this, he also held a human resource position at Kenya Breweries Ltd between 2000 and 2003.
On education front, the Mang’u High Alumni holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administration from Moi University as well as a Master’s degree in Strategic Management from Strathmore Business School. The knowledge and experience he has acquired through the years will, perhaps, be helpful as he is expected to lead a transition team in the bank, which will report back to KCB Group CEO Joshua Oigara.
According to Mr Oigara, KCB targets to fully integrate NBK in 24 months from acquisition and during the period, a number of integration decisions including how to best structure NBK in order to more excellently deliver value to customers, will take place.
