Geises taking the reins at SBN Holdings

SBN Holdings has appointed a new CEO to lead it into an “exciting new future following a well-planned and well-executed leadership management and succession programme”, the group says.
Jo-Mare Duddy Booysen
Staff Reporter - Mercia Geises, the head of personal and business banking at SBN Holdings, will take over as chief executive of the locally-listed group on 1 May 2021.

Geises, a born and bred Namibian, will succeed current chief executive Vetumbuavi Mungunda.

SBN Holdings Limited, listed on the Local Index of the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), is the holdings company of Standard Bank Namibia Limited.

“The board is excited at the appointment of Mercia to lead us into an exciting new future following a well-planned and well-executed leadership management and succession programme, which, inter alia, is a demonstration of Standard Bank’s relentless commitment to growing our people and creating Namibian leaders,” SBN Holdings chairperson, Herbert Maier, commented on Geises’ appointment.

He added: “The success of this leadership development programme is further reflected in the young, dynamic and diverse executive leadership team in charge of the group. We are proud that the leadership transition process has been smooth and in accordance with our plans.”

‘TRANSFORMED AND REPOSITIONED’

In her current role, Geises has been responsible for the retail banking franchise, the largest division in Standard Bank Namibia. This includes personal markets, the branch network and business banking with a headcount of over 1 000 employees.

“Mercia has transformed and repositioned our retail banking division to be future-ready and spear-headed the development of innovative initiatives and products such as PayPulse and BlueFuel,” says outgoing chief executive, Vetumbuavi Mungunda.

He continues: “I am proud to have worked with Mercia and I am confident that she is the right leader to take Standard Bank to the next level. I look forward to working with Mercia over the ensuing four months in a different role, the role of ensuring a smooth and seamless transfer of the leadership baton.”

‘UNIQUE CULTURE’

Geises will focus on creating value for clients and shareholders by continuing the transformation of Standard Bank Namibia into a strong, digitally focused financial solutions provider.

“We want to be the bank of opportunity, offering seamless services that let our clients get on with what is important to them. Whether you start a business, or save for the future, we will be there to help you grow,” she says.

Born and raised in the Otjozondjupa region, Geises is an experienced leader and an admitted attorney whose qualifications include a B. Juris (University of Namibia), LLB and LLM Mercantile law (University of the Free State), as well as an MBA (Stellenbosch University).

Before joining Standard Bank in 2016, Geises worked at Old Mutual for 12 years, rising to the position of chief executive officer of Old Mutual Investment Group (Namibia).

“It is an honour to succeed Vetumbuavi, who has been an extraordinary leader for Standard Bank and Namibia. Vetumbuavi has created a unique culture within Standard Bank that has enabled the team to be empowered and to innovate with purpose,” says Geises.

“I am proud and delighted to serve as the next chief executive and grateful to the leaders that found and nurtured me throughout my professional journey, and to the board of directors for its trust,” she concludes.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-25

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