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Letshego appoints Kali as new CEO

Ester Kali, will now wear a bigger hat as she takes on the role of Letshego’s new CEO.

Ester Kali, will now wear a bigger hat as she takes on the role of Letshego’s new CEO.

Letshego Financial Services earlier this week announced the appointment of its Chief Executive Officer, Ester Kali. Kali joins Letshego Namibia having served a notable career at First National Bank (FNB) Namibia, were she first entered the workforce.

She joined FNB Namibia as an officer at the bank’s Ondangwa branch in 1987. In her 27 year career, Kali proved her leadership and development potential, as evidenced by her ascension through the bank’s business divisions, ultimately heading the Retail and Business Banking division at country level. Speaking to the Economist Kali said she is very excited about her new role, “I am excited despite having mixed feelings because it is a big role that comes with many challenges, but I am prepared to tackle those challenges and make this company even better than it is.” In addition to her significant contribution to the growth of the retail and business banking portfolio of FNB, Kali was also instrumental in setting up the Payment Association of Namibia (PAN), which is Namibia’s leading payment systems management body. She was then appointed founding chairperson of PAN from 2006 to 2008, during which time and beyond she represented PAN and FNB Namibia in crafting the Namibia National Payments System Vision 2015 document. Part of this strategy includes ensuring inter-operability of different payment system modes and the governance required by PAN to ensure Namibia’s financial systems enable deep and wide participation. She also serves on the board of National Social Marketing (NaSoMa) Programme, a company incorporated under Section 21 of the Namibia Companies Act, which is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The mandate of NaSoMa is to assist in public education as a preventative measure against HIV / AIDS. Kali holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from the Maastricht School of Business (Holland), and is also a Certified Associate of the Institute of Bankers, South Africa. In addition, Ester has completed the Leadership Development Programme with University of Stellenbosch. She takes over from acting chief executive officer, Nicolaas Esterhuyse, who has ably stood in till date, in addition to his existing role as chief financial officer.

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