Mercia Geises takes reigns as CEO of Standard Bank Group – End of an era for Mungunda
Vetumbuavi Mungunda will step down as Chief Executive of the Standard Bank Group effective, Friday 30 April, in accordance with the advance notice published in August 2020.
This advance notice has allowed for a well-planned, smooth transition process that resulted in the selection of Mercia Geises as the incoming Chief Executive effective 1 May.
Herbi Maier, Chairman of the Board, said “Vetumbuavi has been the Chief Executive for the last seven years and has provided outstanding leadership, strategic direction and a clear vision for the bank during a very difficult and challenging time which included, among others, a difficult economic environment, the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of the bank’s new core banking system.”
The bank benefited immensely from Vetumbuavi Mungunda’s championing of the bank’s modernization and repositioning as a digitally innovative and customer centric universal financial institution. Mungunda also successfully spearheaded the listing of the group on the Namibia Stock Exchange which broadened the bank’s shareholder base ensuring the inclusion of close to 2,000 employees as shareholders.
“The Buy-a-Brick Initiative which has so far built 600 across the country, and which was conceptualized and brought to life by Vetumbuavi Mungunda’s leadership, is one such programme that not only leaves a lasting impact but will be celebrated for years to come,” Maier added.
Vetumbuavi Mungunda said “I am deeply appreciative of the numerous learning and growth opportunities I was given to continue developing as a leader and to impact so many lives both within Standard Bank and the country at large. I am looking forward to new opportunities and challenges, and while these will be outside of Standard Bank, I will remain the bank’s most loyal advocate and supporter.”
Geises has for the past five years served as Head of Personal and Business Banking (PBB) and has deep experience and exposure in the financial industry and banking sector.
She is an admitted attorney, with a B. Juris (UNAM), LLB and LLM Mercantile Law (University of the Free State), and an MBA (University of Stellenbosch). Mercia Geises joined Standard Bank in 2016 and was previously Chief Executive Officer of Old Mutual Investment Group where she worked for 12 years.
As she takes over the helm, Geises will continue the transformation drive to turn Standard Bank into a strong, digital, future-ready business focused on creating value for clients and shareholders. Over the past five months, Geises has worked closely with Vetumbuavi Mungunda to ensure a smooth and seamless transfer of the leadership baton.
“Vetumbuavi is the bravest of hearts and I am privileged to have worked with him. After the transition period, I will be commissioning my solo flight on 01 May and I appreciate the confidence that the board has in me,” Mercia Geises said.
The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Standard Bank welcome Geises and commit to providing her the necessary support to achieve the bank’s strategic vision.
