In a recent development, the Central Bank of Nigeria has announced the appointment of Hassan Imam as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Keystone Bank. The decision was made in the early hours of Thursday, as reported by The PUNCH.
Imam takes over the leadership of Keystone Bank from Olaniran Olayinka, who served as CEO since March 2020. The Central Bank dissolved the boards of Keystone Bank and two other banks on Wednesday, paving the way for these new appointments.
Bringing over 25 years of banking experience to his new role, Hassan Imam has a wealth of executive experience. Before his appointment as CEO, he served as the Executive Director for the North Region at Fidelity Bank since January 2020. In this capacity, Imam was responsible for overseeing Fidelity Bank’s commercial, SME, consumer, and public sector business in 19 Northern Nigerian states, including Abuja.
Imam’s banking career began in 1998 when he joined FSB International Bank, which later merged with Fidelity Bank in 2005. Throughout his tenure at Fidelity, he held various leadership positions in commercial banking, consumer banking, SME, and risk management.
Notably, Hassan Imam’s journey at Fidelity saw him rise from General Manager to a position on the Board of Directors, showcasing his dedication and expertise in the banking sector.
Apart from his practical experience, Imam holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and two master’s degrees, including an MBA. He is a certified accountant and has attended executive programs at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School and Wharton.
Imam’s professional affiliations include being a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration, an Associate Member of Chartered Public Accountants, an alumnus of Oxford University and Pan-Atlantic University, and a Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. This extensive background positions him well to steer Keystone Bank in its future endeavors.