Mr. Dhanji Hansraj Chandaria, also known as Dhanu, is the principal Founder of Fina Bank Limited now known as Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Limited. Mr. Chandaria is an eminent entrepreneur with over 50 years’ experience in business.
He serves as the Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Limited and has been the Chairman since 1996.
Mr. Dhanji successfully led the acquisition of the The Finance Institution of Africa, a non-banking finance institution and forerunner to Fina Bank in 1991. He later converted the institution into a fully-fledged commercial bank in 1996 . He went on to lead the acquisition of Fina Bank S.A Rwanda in 2004 and the setting up of Fina Bank Uganda Limited in 2008. The Fina Bank Group grew from a one branch in one country with an asset base of Kes. 60 million to 27 branches in three countries across East Africa with an asset base of Kes.20.7 billion.
Mr. Dhanji is also the founder and present Managing Director of Kenpoly Manufacturers Limited, a leading manufacturer of plastic based products in the Eastern Africa region with a turnover of Kes.1.6 billion (US$ 20 million).
Mr. Dhanji is also the founder and current Non-Executive Director of Budget Shoes Limited.
He is also a Director and Shareholder of Kantilal Emporium Limited, a company that details in the importation of leading clothing brands into the East African market. During his full time tenure at Kantilal, he converted the wholesaler and counter service store into one of the leading and popular quality clothing retailer in Nairobi’s Central Business District. He exited the day to day management of the business in 1991 to set up the plastics business. .
Mr Dhanji has 7 ‘O’Level Passes including 5 Credits & 1 Distinction from the Cambridge University Examination Board. He has attended various professional courses on Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate
Governance courses specifically on Responsibilities & Duties of Non-Executive Directors in Financial Services.
As the chairman, he leads and directs the Board of Directors in devising, implementing and monitoring strategy execution.
Mr. Veracruz Joined GTBank Kenya as the Managing Director, in August 2018.
Prior to joining GTBank Kenya, he was the Managing Director of GTBank Rwanda. Mr. Veracruz has over 19 years’ professional experience in the banking sector, which spans across diverse markets with extensive knowledge of several units of the Bank. He joined Guaranty Trust Bank plc (GTBank plc) in 1999 as an Executive Trainee and rose through the ranks to become a Group Head in GTBank Plc’s International Settlement Division. In 2013, he was appointed an Executive Director of GTBank Kenya and in 2014, was appointed the Managing Director of GTBank Rwanda.
He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacology degree from the University of Lagos, College of Medicine (2001), and a Master of Business Administration from University of Ado-Ekiti (2000). He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). He has attended a number of executive management and banking specific programs in leading educational institutions.
Mr. Veracruz possesses a deep understanding of the East African region’s business environment having strategically overseen the integration of GTBank into the East Africa market.
Mr. Agbaje is the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc. With over 19 years investment and international banking experience, Mr. Agbaje is involved in the general management of the bank’s day-to-day operations and has earned a reputation as a truly accomplished and highly respected professional within the West Africa sub-region, given his diverse experience in the financial services industry.
Prior to joining Guaranty Trust Bank plc, he worked with Ernst & Young, San Francisco, USA. He subsequently joined Guaranty Trust Bank as a pioneer staff in 1991 and rose through the ranks to become an Executive Director in January 2000, and Deputy Managing Director in August 2002, in light of his diverse background and experience in almost all areas of the bank’s activities including commercial banking, investment banking, treasury, corporate planning and strategy, settlements and operations.
Mr. Agbaje possesses a deep understanding of the Nigerian business environment having initiated and led the execution of large, innovative and complex transactions in financial advisory, structured and project finance, balance sheet restructuring and debt and equity capital raising in several sectors of the Nigerian economy notably Oil and Gas, Energy, Telecommunications, Financial Services and Manufacturing industries. In addition, he helped in developing the Interbank Derivatives market amongst dealers in the Nigerian banking industry and introduced the Balance Sheet Management Efficiency system
He was also very instrumental in putting together Guaranty Trust Bank’s landmark USD350million Eurobond offering in 2007 and later that year, the listing of its US$750 million Global Depository Receipts (GDR) in an unprecedented concurrent global offering in the domestic and international capital markets – which made Guaranty Trust Bank the first Nigerian company and first bank in Sub-Saharan Africa to be listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. In 2011, he further led GTBank to launch the first Sub-Saharan Africa financial sector benchmark Eurobond when the Bank launched its USD500million Eurobond without a sovereign guarantee or credit enhancement from any international financial institution.
Mr. Agbaje serves on the boards of several other notable companies including Guaranty Trust Bank (Ghana) Limited, Guaranty Trust Bank (Gambia) Limited, Guaranty Trust Bank (UK) Limited and also a Director on MasterCard Advisory Board Middle East and Africa.
He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School and holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco, USA.
Mr. Agbaje was appointed Acting Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc in April 2011, and as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer on June 22, 2011.
Mr. Hanish D. Chandaria served as an Executive Director of Business Support in the then Fina Bank Ltd until October 13, 2011. Mr. Chandaria has over 10 years’ experience in Finance, having started his career in investment banking at Societe Generale in London.
Mr. Chandaria holds Masters degree in International Business from Ecole Supérieure de commerce, Grenoble, France and BSc Economics and Mathematics from University of Bristol.
Mr. Chandaria also serves on the boards of Guaranty Trust Bank (Rwanda) Ltd and Guaranty Trust Bank (Uganda) Ltd.
Mr. Wandolo is a Non-Executive Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Limited with over 20 years banking experience. He sits on Board Human Resource, Board Audit and Board Credit Committees.
Mr. Wandolo worked for Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group for 23 years rising from the rank of Credit Management Trainee, Account Officer Corporate, KCB Group Account Manager Corporate, KCB Group Business Advisory Service Officer, KCB Group Advances/lending Officer, KCB Group Corporate Relationship Manager, KCB Group Unit Head, Corporate Banking, Divisional Director, Credit to KCB Group Divisional Director, Corporate before joining Aces Global Consulting Ltd as the Managing Partner.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) from the University of Nairobi. He has also attended several trainings in Leadership, Leasing, Practical Financial Analysis & Forecasting and Market Risk Management Training and Asset Liability Management Training.
Mr. Nalinkumar Shah is a Non-Executive Independent Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Limited.
Mr. Shah previously served as the Bank’s Company Secretary until November 2014. He has been in public practice for over 25 years providing auditing, accountancy and management consultancy services to various sectors.
He sits in Board Audit and Board Risk Management Committees.
Mr. Shah is the proprietor of Nalin Shah & Co., Certified Public Accountants. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA(K)), Certified Public Secretary (CPS(K)) and Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA), UK
Mr. Veracruz Joined GTBank Kenya as the Managing Director, in August 2018.
Prior to joining GTBank Kenya, he was the Managing Director of GTBank Rwanda. Mr. Veracruz has over 19 years’ professional experience in the banking sector, which spans across diverse markets with extensive knowledge of several units of the Bank. He joined Guaranty Trust Bank plc (GTBank plc) in 1999 as an Executive Trainee and rose through the ranks to become a Group Head in GTBank Plc’s International Settlement Division. In 2013, he was appointed an Executive Director of GTBank Kenya and in 2014, was appointed the Managing Director of GTBank Rwanda.
He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacology degree from the University of Lagos, College of Medicine (2001), and a Master of Business Administration from University of Ado-Ekiti (2000). He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). He has attended a number of executive management and banking specific programs in leading educational institutions.
Mr. Veracruz possesses a deep understanding of the East African region’s business environment having strategically overseen the integration of GTBank into the East Africa market.
Mr. Popoola joined Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Ltd in November 2020 as the Chief Operating Officer. He joined from GTBank Plc. where he most recently served as the Group Head of CIS Operations.
Mr. Popoola joined the Bank in May 2007 as the Deputy Manager, Foreign Operations and over the years, has held various positions in the Bank.
He brings a wealth of over 23 years’ professional experience in the banking sector, having started his career at Universal Trust Bank Plc where he worked for 4 years; he then joined Guardian Express Bank Plc where he worked for 4.5 years after which he joined Spring Bank Plc (now Heritage Bank Plc) where he worked for 1.5 years before joining Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
Ayodele holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the same institution. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
Angela is an experienced business leader with expertise in Strategy formulation and implementation, Organizational Change and Transformation, Financial Risk Management, Audit, Business Process Re-engineering and other oversight roles spanning across various industries and geographies. She has developed excellent senior leadership project and external stakeholder relationship management skills. Angela has excellent business analysis skills including the assessment of macroeconomic factors affecting businesses and is an expert in growing profitability. She is currently the Group Chief Financial Officer of the Bank, overseeing the Financial Control, Strategy and Administration functions.
Angela joined GTBank in Rwanda in October 2014 as the Head of Finance. She then relocated to Kenya in September 2015 to oversee the group function. Prior to joining GTBank, Angela worked at PwC, both in Kenya and in Rwanda (over a period of 5years) in the Assurance practice working with large businesses in the areas of Strategy, Controls and Processes to improve governance, manage risk and build trust.
Angela holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting from Strathmore University and is currently pursuing an MBA with Strategic Planning from Edinburgh Business School. She is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), a member of the Enterprise Risk Management Academy (ERMA) and holds a diploma in the Institute of Management Information Systems (IMIS).
Abi is a seasoned banker with over 42 years’ experience in the banking sector both locally and internationally. He is well versed in Treasury Management and Investments, specifically Foreign Exchange, Money Markets and Fixed Income Markets. Abi has an excellent track record in business development and is an icon for exceptional customer service.
Abi has been the Head, Commercial Banking Group at GTBank Kenya since January 2019. He joined the Bank in June 2009 as Head, Treasury. Prior to that, he was the General Manager, Treasury & Investments at Stanbic Bank and the Head of Treasury at Middle East Bank Kenya Ltd.
Abi’s banking experience is vast and has previously held senior leadership roles in the following banks outside Kenya:
Abi’s experience further spreads across several other banks in India and the Middle East.
Abi holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Madras University and is a member of the Society of Technical Analysts (UK).
Peter is a seasoned banker with 15 years’ experience in the financial services sector. His dedication to identifying and realising viable business opportunities has contributed greatly to the Bank’s profitability. He is synonymous with customer service excellence which in turn has enabled him sustain a significant customer base and generate respect and trust in the Bank, our products and our services. Peter has been the Head, Corporate Banking at GTBank since June 2019.
Peter joined GTBank as a Senior Relationship Manager, Corporate Banking and due to his stelar performance, quickly rose to head the division. Prior to that, he worked at Ecobank in various capacities within Commercial Banking, SME and Branch Operations.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Accounting Option from Maseno University.
Caroline has a wealth of banking experience gained over a period of 12 years in the industry. She is an inclusive leader who strives to have each of her team members contribute towards the overall success of the Bank. She is dynamic and progressive and above all upholds the highest levels of integrity, honesty, dedication and professional ethics. Caroline has been the Head, Treasury at the bank since February 2020.
Caroline joined GTBank Kenya, then Fina Bank, in May 2008 as a Finance Officer. In September 2014, she joined the Treasury division as a Liquidity Management Dealer and rose to the position of Assistant Manager, Manager and finally to that of the Head of the division.
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from Maseno University and a CPA III Qualification.
Michael is an all-round Information Technology professional with over 12 years’ extensive experience managing, advising and assisting multiple organisations across various industries in assessing, managing and delivering Information Security and Cybersecurity programs and initiatives. He is highly experienced in Information Technology and Security within the banking sector having consulted across several banks in Kenya and Rwanda. His hands-on experience troubleshooting information systems, providing quality assurance, IT support and in-depth knowledge of Information Security strategically positions him as a leader in Technology. Michael joined the Bank in December 2019 as an Information Systems Security Manager. In May 2020, he was appointed as the Bank’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and effective April 2021, he was appointed as the Head, Information Technology.
Prior to joining GTBank, Michael worked at PwC Rwanda and Kenya as a Consultant within in IT Risk Assurance. He joined PwC Kenya in 2010 as an Associate, IT Risk Assurance and rose through the ranks to Assistant Manager before transitioning into Consultancy within the same firm. Michael has also worked as a Technology Consultant at Fujitsu Virgin Media (Newport, UK) Limited and as a Systems Administrator at Page by Page Publications (K) Limited.
Michael holds an MSc Information Security and Computer Crime from the University of Glamorgan, UK and a BSc in Computer Studies from the University of Sunderland (UK). He is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and holds a Higher National Diploma in Computing (BTEC) as well as a diploma in Office Automation Diploma awarded by IMIS, UK.
Virginia is well versed in Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance. She has over 9 years internal audit experience gained in large organizations within various industries ranging from Oil & Gas to Logistics, Agriculture, Telecommunications and Health Services. In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing the review and implementation of the existing Risk Management framework and championing the integration of Risk Management into the strategy of the Bank. Virginia has been the Head, Risk and Compliance at GTBank since May 2020.
She joined GTBank in January 2016 as a Senior Officer in Systems & Control and was later promoted to the position of Assistant Manager. In January 2020, she was transferred to the Risk & Compliance division and thereafter appointed as the Head, Risk & Compliance. Prior to joining GTBank, Virginia worked in PwC as an Audit Associate and later a Senior Audit Associate.
Virginia holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and is currently pursuing a qualification in the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA).
Teddy is a highly skilled and resourceful professional with expertise in the fields of Finance, Strategy, Accounting, Audit and Risk Management. He has over 8 years’ experience in the financial services sector with a proven track record of value addition and effective risk management. He is also an IFRS and Tax expert with significant experience in the field of financial reporting as well as strategic decision making and monitoring. Teddy was appointed as the Head, Credit Risk Management in January 2021.
He joined GTBank in May 2017 as a Deputy Finance and Strategy Manager and was later promoted to the position of Finance and Strategy Manager in January 2019. Prior to joining GTBank, Teddy worked in Deloitte East Africa as an Audit Associate and was promoted to an Audit Senior.
Teddy holds an MSc in Finance from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Economics degree also from the University of Nairobi and he is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).