Zenith Bank Ghana appoints Charles Boakye Nimako as new board chairman

Zenith Bank (Ghana) Ltd has announced a leadership transition at the helm of its Board of Directors, with the appointment of Mr. Charles Boakye Nimako as its new Board Chairman, effective January 1, 2026.

Mr. Nimako succeeds Mrs. Freda Yahan Duplan, who has completed the maximum six-year tenure in the role after providing what the bank described as “outstanding leadership” since 2020. Under her stewardship, the bank navigated a period marked by resilience and innovation. Mrs. Duplan will remain on the board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

The newly appointed Chairman is not a newcomer to the bank’s governance structures. Mr. Nimako joined the Board of Zenith Bank Ghana in 2023 as an Independent Non-Executive Director and has chaired its Risk and Cyber Security Committee. He brings to the role extensive experience in corporate governance, financial services, and strategic leadership across multiple continents.

His professional background spans senior roles in major multinational corporations and global consulting. Prior to his directorship at Zenith, Mr. Nimako served as Chief Executive Officer of Beverage Investments Ghana Limited and SBC Beverages Ghana Limited, both franchise holders for PepsiCo. He also has a strong foundation in finance and audit, having worked with McKinsey & Company in Johannesburg and London, Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) in Los Angeles, and Great Western Financial Corporation in California.

Currently, Mr. Nimako serves as the Director of Africa Initiatives for Safe Water Network, a U.S.-based non-profit organization. He also holds the position of Board Chairman at Unilever Ghana PLC, a role he assumed in November 2025, and serves on the boards of Beverage Investments Ltd and Beverly Ranch Ghana Limited. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Commenting on the appointment, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Ghana, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, stated: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Nimako as our new Board Chair. His proven track record, strategic insight, and deep understanding of governance will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our position in Ghana’s banking sector.”

In his response, Mr. Nimako expressed honour at taking on the responsibility. “I look forward to advancing Zenith Bank’s vision of excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity in Ghana’s financial landscape,” he said.

The appointment signals a continuity of strategic direction for the bank, with a focus on driving innovation, enhancing customer experience, and ensuring sustainable growth under the new board leadership.