- Fihla aims to drive growth and support communities
- He replaces Interim CEO Charles Russon
- Fihla has 20 years of banking experience
Absa Group Limited has announced the appointment of Kenny Fihla as the new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective June 17, 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Fihla is a senior financial services executive with 20 years of experience.
Absa’s Board Chairman, Sello Moloko, stated that Fihla is a well-established leader with significant Pan-African banking experience, a strong network in the financial ecosystem, and a proven ability to achieve results in complex settings. The Board is confident that Fihla’s leadership will further strengthen Absa’s growth and enhance value for clients and stakeholders.
Fihla will succeed Interim CEO Charles Russon, who has led the group successfully over the last six months. Russon will continue in his role until Fihla takes over in June and will assist in the transition. After June 2025, Russon will take on a senior role within the Group Executive Committee.
Fihla expressed excitement about joining Absa and leading the team to make a positive impact across Africa, focusing on forward-thinking strategies that address clients’ needs, empower communities, and ensure long-term success for the Group.
The Board’s decision follows an extensive recruitment process.
About Kenny Fihla
Fihla has nearly two decades of experience in banking leadership. He joined Standard Bank Group in 2006, becoming a member of the CIB executive committee in 2007. He held several key roles, including Head of Transactional Products and Services, Executive and Head of Client Coverage, Deputy CEO of CIB, and CEO of CIB from May 2017 to August 2024. In September 2024, he became Deputy CEO of Standard Bank Group and CEO of Standard Bank South Africa. He was responsible for the bank’s subsidiaries outside South Africa.
About Absa Group Limited
Absa Group Limited is a major African financial services provider listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. It offers a variety of services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth management, and insurance. Absa owns majority stakes in banks across several African countries and has operations in China, Namibia, Nigeria, and the United States.
