Standard Bank Group has revealed significant leadership restructuring within its Africa Regions division, reinforcing its strategic focus on sustained growth and enhanced regional market penetration. The appointments leverage internal expertise and reflect the Group’s confidence in its established leadership pipeline. All changes take effect September 1, 2025.
Dr. Joshua Oigara has been named Regional Chief Executive (RCE) for East Africa, expanding his current role as Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Kenya, which he has held since December 2022. The dual appointment is pending regulatory approval and represents a consolidation of regional leadership under proven expertise.
Dr. Oigara brings extensive East African market knowledge, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of a major regional banking institution. His appointment signals Standard Bank’s intention to capitalize on his established relationships and deep understanding of regional dynamics to drive the Group’s ambitious expansion plans.
As a recognized industry innovator, Dr. Oigara has been at the forefront of digital transformation across East Africa’s financial services sector. His collaborative approach with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders has been instrumental in advancing financial inclusion through technology-driven solutions and progressive policy frameworks.
His leadership credentials include two terms as Chairman of the Kenya Bankers Association Governing Council, where he continues as a council member, advocating for enhanced banking sector stability, accessibility, and operational efficiency. Beyond industry contributions, Dr. Oigara has maintained advisory roles across national and regional platforms, overseeing critical socio-economic initiatives.
Notably, his tenure as Director of the Vision 2030 Delivery Board positioned him at the center of Kenya’s industrialization strategy, while his recognition by the Financial Times as one of Africa’s top 25 leaders underscores his reputation for transformational leadership and exceptional performance delivery.
Patrick Mweheire will conclude his five-year tenure as Regional Chief Executive for East Africa on August 31, 2025, while retaining his role as Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Kenya Holdings. Mweheire will remain a Senior Executive within Standard Bank Group, ensuring continuity of his extensive regional expertise and institutional knowledge.
Under Mweheire’s leadership, the East African franchise has achieved remarkable organic growth, emerging as the Group’s second most profitable regional operation. His strategic focus on inter-market collaboration and executive sponsorship of multinational and regional clients has significantly strengthened Standard Bank’s competitive position across the region.
The Bank extends immense gratitude to Patrick for his exemplary leadership in meticulously building an enviable and well-positioned franchise in our East African region. His contributions have been invaluable, and we look forward to his continued impact within the Group.
These leadership transitions reflect Standard Bank Group’s commitment to maintaining momentum in key African markets while positioning for accelerated growth through proven leadership and strategic continuity.