Standard Chartered Appoints Dalu Ajene as CEO for Africa Operations

Standard Chartered Bank has appointed Dalu Ajene as Chief Executive Officer for Africa Operations, expanding the responsibilities of one of its most experienced regional leaders as the bank sharpens its strategic focus across the continent.

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Ajene brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services to the role. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Nigeria, where he played a central role in strengthening the bank’s balance sheet and guiding the institution through a critical regulatory phase.

Under his leadership, Standard Chartered Nigeria successfully met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation requirement well ahead of the stipulated deadline. The achievement underscored the bank’s disciplined capital strategy and reinforced its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s financial system despite tightening regulatory conditions.

In his expanded continental role, Ajene will oversee strategic coverage across Standard Chartered’s African markets. His mandate is expected to focus on deepening client relationships, driving sustainable growth, and aligning regional operations with the group’s broader global priorities, particularly in corporate banking, trade finance, and investment flows into emerging markets.

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The appointment reflects Standard Chartered’s emphasis on continuity and institutional knowledge as it navigates evolving economic conditions across Africa. By elevating a leader with deep regional insight, the bank signals confidence in home-grown leadership to execute its Africa strategy.

Following Ajene’s transition, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria entered a leadership transition phase with the appointment of Ayodeji Adelagun as Acting Chief Executive Officer. Adelagun’s appointment ensures operational stability within the Nigerian unit while the bank continues to build on recent capital and performance milestones.

Together, the leadership changes highlight Standard Chartered’s deliberate approach to succession planning and governance, positioning the bank to maintain momentum across key African markets while reinforcing confidence among regulators, clients, and investors.