Absa Group Limited today announced that its board of directors has appointed Kenny Fihla, a senior financial services executive with 20 years of experience, as its new Group CEO, effective June 17, 2025, subject to regulatory approval. 

“Kenny is a recognised leader with substantial Pan-African banking experience, has relationships across the banking and financial ecosystem, and a proven track record to drive results in complex environments.

"The Board is confident that his leadership will further enhance Absa’s positive momentum and our ability to deliver meaningful value to our clients and stakeholders,” said Absa Board Chairman, Sello Moloko.  

He will succeed Interim GCEO Charles Russon. 

Moloko added, “Charles has done an excellent job in leading the Group as interim GCEO over the past six months and will continue to do so until Kenny joins in June.  Charles demonstrated steady leadership, clear strategic focus and the ability to deliver results in a challenging operating environment. 

Charles Russon remains Interim Chief Executive Officer of Absa Group and Absa Bank until 16 June 2025. 

Charles will partner closely with Kenny to ensure a smooth leadership transition whereafter he will take a key senior role within the Group Executive Committee.” 

“I am honoured to join and lead a team dedicated to making a positive impact across the continent. I look forward to working with Absa’s talented teams to build on the Group’s foundation.

"Together, we will drive forward-thinking strategies that meet our clients’ needs, empower our communities, and ensure long-term growth and success for the Group,” said Fihla.  

Fihla’s appointment has been made following an extensive recruitment and selection process completed by the Board. 

About Kenny Fihla 

Kenny Fihla has nearly 20 years of experience in leadership roles in banking and before that, he was in senior roles in various capacities. 

Fihla joined Standard Bank Group in 2006 and was appointed to the CIB executive committee in 2007.

In 2008 he became the Head of Transactional Products and Services, and in 2012 he was appointed Executive and Head of Client Coverage, whereafter he was promoted to Deputy Chief Executive of CIB in November 2016 and Chief Executive Officer of CIB in May 2017, a role he held until August 2024.

In September 2024 Kenny was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank Group and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank South Africa.

As Deputy Chief Executive, Kenny was inter alia the accountable executive for Standard Bank’s subsidiaries outside of South Africa.