Yusuf Omari takes over as interim CEO at Absa Bank Kenya

post-title

Yusuf steps up following the resignation of Abdi Mohamed, who led the bank for three years.

Yusuf Omari has taken over as interim managing director and CEO of Absa Bank Kenya with effect from 1 July 2026, following the resignation of Abdi Mohamed.

This is his second time stepping up to lead the bank in a transitional period, having served as interim MD from November 2022 to August 2025 following the departure of Jeremy Awori.

His appointment is subject to regulatory approval, with the board announcing that it has begun the process of recruiting a substantive managing director and CEO.

Yusuf began his career at KPMG in September 1998 as a senior auditor, a role he held for over five years. During this period he also served as head of compliance at KPMG Kenya.

He joined Absa Bank Kenya (now Barclays Bank of Kenya)  in February 2004 and rose through the ranks to assume the position of CFO.

Yusuf is a director and member of ICPAK and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Kenya. He holds an MBA in strategy from Strathmore Business School and a degree from the University of Nairobi.

Related articles

The human advantage: AICPA & CIMA unpack AI's role in the future of finance

Alfred Ramosedi, FCMA, CGMA, president at The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and co-chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, who is based predominantly in Africa, and Tariro Mutizwa, FCMA, CGMA, vice president – Africa at CIMA, agree that AI will change what finance professionals do, but not who leads. They speak to CFO East Africa about the shifts changing the profession across the continent.

Top