The Board of Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) today announced Samuel Sakyi-Hyde as its acting CEO. He is expected to continue driving the bank’s growth strategy, as the process of executive succession is secured within regulatory and statutory guidelines.
Sakyi-Hyde is a leading Ghanaian banker with almost 3 decades of experience. His career track record includes periods at UniCredit Ghana Limited, where he served as the Chief Executive Officer. He has since 2019 served as General Manager-Consumer Banking, UMB, where he is recognised and acclaimed for bringing the bank’s Consumer Banking Division into the black for the first time in a decade.
Speaking on the appointment, George Smith Graham, Board Chairman-UMB said: “Sakyi-Hyde comes to the role as part of the succession protocol being deployed as Nana Dwemoh Benneh proceeds to retire from the bank. It is a testament to the robust governance framework we have in place, and it is anticipated that the growth strategy and trajectory we have in place will continue seamlessly”.
Samuel Sakyi-Hyde in his comments said: “I am humbled by the appointment and look forward to contributing to the bank’s 50-year heritage of positive impact in this market. Our brand is strong and the fundamentals of our business are healthy. #UMBUnited will continue to vigorously pursue our growth strategy of achieving dominance in SMEs, and prioritise a digital-led offering. Overall, I am glad to lead a team that has been committed to delivering a uniquely Ghanaian perspective to world-class banking since 1972”.
UMB is a leading indigenous bank, reputed for bringing a uniquely Ghanaian perspective to banking since 1972. Headquartered in Accra and licenced by the Bank of Ghana, the bank operates from 35 branches across Ghana. Its strategic aspiration is to become a digital-1st SME-focused bank. The bank has pioneered several innovations in this market – including the UMB SPEEDAPP, one of the best-performing agnostic banking apps in the sub-region.
UMB
Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) is a full-service financial institution specialising in customised banking products and services. UMB opened on March 15, 1972 and is a leading indigenous Ghanaian bank with considerable financial expertise. UMB is recognised for its entrepreneurial approach, innovative use of technology and distinctive banking solutions.
UMB currently has 35 branches, three UMB Centres for Businesses, one UMB PPP Incubator Centre and a vast network of ATMs. UMB is also ISO 27001- and PCI DSS-certified, and boasts a full suite of omnichannel solutions including the UMB SpeedApp agnostic mobile banking solution. UMB is active on key media platforms.
