Absa Group Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Absa has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, private wealth management, corporate coverage, risk management, finance operations, cloud technology, payment systems, financial reporting, and regional information technology.

Committed to delivering integrated financial solutions across the African continent, [[Absa]] drives economic growth through a comprehensive suite of personal, business, and investment banking services designed to empower clients and communities.

Leadership Roles at Absa Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Klaus-Dieter Kaempfer
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jeremy Rielly
  • Chief Financial Officer, Coverage - Beverley O'Connell
  • Chief Operating Officer, Absa Private & Wealth Banking - Kobus Erasmus
  • Interim Chief Risk Officer, Corporate Functions & Group Chief Operating Officer, Risk - Nobatembu Mcinga
  • Manager, Fm Academy Colleague Engagement Communication Young Talent & Chief Operating Officer, Finance - Vanessa Da Silva
  • Reporting Specialist & Chief Operating Officer, Finance - Sandile Ngcobo
  • Chief Technology Officer & Head of Platforms (Cloud) - Daleen Pretorius
  • Chief Information Officer & Head of Payments Technology - Sidwell Mokhemisa
  • Regional Chief Information Officer, Absa Operations - Muhammad Bhikhan
  • Klaus-Dieter Kaempfer - Chief Executive Officer

    Klaus-Dieter Kaempfer, the Chief Executive Officer at Absa, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire financial services group. Kaempfer architects long-term growth initiatives across personal, business, and corporate banking sectors to ensure market leadership throughout the African continent. By aligning the executive board with the core mission of delivering integrated financial products, the Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for operational excellence and client service. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of the competitive landscape to identify emerging opportunities in wealth management and insurance. Klaus-Dieter Kaempfer directly influences the organizational culture, fostering innovation and sustainable value creation for shareholders. Through consistent engagement with regional stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer secures the group's position as a premier financial institution. Ultimately, Kaempfer drives the strategic agenda that defines the future trajectory of the organization within the complex and evolving banking industry.

    Jeremy Rielly - Chief Financial Officer

    Jeremy Rielly, the Chief Financial Officer at Absa, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the diversified financial group. Rielly oversees the integrity of financial reporting, ensuring compliance with international standards while optimizing the balance sheet for maximum efficiency. By directing the capital planning process, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of investment banking and insurance services across diverse African markets. This role requires close collaboration with the board to mitigate financial risks and enhance shareholder returns through disciplined cost management. Jeremy Rielly monitors macroeconomic trends to adjust fiscal policies, thereby protecting the group against market volatility. The Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency in all financial disclosures, building trust with investors and regulatory bodies. Through precise analytical oversight, Rielly ensures the financial stability necessary for the group to continue delivering integrated banking products to a broad client base.

    Beverley O'Connell - Chief Financial Officer, Coverage

    Beverley O'Connell, the Chief Financial Officer, Coverage at Absa, manages the financial performance and resource allocation for the corporate and investment banking coverage teams. O'Connell directs the budgeting and forecasting processes that enable the group to serve large-scale enterprise clients effectively. By analyzing revenue streams from corporate banking activities, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for margin improvement and strategic investment. This role involves providing critical financial insights to the leadership team to support decision-making regarding market expansion and client acquisition. Beverley O'Connell ensures that the coverage division maintains strict adherence to financial controls while pursuing aggressive growth targets. The Chief Financial Officer facilitates alignment between financial objectives and the broader corporate strategy, ensuring that resources are deployed where they generate the highest impact. Through rigorous financial oversight, O'Connell secures the profitability of the corporate banking segment, contributing significantly to the overall financial health of the organization.

    Kobus Erasmus - Chief Operating Officer, Absa Private & Wealth Banking

    Kobus Erasmus, the Chief Operating Officer, Absa Private & Wealth Banking at Absa, directs the operational infrastructure supporting high-net-worth client services. Erasmus architects scalable processes that streamline wealth management and investment advisory workflows, ensuring seamless delivery of premium financial products. By overseeing the integration of digital tools within the private banking division, the Chief Operating Officer enhances client engagement and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to refine service delivery models across regional markets. Kobus Erasmus monitors performance metrics to identify bottlenecks, implementing solutions that improve the overall client experience. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational activities align with the group's commitment to excellence in wealth management. Through meticulous process optimization, Erasmus supports the growth of the private banking portfolio, reinforcing the reputation of the institution as a trusted partner for affluent individuals seeking sophisticated financial solutions.
    Kobus Erasmus

    Nobatembu Mcinga - Interim Chief Risk Officer, Corporate Functions & Group Chief Operating Officer, Risk

    Nobatembu Mcinga, the Interim Chief Risk Officer, Corporate Functions & Group Chief Operating Officer, Risk at Absa, directs the enterprise-wide risk management framework and operational risk protocols. Mcinga architects robust systems to identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational threats across all banking divisions. By overseeing the implementation of risk policies, the Interim Chief Risk Officer ensures that the group maintains compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting business growth. This leadership role involves coordinating with internal audit and compliance teams to foster a culture of risk awareness throughout the organization. Nobatembu Mcinga monitors emerging risks in the African financial landscape, adjusting strategies to protect the group's assets and reputation. The Interim Chief Risk Officer provides essential guidance to the board on risk appetite and mitigation tactics. Through proactive risk management, Mcinga ensures the resilience of the group's operations, enabling the delivery of secure and reliable financial services to all clients.

    Vanessa Da Silva - Manager, Fm Academy Colleague Engagement Communication Young Talent & Chief Operating Officer, Finance

    Vanessa Da Silva, the Manager, Fm Academy Colleague Engagement Communication Young Talent & Chief Operating Officer, Finance at Absa, directs the operational efficiency of the finance department while fostering talent development. Da Silva architects programs that enhance colleague engagement and communication, ensuring that the finance team remains aligned with the group's strategic goals. By overseeing the day-to-day operations of the finance function, the Chief Operating Officer, Finance improves process workflows and data accuracy. This leadership role involves mentoring young talent to build a pipeline of future financial leaders within the organization. Vanessa Da Silva coordinates with other departments to streamline financial reporting and resource management. The Chief Operating Officer, Finance monitors operational performance to ensure that the finance team provides high-quality support to the broader business. Through a focus on both operational excellence and human capital development, Da Silva strengthens the internal capabilities of the finance division, driving long-term organizational success.

    Sandile Ngcobo - Reporting Specialist & Chief Operating Officer, Finance

    Sandile Ngcobo, the Reporting Specialist & Chief Operating Officer, Finance at Absa, directs the financial reporting processes and operational workflows within the finance department. Ngcobo architects systems that ensure the accuracy and timeliness of financial data, supporting informed decision-making across the group. By overseeing the operational aspects of financial reporting, the Reporting Specialist & Chief Operating Officer, Finance enhances the efficiency of internal controls and compliance procedures. This leadership role involves collaborating with various business units to gather and analyze financial information for executive review. Sandile Ngcobo monitors reporting standards to ensure alignment with international financial regulations. The Reporting Specialist & Chief Operating Officer, Finance manages the integration of reporting tools to streamline data collection and analysis. Through meticulous attention to detail and process improvement, Ngcobo ensures that the finance department provides reliable and actionable insights, contributing to the overall financial transparency and strategic success of the organization.

    Daleen Pretorius - Chief Technology Officer & Head of Platforms (Cloud)

    Daleen Pretorius, the Chief Technology Officer & Head of Platforms (Cloud) at Absa, directs the technological evolution and cloud infrastructure strategy for the financial group. Pretorius architects scalable cloud platforms that support the delivery of digital banking services across diverse regional markets. By overseeing the migration to cloud-based systems, the Chief Technology Officer & Head of Platforms (Cloud) enhances the agility and security of the group's IT environment. This leadership role involves collaborating with engineering teams to implement cutting-edge solutions that improve system performance and reliability. Daleen Pretorius monitors technological trends to ensure that the group remains at the forefront of digital innovation in the banking sector. The Chief Technology Officer & Head of Platforms (Cloud) manages the integration of new platforms to support the group's commitment to providing seamless digital experiences. Through strategic technology investments, Pretorius drives the digital transformation necessary to maintain a competitive edge in the modern financial landscape.

    Sidwell Mokhemisa - Chief Information Officer & Head of Payments Technology

    Sidwell Mokhemisa, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Payments Technology at Absa, directs the information systems and payment processing infrastructure. Mokhemisa architects secure and efficient payment solutions that facilitate seamless transactions for personal and business banking clients. By overseeing the development of payment technologies, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Payments Technology ensures that the group meets the evolving demands of the digital economy. This leadership role involves managing complex IT projects that enhance the reliability and speed of payment services across the African continent. Sidwell Mokhemisa coordinates with cross-functional teams to integrate new payment features into the existing banking ecosystem. The Chief Information Officer & Head of Payments Technology monitors system performance to ensure high availability and security for all transaction processing. Through technological innovation in the payments space, Mokhemisa supports the group's mission to provide accessible and efficient financial services to a wide range of customers.

    Muhammad Bhikhan - Regional Chief Information Officer, Absa Operations

    Muhammad Bhikhan, the Regional Chief Information Officer, Absa Operations at Absa, directs the information technology strategy and operational support for regional banking activities. Bhikhan architects robust IT solutions that enable the smooth functioning of banking operations across diverse geographic territories. By overseeing the deployment of information systems, the Regional Chief Information Officer, Absa Operations ensures that regional teams have the tools necessary to deliver high-quality financial services. This leadership role involves managing IT infrastructure and support services to maintain operational continuity and security. Muhammad Bhikhan coordinates with local business leaders to align technology initiatives with regional market needs. The Regional Chief Information Officer, Absa Operations monitors system performance and implements upgrades to improve efficiency and user experience. Through effective management of regional IT operations, Bhikhan supports the group's commitment to providing reliable and accessible banking services, ensuring that technology serves as a key enabler for growth in every market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Absa Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Absa Group?
    Absa Group is led by Klaus-Dieter Kaempfer (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jeremy Rielly (Chief Financial Officer) and Beverley O'Connell (Chief Financial Officer, Coverage).
    Who is part of Absa Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Absa Group includes leaders such as Klaus-Dieter Kaempfer (Chief Executive Officer), Jeremy Rielly (Chief Financial Officer), Beverley O'Connell (Chief Financial Officer, Coverage) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Absa Group have?
    Absa Group has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Absa Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Absa Group includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Coverage, Chief Operating Officer, Absa Private & Wealth Banking, Interim Chief Risk Officer, Corporate Functions & Group Chief Operating Officer, Risk.