Standard Bank Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Standard Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and technology.

Driven by a commitment to connecting people and businesses to international markets, Standard Bank offers a full spectrum of banking and financial services, solidifying its position as Africa's largest banking group by assets.

Leadership Roles at Standard Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - David Harpur
  • Office the Chief Executive Officer - Tara Barron
  • Chief Financial Officer - Paul Thompson
  • Chief Financial Officer, Insurance & Asset Management (BU In Sbg) - Willa van den Berg
  • Chief Financial Officer, Innovation, Finance Future Ready Transformation & Corporate Functions - Yolinde Harper
  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Investment Banking, Standard Bank - Sizwe Mhlongo
  • Executive PA To Chief Operating Officer, CIB Global - Koni Ramabulana
  • Head Chief Operating Officer, Vaf Retail Enablement - Glenn Stead
  • Group Chief Operating Officer, Africa Investments At Standard Bank - Hannes Brits
  • Regional Chief Information Officer - Elijah Kibogo
  • David Harpur - Chief Executive Officer

    David Harpur, the Chief Executive Officer at Standard Bank, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for Africa's largest banking group. Harpur guides the institution's full spectrum of banking and related financial products and services, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to connect people and businesses to international markets. This leadership involves driving growth across diverse African economies and maintaining robust relationships with stakeholders. Overseeing global operations, David Harpur ensures the bank's strategic positioning in key financial hubs like Jersey, London, the Isle of Man, and Mauritius. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering innovation and adapting to evolving market dynamics to sustain Standard Bank's market leadership and financial strength. Harpur's strategic direction underpins the bank's commitment to delivering value and facilitating economic development across the continent.

    Tara Barron - Office the Chief Executive Officer

    Tara Barron, in the Office of the Chief Executive Officer at Standard Bank, provides critical support and strategic input to the CEO's office. Barron facilitates the execution of key initiatives and ensures seamless communication across executive functions. This role involves managing complex projects and driving operational efficiencies that directly support the bank's strategic objectives. Overseeing critical administrative and strategic functions, Tara Barron ensures the smooth operation of the CEO's agenda, contributing to Standard Bank's position as Africa's largest banking group. The focus remains on enhancing the bank's ability to connect people and businesses to international markets through effective governance and strategic planning. Barron's contributions are vital for maintaining the bank's robust offering of banking and financial products and services across its global presence.

    Paul Thompson - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Thompson, the Chief Financial Officer at Standard Bank, directs the financial strategy and fiscal operations of Africa's largest banking group. Thompson oversees all financial planning, reporting, and capital management activities, ensuring the institution's robust financial health and compliance with international standards. This leadership role is crucial for managing the bank's extensive portfolio of banking and financial products and services. Overseeing global financial activities, Paul Thompson ensures that Standard Bank's operations in key international markets, including Jersey, London, the Isle of Man, and Mauritius, are financially sound and strategically aligned. Thompson's expertise drives the bank's capacity to connect people and businesses to international markets by optimizing resource allocation and managing financial risks effectively. The Chief Financial Officer's stewardship ensures sustained profitability and shareholder value.

    Willa van den Berg - Chief Financial Officer, Insurance & Asset Management (BU In Sbg)

    Willa van den Berg, the Chief Financial Officer, Insurance & Asset Management (BU In Sbg) at Standard Bank, directs the financial strategy for the insurance and asset management divisions. Van den Berg manages financial planning, performance analysis, and capital allocation specifically for these key business units within Standard Bank Group. This specialized financial leadership ensures the profitability and growth of the insurance and asset management offerings, integral to the bank's full suite of financial products. Overseeing financial operations for these critical sectors, Willa van den Berg supports Standard Bank's broader mission of connecting clients to diverse investment and protection opportunities. Van den Berg's expertise is crucial for navigating the complexities of these markets and maximizing value for stakeholders. The Chief Financial Officer's focus is on driving financial excellence within these specialized business areas.

    Yolinde Harper - Chief Financial Officer, Innovation, Finance Future Ready Transformation & Corporate Functions

    Yolinde Harper, the Chief Financial Officer, Innovation, Finance Future Ready Transformation & Corporate Functions at Standard Bank, spearheads financial strategy for the bank's forward-looking initiatives. Harper manages the financial aspects of innovation, future-ready transformation programs, and essential corporate functions, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to drive progress. This role is critical for positioning Standard Bank at the forefront of financial services evolution. Overseeing financial planning for transformative projects, Yolinde Harper ensures that Standard Bank's investments in innovation and technology align with its strategic goals. Harper's financial acumen supports the bank's mission to connect people and businesses to international markets by enabling the development of next-generation financial products. The Chief Financial Officer's focus is on building a financially resilient and adaptable organization for the future.

    Sizwe Mhlongo - Group Chief Financial Officer, Investment Banking, Standard Bank

    Sizwe Mhlongo, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Investment Banking at Standard Bank, directs the financial strategy and performance for the investment banking arm. Mhlongo oversees financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation within this critical division, ensuring its profitability and strategic alignment with Standard Bank Group's objectives. This leadership role is key to managing the complex financial instruments and transactions characteristic of investment banking. Overseeing financial operations for investment banking, Sizwe Mhlongo ensures robust financial controls and drives initiatives that enhance the division's market position. Mhlongo's financial expertise supports Standard Bank's capacity to facilitate significant corporate transactions and connect businesses with capital markets globally. The Group Chief Financial Officer's focus is on maximizing financial returns and ensuring the stability of investment banking operations.

    Koni Ramabulana - Executive PA To Chief Operating Officer, CIB Global

    Koni Ramabulana, the Executive PA To Chief Operating Officer, CIB Global at Standard Bank, provides essential administrative and operational support to the CIB Global COO. Ramabulana manages critical communications, schedules, and project coordination, ensuring the efficient functioning of the CIB Global operations. This support is vital for the COO's oversight of Standard Bank's Corporate and Investment Banking division on a global scale. Facilitating executive decision-making, Koni Ramabulana ensures that key operational directives are executed effectively, contributing to Standard Bank's ability to serve corporate clients internationally. Ramabulana's role is instrumental in maintaining the operational tempo required for global banking services. The Executive PA's dedication ensures the smooth execution of strategies aimed at connecting businesses to international financial markets.

    Glenn Stead - Head Chief Operating Officer, Vaf Retail Enablement

    Glenn Stead, the Head Chief Operating Officer, Vaf Retail Enablement at Standard Bank, drives operational excellence within the Vehicle and Asset Finance retail sector. Stead oversees the strategic implementation of operational frameworks designed to enhance service delivery and efficiency for retail clients. This role is crucial for optimizing the customer journey and ensuring the seamless provision of finance solutions. Overseeing retail enablement operations, Glenn Stead ensures that Standard Bank's VAF division effectively supports its customer base through streamlined processes and innovative service models. Stead's leadership focuses on improving operational performance and driving growth in the competitive retail finance market. The Chief Operating Officer's mandate includes enhancing the bank's ability to provide accessible and efficient financial products to individual consumers.

    Hannes Brits - Group Chief Operating Officer, Africa Investments At Standard Bank

    Hannes Brits, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Africa Investments at Standard Bank, directs operational strategy and execution across the bank's investment activities throughout Africa. Brits oversees the management of operational infrastructure and processes that support Standard Bank's diverse investment portfolio across the continent. This leadership role is vital for ensuring efficient deployment of capital and effective management of investment-related risks. Overseeing operations for Africa Investments, Hannes Brits drives initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and support strategic growth objectives for Standard Bank's investment ventures. Brits's operational expertise ensures that Standard Bank can effectively connect businesses and investors to opportunities within African markets. The Group Chief Operating Officer's focus is on optimizing the operational framework to maximize the impact and returns of Africa Investments.

    Elijah Kibogo - Regional Chief Information Officer

    Elijah Kibogo, the Regional Chief Information Officer at Standard Bank, architects the technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives across the bank's African operations. Kibogo oversees the development and implementation of robust IT infrastructure and systems that support Standard Bank's comprehensive range of financial services. This role is pivotal in ensuring the bank's technological capabilities enable seamless connectivity for clients and businesses to international markets. Overseeing technology deployment, Elijah Kibogo drives innovation in digital banking solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. Kibogo's leadership ensures that Standard Bank maintains a competitive edge through advanced technological adoption, supporting its status as Africa's largest banking group. The Regional Chief Information Officer's focus is on leveraging technology to deliver secure, scalable, and user-friendly financial products and services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Standard Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Standard Bank?
    Standard Bank is led by David Harpur (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tara Barron (Office the Chief Executive Officer) and Paul Thompson (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Standard Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Standard Bank includes leaders such as David Harpur (Chief Executive Officer), Tara Barron (Office the Chief Executive Officer), Paul Thompson (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Standard Bank have?
    Standard Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Standard Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Standard Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Office the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Insurance & Asset Management (BU In Sbg), Chief Financial Officer, Innovation, Finance Future Ready Transformation & Corporate Functions.