Kenny Fihla, Deputy Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group and Chief Executive of Standard Bank South Africa (SBSA), has resigned after 18 years with the banking giant.
His departure, announced last night, marks the end of a transformative era for the institution. Fihla will begin his garden leave on Monday, allowing Standard Bank to prepare for leadership transitions in the coming weeks.
A Legacy of Growth and Success
Fihla joined Standard Bank in 2006 as an executive in the Financial Asset Services division within Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB). Over the years, he played a pivotal role in expanding the bank’s operations, rising to Chief Executive of CIB in 2017.
Under his leadership:
CIB doubled its headline earnings to an impressive R20.5 billion
Achieved a compound annual growth rate of 8.6%
Strengthened Standard Bank’s local and global market position
His experience in business, government, and the labour movement made him a respected figure in the South African banking industry.
What’s Next for Standard Bank?
While Fihla’s resignation is a significant shift, Standard Bank remains confident in its deep succession pool.
“Though this is a heavy blow for us, the Group is blessed with a surfeit of talent and deep succession pools,” a Standard Bank spokesperson said.
The bank is expected to announce leadership updates in the coming weeks as it navigates this transition.
Looking Ahead
Fihla’s departure leaves a lasting impact on Standard Bank and the broader financial sector. His contributions set a high standard for banking excellence, and his next career move will be closely watched.
With leadership transitions on the horizon, Standard Bank is set to continue its trajectory of success—but Fihla’s influence will be felt long after his exit.
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