Mr. Tayo Aderinokun, the Managing Director and CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc has emerged as the "African Banker of the Year," at the 2009 African Banker Awards held in Istanbul, Turkey, meant to recognise the continent's successes in banking.
This award comes on the heels of an earlier recognition this year as the "CEO of the Year" at the This Day Awards, a leading Newspaper in Nigeria.
The ceremony had in attendance, Africa's top bankers, Ministers of Finance, Governors of Central Banks and industry leaders. The nominees for this year's African Banker Awards came from Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya, Angola, South Africa, Togo, Ghana, Mali and Chad, representing North, South, East, West and Central Africa, making the awards truly pan-African outlook. Thirteen (13) other individuals and organisations also received awards at the ceremony.
The African Banker of the Year Award publicly distinguishes a business leader, who through a combination of leadership skills, incisive vision and strength of character, has advanced his organisation's strategic goals, both locally and abroad, contributed in changing the perceptions of Africa in global financial markets, demonstrated visible growth in terms of revenue, profit, capital and assets, developed and entered new markets, while bringing world-class practices to his institution.
Aderinokun co-founded GTBank nineteen years ago and was appointed MD and CEO in August 2002. Over the last 19 years, Guaranty Trust Bank, operating on a tradition built on professionalism, integrity and innovation, coupled with a visionary leadership and good corporate governance practices has remarkably spearheaded a positive spirit in Africa's banking industry, earning continental and international credibility for Africa in the process.
Guaranty Trust Bank plc is credited with the groundbreaking feat of being the first Nigerian Company and first sub-Saharan bank, to be listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.
The bank was recently adjudged the Best Bank in Nigeria at the 2009 Euromoney Awards for Excellence and Bank of the Year at the 2009 Lagos Enterprise Awards, LEAD.
Furthermore, in recognition of the bank's contributions to sustainable development and social responsibility, GTBank was also awarded the Most Socially Responsible Bank in Nigeria, at the 2009 Social Enterprise Report and Awards, SERA 2009.
Mr. Aderinokun, in his comments on the award, stated "this award is a celebration of every individual in the GTBank team."
"It is a clear reflection of the strength of our collective efforts in setting standards and exceeding them to remain the market leader and company of choice within our local and international environment," he stated.
Commenting also on the Award, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (Gambia) Ltd, Mr. Lekan Sanusi described Tayo Aderinokun as a business leader with an unwavering commitment in advancing his organisation's strategic goals.
According to him, he has contributed immensely to change the perceptions of African banks in global financial markets.
Mr. Aderinokun holds a first degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and an MBA, with special concentration in International Business from the Graduate School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, FCIB, and also a recipient of a national honour; Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR).
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