Absa Group appointed former Standard Bank executive Leon Barnard as Chief Executive of Business Banking for its pan-African operations.
The appointment takes effect June 1, 2026.
The move targets expanded support for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and commercial clients.
Absa views this sector as a core growth engine.
Barnard previously led Standard Bank Group's East Africa operations.
He also held multiple senior roles in personal and business banking.
The hire is one of several recent senior recruitments by Absa from competitor Standard Bank.
These hires aim to drive growth and competitiveness in key African markets.