Zenith Bank celebrates outgoing MD/CEO

Daniel Asiedu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Ghana, is moving on to pursue other interests after almost seven years at the helm of affairs, over a decade with the brand in Ghana, and more than sixteen years with the Zenith Bank Group.

A seasoned Banker, Financial Specialist, Motivational Speaker, Business Coach and renowned Reverend Minister of the Gospel of Christ, Mr. Asiedu was the first Ghanaian employee of Zenith Bank Ghana when he joined as the Chief Operating Officer in 2005. By dint of hard work and incalculable sacrifices, he became Executive Director of the bank in July 2009 and was elevated six months later, in January 2010, to the top position of Managing Director/CEO.

Under his able and astute leadership, Zenith Bank has risen to become a model financial services institution that is at the cutting edge of innovation in the banking industry, with a record of consistently achieving rapid financial growth, setting the standard in excellent service delivery and leading the industry in honours and recognition.

Mr. Asiedu’s adroit management has brought the bank to its current position as Bank of the Year Ghana 2015 as adjudged by The Banker Magazine -- largely regarded as the Oscars of the banking industry -- for the second year running (first in 2014) and Leader in the Commercial Banks Sector Ranking, as well as being the 6th most prestigious organisation in the Ghana Club 100 Rankings for the year 2014.

Upon his assuming the bank’s role of Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Asiedu moved to accelerate growth of the business, increase accessibility and expand its economic impact. What followed were major innovations in product and service delivery, increased efficiency, new partnerships and greater financial support and engagement with the economy’s critical sectors.

Aided by a high-quality team of management and staff, he built on the legacy of a bank driven by its core values of Belief in God, Integrity and Keeping the Service Promise, with a thirst to lead its peers and satisfy all stakeholders, including its highly-cherished customers.

This reflected in the tremendous financial success recorded by the bank, and the numerous awards received under his leadership. Mr. Asiedu’s tenure saw a quintupling of the bank’s asset base to GH?3.1billion in 2014; tripling of customer deposits to GH?1.8billion; and 950 percent growth in profit before tax to GH?200million over the period. The number of the bank’s business locations also increased, from 19 in 2009 to 31 in 2015, with Zenith’s widely-deployed ATMs and Point-of-Sale terminals spreading their visibility across all corners of the country.

During his tenure, Zenith chalked up many successes and won numerous awards: including Best Banking Group in Ghana 2015 by World Finance; Best e-Commerce Bank, Best Customer Service Bank, and Best Corporate Bank Ghana, 2015 by the Global Banking & Finance Review; Most Cashless Bank,14th Banking Ghana Awards; Best Bank–Trade Finance, 14th Ghana Banking Awards; Sixth (6th) ranked company and No-1 in the Commercial Banking Sector, Ghana Club 100, 2014; Best Bank–Customer Care, 13th Ghana Banking Awards; Best Bank–Corporate Banking, 12th Ghana Banking Awards; Trade Finance Deal of the Year, 12th Ghana Banking Awards; and Most Socially Responsible Bank, 11th Ghana Banking Awards among others.

Mr. Asiedu also used his role as MD/CEO of the bank to advance the banking industry’s interests by providing thought-leadership on issues relevant to the sector. He has held the position of Treasurer of the Ghana Association of Bankers from 2010 to date, an attestation to his championing actions that enhance the contribution of banks to the economy.

Indeed, Daniel Asiedu continues to be an influential voice for the industry and is additionally one of Ghana’s most sought-after speakers, with an average of about 40 annual engagements which include high-profile assignments for both local and international organisations.

His motivational speeches have covered varied themes ranging from business strategy and change management, entrepreneurship and leadership, while his exemplary life as a leader and life coach coupled with his dedication and service excellence has earned him accolades such as Outstanding Role Model Award (2008 and 2009) and Exceptional Leadership Award (2008), both at Zenith Bank (Ghana) Limited. He is an honoured member of the International WHO’S WHO Historical Society of Professionals.

Mr. Asiedu’s devout love of the gospel and selflessness was brought to bear in his work, particularly in honouring the bank’s core values and maintaining a strong foundation of integrity, trust and ethical business conduct.

As he retires from the bank with grace, Zenith is proud of the strong legacy he has established and the glorious height to which he has taken the business and brand in his very successful time at the helm. His retirement takes effect at the end of this month.