Kenya’s banking sector is experiencing notable growth attributed to thriving mobile money systems, rising virtual banking solutions, and substantial investments in technology infrastructure.
The Co-operative Bank of Kenya is among the lenders experiencing growth in assets, deposits, profitability and product offerings, amid challenges including global and domestic economic conditions.
In the first quarter of 2025, the bank reported a 5.3 growth in its net profit, which hit Sh6.93 billion, up from the Sh6.58 billion net profit reported in the same period last year.
The lender’s assets increased by 8.3 percent to stand at Sh774.07 billion, up from Sh714.6 billion last year.
With employee contribution and productivity being one of the determinants of a company’s revenue performance, Bizna Kenya has examined the Co-op Bank management team to unveil the faces steering the lender’s growth.
Below are the top professionals leading Co-op Bank’s growth, led by the Group CEO, Dr. Gideon Muriuki.
Dr. Gideon Muriuki- Group Managing Director & CEO
Mr. Muriuki is the Group Managing Director & CEO of Co-op Bank following his appointment in 2001.
Prior to his appointment, Muriuki, who joined Co-op Bank in 1996, had served the lender in various capacities, including as a Senior Corporate Manager and Director, Corporate and Institutional Banking.
He is credited with leading the bank from a massive loss of Sh2.3 billion in 2000 to a profit before tax of Sh34.8 billion in 2024.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and is a Fellow of the Kenya Institute of Bankers. He has over 36 years’ experience in banking and finance.
Samuel Birech -Director Human Resource Administration
Mr. Birech is the Director Human Resource Administration. He joined the bank in 2002 and has previously held various senior positions, including Chief Operating Officer and Director, Retail Banking for 8 years, where he presided over the transformation of the Retail and SME business at the Bank.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi and has attended various local and international courses.
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Caroline Karimi-Director Finance and Strategy
Ms. Caroline Karimi is the Director of Finance and Strategy. She joined the bank in 2012 and has overall group responsibility of Finance and strategy. Previously, she oversaw financial reporting and information management of the business.
She has a career spanning 20 years as a Finance professional and has worked in key corporates including Unilever, Safaricom, and Toyota East Africa.
She holds an MBA in strategic management, a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi, Certified Public Accountant and certified public secretary.
She is also a Certified productivity coach CEPC (ICF) and is graduate of Harvard Kennedy School leadership program. She is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
Charles Washika -Director ICT and Innovations Division
Mr. Washika is the Director of ICT and Innovations. He joined the bank in 2015 and is responsible for Cooperative Bank’s Strategic technological direction, championing the use of Information and communication Technology to meet the Bank’s Strategic objectives. He has managed the Implementation of Core Banking systems around Africa and Asia including Uganda, South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, India and Sri Lanka.
Mr. Washika holds a Bachelor of Education Degree, and is a member of the Project Management Institute.
Lydia Rono -Director Corporate and Institutional Banking Division
Ms. Rono is the Director Corporate and Institutional Banking Division. With over 30 years of experience in the banking sector, she has been instrumental in spearheading growth initiatives that have contributed to the Group’s business performance.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce & Business Administration and an MBA from the University of Nairobi,
William Ndumia: Director Retail and Business Banking
Mr. William Ndumia is the Director of Retail and Business Banking. He joined the bank in 2006 and is responsible for growing consumer banking, MSME business as well as optimal delivery of the expansive branch network and other bank channels.
He has previously held positions as Director Transformation, Director IT & Innovation, Director Operations, and Head Business Change Management. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Jacqueline Waithaka: Director Operations Division
Jacqueline Waithaka is the Director of Operations. Ms. Waithaka joined the Bank in 2005 and was appointed Head Corporate Banking in 2015 to oversee the growth of the Bank’s Corporate portfolio.
In February 2020, she was appointed Director, Corporate & Institutional Banking Division to drive business growth in this key segment of the Group.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She also holds a diploma in Banking; advanced diploma Credit Management by Omega of UK and Culhane of South Africa
Vincent Marangu: Director Cooperatives Banking Division
Vincent Marangu is the Director Co-operatives Banking Division and has served the lender for over two decades.
He joined the bank in 2003m bringing his experien in corporate finance, strategic planning, business planning, organizational development and business operations review.
He has consulted for co-operatives in Kenya and East Africa region and implemented many donor projects with international agencies. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business Studies and is a graduate of the School of African Microfinance.
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William Otieno: Director Credit Management Division
William Otieno is the Director Credit Management Division, a position he has held since 2023.
He started his career as a Credit Risk Analyst at Sidian Bank in 2010 before joining NCBA in various roles, including Assistant Credit Manager, Corporate Credit Analyst/Deputy RM, and eventually, as a Credit Risk Manager.
He has also served as a Credit Risk Manager and as a Senior Credit Risk Manager at Equity Bank Limited.
He holds a Master of Economics and Finance degree from Kenyatta University and an Advanced Diploma in Credit, with a focus on Commercial Lending, from Omega Performance Corporation (UK).
Arthur Muchangi: Director Special Projects
Mr. Arthur Muchangi is the Director Special Projects and is responsible for driving proactive Credit Management including supporting asset book growth, proactive NPL management and implementation of enhanced credit management frameworks.
He has previously held the role of Director Retail & Business Banking, Director Compliance and Chief Risk Officer whereby he was in charge of Retail & Business Banking growth and supporting the Group’s Compliance and Risk functions.
He has over 25 years banking experience, spanning extensively across corporate, retail banking, Risk and Compliance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and has attended a number of courses both locally and internationally. He is also a director of Kingdom Securities Ltd.
Andrew Wanjau- Director Transformation
Mr Wanjau is the Director Transformation at Co-op Bank and is responsible for the Co-operative Bank’s “Soaring Eagle” transformation in the Transformation Office, which provides leadership in delivery of the Bank’s Transformation initiatives.
He has extensive experience in Organizational change having worked with Big 4 Consultancy firms to deliver ICT Projects and Process reengineering. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering. He is also a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School Leadership programme, The Aga Khan University and is a Certified Engagement and Productivity Coach.
Samuel Kibugi-Company Secretary
Samuel Kibugi serves as the Co-op Bank secretary and is responsible for overall provision of legal counsel and company secretarial services, fraud prevention, and investigations.
Prior to joining Co-op Bank in 2008, he worked for a leading bank as a Legal Counsel. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a member of the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries, ICPS (K), and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Mutahe Karuoro -Treasurer
Mutahe Karuoro is the Co-op Bank Treasurer, responsible for the banks’ Treasury management and growth objectives.
She joined the bank in 2010 as the Head of Trading. She previously worked for Stanbic Bank for five years. She has held various leadership positions in the industry during her career, including President of ACI Financial markets Association of Kenya for 5 years.
She holds an MBA from Strathmore Business School and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Moi University. She is a certified dealer and a member of the financial markets Association of Kenya (ACI Kenya).
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James Kaburu-Chief Risk Officer
Mr. Kaburu is the Chief Risk Officer responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact the bank’s operations, financial stability, and reputation.
He has a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in Financial Management and Strategy in the Financial Services sector.
He holds a Master’s in Business Administration, Strategic Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Science (Accounting), both from the United States International University (USIU).
He also holds a Global Diploma in Engagement and Productivity Coaching from CDI-Africa Coaching Group Limited.
Joseph Gatuni-Chief Internal Auditor
Joseph Gatuni is the Chief Internal Auditor responsible for the Internal Audit function that evaluates the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes of the bank, its subsidiaries, and related companies.
He holds a bachelor of Commerce Degree, Certified Public Secretaries CPS (K),Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified public accountants CPA (K).
He is member of the Institute of Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Peter Njuguna-Chief Information Officer
Peter Njuguna is the Chief Information Officer, responsible for providing leadership in management and application of innovative systems in line with the bank’s strategic objective.
He has extensive experience in system development and project management and has successfully delivered a wide range of systems around Africa, Middle East and Asia. Prior to joining the bank, he worked with various Fintech companies where he advanced his technical and project management skills.
He holds a PhD in Business Administration (JKUAT), a Master of Business Administration (JKUAT), and a BSc. Computer Science (Egerton). He has also attended various technical courses, holds several certifications and is a member of Kenya Institute of Management.
Henry Karanja -Head Compliance Department
Mr. Karanja is an experienced professional in Risk, compliance and Anti-money Laundering.
He is the Co-op Bank’s Head Compliance Department and is responsible for the AML/CFT compliance function for the bank, its subsidiaries, and related companies.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Certified Public Accountant of Kenya CPA (K), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Public Secretary (CPS).
He has attended various AML/CFT training both locally and internationally. He is a member of the Institute of Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
