In the first week of October 2024, Absa Bank Kenya announced a new banking structure that will revolutionize personalized banking for the modern-day customer. Under the new structure, the bank has shifted from a product-driven model to a customer segments-led structure that is based on the individual needs of each consumer.

This new model categorizes customers into three main groups including NextGen consumers, Mass and Middle market consumers, and the Affluent Consumer segment. The new structure is being spearheaded by Absa Bank Kenya’s Moses Muthui and Seema Desouza, two top tier Absa managers serving under the leadership of the bank’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Abdi Mohamed.

“We have identified a gap in how entry and mid-level affluent consumers are served. Our goal is to strengthen relationships through personalized service and leadership in this space,” says Muthui. He is the Consumer Banking Director at Absa Bank Kenya.

On the other hand, Seema is the Affluent Banking Director at the bank. “Our focus is on understanding the unique financial goals and preferences of each client. This ensures that we provide services that address the distinct needs of every segment we serve,” says Seema.

A spot check by Bizna Kenya on the career profiles of Muthui and Seema shows that it is not by luck that they hold the mantle in this new banking structure. As we found out, the two have decorated track records. Take a look:

Moses Muthui 

Muthui was appointed as the Consumer Banking Director at Absa Bank Kenya in October 2023. In this role, he was tasked with being responsible for the sales and distribution, product propositions and segments, cards and payments, bancassurance, as well as asset management business. In addition, Muthui would continue to provide overall leadership in marketing.

Before his appointment to this role, Muthui had been serving the bank as the Chief Strategy Officer and Head of CIB Finance.

He came into this position with an expansive experience in professional banking in the areas of finance, strategy, investor relations, treasury, investment banking, marketing and corporate relations divisions. For nearly two decades, Muthui has worked in senior banking roles in Nairobi, London, Europe and New York.

Muthui holds a senior executive post graduate qualification from the Harvard Business School, an MBA from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, an Msc. in Finance from the London School of Economics, UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Mathematics from the Egerton University, Kenya.

He is also a qualified accountant with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants of the United Kingdom (ACCA, UK), Certified Public Accountant Kenya (CPA, K), and is a licensed investment banker (FINRA U.S.).

Away from banking, Muthui is a lover of the jazz music. He recently described it as his alter ego. “I love jazz music. It is my alter ego. Jazz music is timeless. Every now and then, I host a jazz radio show at a local radio station,” he said.

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Seema Desouza

Seema packs a rich resume with a banking experience spanning over twenty years. She started her position as Director of Affluent Banking at Absa Bank Kenya in March 2024. In this role, Seema is tasked with the responsibility of leading strategic efforts in building the prestige, premier and wealth businesses.

True to her vast experience in banking and finance, Seema describes herself as an experienced and versatile banker with a demonstrated history of leading diverse business segments. This rangers from retail, private, to corporate banking with a current focus on driving the customer experience strategy.

“I am skilled in operations, relationship management, customer experience management, leadership, change management, credit, and operational risk management,” she says.

Seema Desouza – Absa Bank Kenya Director Affluent Banking. PHOTO/BIZNAKENYA

Seema holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and International Finance from the City University Business School. She is also a graduate of Strathmore University’s Senior Management Leadership program, and in addition has a Master’s degree in International Business from the University of Melbourne. Seem also hold a distinction from INSEAD’s Strategy in the age of Digital Disruption.

Away from banking, Seema says that she is an entrepreneur. She owns and runs a beauty business in Nairobi. “In my spare time, I am a ‘beautyprenuer’. I run one of the best spa and wellness centers in Kenya known as the Beauty Quest Spa,” she says.

As a business leader in a high position, Seema does not shy away from sharing her experiences. She says that amidst it all, it is always okay to sometimes feel overwhelmed.

“It’s okay to not have it all figured out. If your brain feels like it’s running a multi-tab browser with 99 tabs open, you’re not alone,” she says. She shares that when she’s feeling overwhelmed, she copes by trying to stay connected with her friends, family, or colleagues.

“Sometimes, just sharing a laugh over the latest meme can make things feel a bit more manageable. I have started having deep conversations with my pets, plants, and sometimes even my coffee mug. A mini dance party in my living room with my mini-me, Mikayla, also works along with my daily 8 kilometre walk!” she says.

“In addition, I try to keep perspective by celebrating the small victories – like making it through a Teams call without accidentally unmuting myself while yelling at my dogs to HUSH. Remember, we’re all human, and we’re all in this together. Take care of yourselves, find the humor in the little things, and keep pushing forward.”