#29
EDITH CHUMBA
MD, CONSUMER, PRIVATE AND BUSINESS BANKING, STANDARD CHARTERED BANK (SCB) KENYA
Vivaciously living through her mantra, ‘less is more’, Edith Chumba navigates the realm of banking with remarkable finesse. A true paragon of the industry, she effortlessly combines intellect and humility, as she serves as Managing Director (MD) of Consumer, Private, and Business Banking (CPBB) at Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) Kenya. In this role, Edith is responsible for overseeing operations in the country, as well as within the thriving markets of Uganda and Tanzania.
Before becoming a part of SCB, Edith built a notable career spanning two decades at Barclays Bank of Kenya (now Absa Bank Kenya). Throughout her tenure, she excelled in various senior roles within Retail Banking, holding positions such as Regional Manager and Head of Affluent Banking. This is where she honed her professionalism and integrity as a leader, truly earning her stripes in the banking industry.
Edith has been a driving force in the success of CPBB at SCB since assuming her role in 2019. One of her core strengths lies in her ability to inspire and empower her teams across the East African markets. She has a unique talent for motivating her colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment, and instilling a sense of purpose in their work. This approach has enabled her teams to deliver banking services and products that truly resonate with their clients’ needs and aspirations.
Edith is dedicated to delivering a first-class customer-centric experience, and actively seeks and incorporates customer feedback into key business decisions. Recognising the importance of staying competitive and relevant in the rapidly evolving financial landscape, she leverages customer insights to guide the development of innovative and tailored banking solutions, exceeding the expectations of the bank’s diverse clientele.
Under Edith’s visionary leadership, the CPBB divisions have experienced remarkable growth and success, consistently outperforming industry benchmarks. This exceptional leadership has earned the bank prestigious accolades, including the 2022 Best Trade Finance Provider in Kenya award, acknowledging SCB’s trade innovation and client-centric approach.
Edith’s ability to cultivate a customer-centric culture within the bank has led to enhanced customer loyalty, increased acquisition of new customers, and overall improved customer satisfaction.
Edith is a strong advocate for transformational leadership development, firmly believing in fostering diverse thinking styles within her team to recognise talent. Leading with a focus on equity and inclusion, she ensures her team is diverse, discerning their immense potential for future leadership. SCB has made significant investments in various learning programs to ensure the team acquires the skills needed in today’s rapidly changing landscape and beyond.
Edith pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Marketing at the University of Nairobi (UoN). Building upon her solid foundation, she sought to broaden her horizons and enhance her expertise by enrolling at the University of Sunderland in London, United Kingdom (UK), where she earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Commerce.
Edith then enrolled in the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), earning a Post Graduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing, becoming a Member of the revered UK institute.
Presently, Edith is immersed in her pursuit of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership and Governance from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), solidifying her commitment to advancing her academic qualifications.
Beyond her professional endeavours, she cherishes her role as a happily married mother of two children. She holds a deep passion for charitable activities, and finds joy in singing.
Edith’s career accomplishments can be attributed to the solid foundation provided by her close-knit family. Growing up, her mother, a primary school teacher, instilled in her a sense of discipline and steadfast determination. Her early education at a Catholic boarding school further shaped her into an independent and hardworking individual, qualities that are evident in her leadership style.
Edith wholeheartedly embraces a problem-solving culture in both her personal and professional spheres, showcasing her enthusiasm for finding innovative solutions.
