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KARIUKI NGARI
MD & CEO, STANDARD CHARTERED KENYA
With over 30 years of banking experience, Kariuki Ngari stands out as a visionary leader in the finance industry. Appointed as Managing Director (MD) and CEO at Standard Chartered Kenya in 2019, he has been instrumental in leading the bank’s digital transformation, pushing it to the forefront of modern banking. In April 2024, his role was expanded to oversee the entire Africa franchise, based in Nairobi, reflecting his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.
Kariuki’s journey to becoming CEO is rooted in a disciplined upbringing. He was raised by a teacher and homemaker who instilled in him values of focus, commitment, and hard work. These early experiences, he notes, played a pivotal role in shaping his life and career path. After completing his education at Nairobi School and the University of Nairobi (UoN), where he earned a degree in Economics, Kariuki’s goal was clear: to differentiate himself from other candidates and make a mark in the banking world.
“I always wanted to be a banker,” he says, and upon graduation, Kariuki set out to ensure he stood out by offering value and commitment in his work. This mindset became a defining feature of his career, enabling him to climb the ranks over the years. His journey in the banking sector saw him take on key roles at Standard Chartered, including Global Head of Retail Distribution, based in Singapore, and Regional Head of Retail Clients, Africa. He also held senior positions at Barclays Kenya, now Absa Bank Kenya PLC, each of which provided him with valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
Kariuki’s leadership philosophy is rooted in continuous learning and driving change. “I did not intentionally set out to become a CEO,” he shares, “but rather focused on doing my job and ensuring that I continued to evolve by learning new skills and emerging trends.” His ability to interpret and anticipate the disruptive forces shaping the industry, particularly the transformative power of technology, has been one of the highlights of his career. “Today, a bank is no longer somewhere you go; it’s something you do – wherever you are.”
This keen understanding of the evolving banking landscape has allowed Kariuki to craft better solutions for clients, who he says deserve the very best from their Bank. His approach is not limited to financial services, but extends to his human-centric leadership style, where he places a strong emphasis on leadership through coaching. “The financial sector is about people – people lead people, who serve clients. Without strong empathetic leadership, there will be no business.”
Kariuki exemplifies transformational leadership by seamlessly integrating sustainability into Standard Chartered’s core business strategy, driven by his passion for social and community impact. In addition to stellar financial results in the first half of 2024, his commitment to sustainability reflects his belief that businesses must play a vital role in fostering positive change. Under his stewardship, the Bank has spearheaded impactful initiatives, such as Africa’s largest Sustainability Linked Loan for a leading telco in Kenya which advances climate solutions and sustainable economic growth, and the launch of the second Sustainability Progress Report in Kenya.
Under Kariuki’s leadership, the Bank employs a three-pronged strategy centred on business, operations, and community to reduce its carbon emissions through renewable energy initiatives, promote financial inclusion, and champion environmental conservation. This positions the Bank as a leader in sustainable finance across Africa, with commendable efforts in sustainability.
Notable initiatives include the SC Shilingi Fund, a micro-investment plan, and the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, which supports the ‘Futuremakers’ initiative – a global program aimed at tackling inequality and fostering greater economic inclusion. Additionally, the Women in Tech program, launched in 2017 in partnership with iBiz Africa and Strathmore University, provides equitable support for women in business, particularly in the technology sector. To date, 64 start-ups have participated in the Women in Tech program, with 32 receiving over KES 38.4 million in seed funding.
In addition to his role as CEO, Kariuki holds several board positions, including Non-Executive Director of Standard Chartered Uganda. He also sits on the Board of the UN Global Compact, where he continues to contribute to industry thought leadership.
Outside the boardroom, Kariuki cultivates a variety of personal interests that help him maintain balance and perspective. His passion for reading, particularly books that explore the human experience and identify future trends, is integral to his personal development. As the Patron of the Standard Chartered running club, he enjoys running and hiking, even mobilising 80 colleagues to join him for outdoor runs. Additionally, Kariuki is actively involved in community outreach programs, ensuring that the rapid advancements in technology and banking do not exclude vulnerable groups. “We must strive for a future where no one is left behind,” he emphasises.
Reflecting on his journey, Kariuki advises aspiring business leaders to focus on three key principles: consistency, clarity of vision, and personal discipline. “Be patient with yourself, your people, your journey, and trust the process,” he says. His emphasis on consistency echoes the words of Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” For Kariuki, the habit of excellence has been a cornerstone of his leadership and career success.
As he looks to the future, Kariuki remains committed to leading Standard Chartered in navigating the complexities of modern banking while staying true to the bank’s core values. His dedication to sustainability, digital transformation, and community engagement will continue to shape the bank’s legacy for years to come. In his own words, “Life is a marathon. Your consistency, hard work, and discipline will inevitably result in good dividends.”
AUTHOR: KAREN NDUKU
EDITOR: HANS ARDEN
