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John Gachora – Group Managing Director – NCBA Group.
I always worked hard in school and being recognized for it at the end of the semester. Nothing beat the pride I felt when I heard the headmaster call out my name to come and receive an award. “Best in English,” “Most Improved,” “Outstanding Performance” were a common feature of my journey through the 8-4-4 education system. I was a proud student, and such instances meant the world to me.
The competitive spirit continues to live within me. Today, it expresses itself in how I push myself to meet goals, seek out new challenges, and constantly try to do my best. What was previously driven by the joy of hearing my name called out to receive an award is now a more intense desire for growth, excellence, and making a meaningful impact in all that I do.
These days, the rewards don’t always come in certificates or public recognition, but in the satisfaction of a job well done, positive feedback from the individuals I work with, and the quiet pride of knowing I gave it my all. And quite honestly, that sensation is just as rewarding.
Recently, I came across the inspiring story of NCBA Group Managing Director, Mr. John Gachora. John grew up in the heart of Kiambu county, in the small village of Githunguri. He set his eyes on a bright future and dedicated his heart and time to pursue education excellence. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as when he joined Alliance High School, he got a sponsorship to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA.
After completing his Bachelor’s degree, he earned an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Before joining NCBA, he held several senior leadership positions at top-tier global financial institutions. He served as Managing Director at Bank of America Securities, followed by his role as Managing Director of Corporate and Investment Banking at Barclays Africa. In these capacities, he was instrumental in leading, structuring, and executing high-value, complex financial transactions across diverse markets, driving strategic growth and delivering impactful solutions for clients.
As the NCBA Group Managing Director, he has illustrated true leadership in the banking sector. Since the merger in 2020, he has steered NCBA in establishing itself as a brand known for digital innovation and customer satisfaction excellence. This strategy has enabled NCBA to focus on creating and serving customer-centric financial solutions across the regions in which it operates.
With almost 100 branches in Kenya, and more across East Africa including Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, NCBA continues to strengthen its presence in the region, delivering innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer experiences that drive economic growth and empower communities.
In recognition of his visionary leadership and exemplary contributions to the financial sector, InstinctBusiness Magazine has awarded John Gachora, Group Managing Director of NCBA Group, its CEO of the Week in appreciation of his contribution to making the bank thrive and shaping the future of banking in the region.
This honor follows a series of other accolades that he has received, including ranking among Top 100 Most Influential African Leaders in Business and Best Banking CEO in Kenya by Global Brands Magazine, for playing a central role in the development and transformation of NCBA.
NCBA itself has also won a number of industry awards while under his management, including:
· Best Bank in Digital Banking – courtesy of the Banking Awards Kenya,
· Best Regional Bank in the East Africa Banking Excellence Awards, and
· Best Customer Experience Bank at the Service Excellence Awards.
These awards not only attest to NCBA’s commitment to innovation and excellence, but also illustrate the impact of effective, visionary leadership in shaping the future of banking in Africa.
When speaking about his next five-year strategy to accelerate the Group’s success, John says that his focus is to provide NCBA customers with the best service they have ever experienced from any bank in the world. “It is my hope that NCBA customers will be able to have peace of mind knowing that their assets are well protected with us.” He says.
Congratulations are in order for Mr. John Gachora!
