Sidian Bank has named John Okulo as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
According to a notice issued on Thursday, March 27, Okulo’s appointment will take effect on May 1, 2026, pending regulatory approval.
The bank described Okulo as a seasoned banking executive with over 28 years of experience in leading both regional and international financial institutions.
Sidian Bank Names John Okulo as New Managing Director and CEO. Photo: Courtesy.
He brings extensive expertise in corporate banking, trade finance, strategy execution, risk management, and regional business leadership, with a proven track record in driving sustainable growth and building high-performing teams.
The Sidian Bank Board expressed strong confidence in John Okulo’s ability to lead the bank into its next phase of growth and transformation.
Okulo currently serves as Director of Corporate Banking at KCB Bank Kenya, managing one of the largest corporate banking portfolios in East Africa, with oversight of strategic client relationships, financial performance, and risk management.
He previously held senior leadership roles including Group Director of Corporate Banking at NCBA Bank and Founding Managing Director of NC Bank Uganda, and has also served in leadership positions at Stanbic Bank, Barclays Bank, Citibank, and Standard Chartered Bank.
A holder of a Master of Science degree in Economics, Okulo is widely recognized for his deep industry expertise and strong stakeholder relationships across the East African banking sector.
His appointment comes shortly after Sidian Bank reported a profit after tax of Ksh1.73 billion for the 2025 financial year.
The Bank’s profit surged 500 percent to Ksh1.73 billion in 2025, driven by a 54.6% rise in net interest income and a doubling of non-interest income.
Total assets grew 50.8% to Ksh90.8 billion, and customer deposits jumped 62.9% to Ksh72.3 billion.
The bank was upgraded to Tier 2 by the Central Bank of Kenya after surpassing a 1% market share.
