Absa taps ex-Standard Bank exec to head pan-African business banking

Absa Group has appointed former Standard Bank executive Leon Barnard as chief executive of business banking across its pan-African operations.

Barnard’s appointment adds to a growing list of senior hires from Standard Bank under Absa CEO Kenny Fihla, who joined the smaller rival from Africa’s largest lender by assets in 2025 after 18 years at Standard Bank.

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The banking group said on Wednesday the appointment reflects the importance of business banking to its growth strategy, as it seeks to expand support for entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and commercial clients across the continent.

Barnard, who has headed up Standard Bank Group’s East Africa division, held several senior leadership roles, including leading personal and business banking operations across the group’s Africa Regions business.

His experience also includes customer-facing roles and regional business leadership, with exposure to multiple African markets and client segments.

According to Absa, Barnard has experience spanning enterprise and SME banking, retail and commercial banking, as well as services aimed at unbanked markets.

Absa recently confirmed the appointments of two more former Standard Bank executives – Clive Potter, head of client coverage in South Africa for Standard Bank’s corporate and investment banking division, who will join as managing executive for client coverage, and Francisco Khoza, Standard Bank’s head of legal, who will take up the role of deputy general group counsel.

They follow other former Standard Bank executives who have joined Absa under Fihla, including Zaid Moola, now head of corporate and investment banking, and Musa Motloung, appointed group strategic risk officer.

Commenting on the appointment, Fihla said: “We are building a leadership team that combines deep experience with the ability to execute at pace. Strengthening our Business Banking franchise is a strategic priority for Absa, and this appointment ensures we have the right capability in place to drive relevance, competitiveness, and long-term value for our clients.”