Kigali, Rwanda, 25th July 2024 — I&M Bank (Rwanda) PLC has announced the appointment of Mr. Nikhil Rustam Hira as the new Board Chairman, effective 15th July 2024. Mr. Hira succeeds Mr. Bonaventure Niyibizi, who is retiring after serving the bank with distinction and dedication.
With over 42 years of experience and a proven track record in leadership, Mr. Hira brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Since 2019, he has served on the I&M Bank Rwanda Board as an Independent Director and Chairperson of the Board Audit Committee, as well as a member of both the Board Credit Committee and the Board Strategy Committee.
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Nikhil Hira as our new Chairman,” said Mr. Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda. “His visionary leadership and deep understanding of the industry will be invaluable as we continue to drive our strategic initiatives and enhance value for our stakeholders. We are confident that under his guidance, I&M Bank Rwanda will reach new heights of success.”
Mr. Hira is a highly experienced financial professional, currently serving as the Regional Representative of the Eastern Africa Association and a Partner at Kody Africa LLP. He is a former partner at Deloitte East Africa, where he headed the Tax Practice for the East Africa region. Additionally, he serves as a Non-Executive Director on the board of I&M Bank Kenya, Board Chairman of GA Insurance Ltd in Kenya, and is a board member of Securex Agencies (K) Ltd and Shalimar Fresh Ltd in Kenya.
Mr. Hira holds a BSc Joint Honours in Accountancy and Process Engineering from the University of Salford, England. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and is registered with similar institutes in Uganda and Tanzania.
“I am honoured to take on the role of Chairman at such a pivotal time for I&M Bank Rwanda. I look forward to working closely with the Board, the management team, stakeholders, and our talented employees to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and shareholders. Together, we will build on the bank’s strong foundation and drive future success.”said Mr. Hira
I&M Bank Rwanda has a rich history of serving the financial needs of individuals and businesses, with a commitment to providing innovative banking solutions and enhanced customer experiences. The appointment of Mr. Hira as Chairman reflects the lender’s dedication to strong leadership and governance as it navigates the evolving financial landscape.