Executive Profile
Adekunle Sonola
Independent Non-Executive Director
Distinguished banking executive with over 35 years of leadership across Africa’s financial services sector.
Background & Career
Adekunle Bankole Sonola is a distinguished banking executive with over 35 years of leadership across Africa’s financial services sector. His career spans institutional restructuring, cross-border expansion, capital optimization, and digital banking transformation, underpinned by deep governance and strategic oversight experience.
Key Experience
Managing Director of Polaris Bank
Executive Director at Union Bank Plc
Regional Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank East Africa
Oversaw expansion across Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda
Board roles at First Bank of Nigeria Plc and Airtel Nigeria Plc
35+ years in African financial services leadership
Key Achievements
Led strategic growth initiatives across multiple banking institutions
Strengthened commercial and SME portfolios
Enhanced digital banking capabilities and transformation programs
Established strong regional banking presence in East Africa
Provided board-level capital discipline and governance oversight
Professional Philosophy
"Adekunle believes banking should catalyze economic growth while advancing financial inclusion across Africa through strong institutions and disciplined governance."