I&M Bank Rwanda has appointed Nikhil Rustam Hira as the new board chair, effective July 15, 2024, replacing Bonaventure Niyibizi, who is retiring.

I&M Bank Rwanda Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Benjamin Mutimura noted that Hira has served on the bank’s board as an independent director and chairperson of the board audit committee since 2019.

This is besides being a board credit committee and strategy committee member.

“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.”

Hira currently serves as the Regional Representative of the Eastern Africa Association and a Partner at Kody Africa LLP.

Hira is also a non-executive director on the board of I&M Bank Kenya, the board chairman of GA Insurance Ltd. in Kenya, and a board member of two private companies: Securex Agencies (K) Ltd. and Shalimar Fresh Ltd. in Kenya.

He holds a BSc Joint Honours in Accountancy and Process Engineering from the University of Salford, England.

Further, he is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and also registered with similar institutes in Uganda and Tanzania.