Country Head - Djibouti

SUMMARY:
Country Head – Djibouti 
Executive Leadership Opportunity | Banking & Financial Services
 
A leading financial institution is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Country Head to lead its operations in Djibouti. This senior executive role will drive the institution’s growth strategy, strengthen its market position, and deliver sustainable business performance across SME, corporate, retail, and digital banking segments.

POSITION INFO:
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the next phase of growth by expanding lending activities, increasing deposit mobilisation, growing diaspora and remittance services, and accelerating the adoption and commercialisation of digital banking solutions. This opportunity may be particularly attractive to a high- calibre CFO, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Retail Banking Head of Corporate Banking, or equivalent senior banking executive who is ready to take the next step into a Country Head/Chief Executive leadership role. This role offers meaningful strategic ownership, the opportunity to drive growth and market share, and a key role in the bank's digital transformation and future development in Djibouti. Key Responsibilities Protect and extend the institution's market position by driving sustainable growth across SME, corporate, and retail banking. Grow the lending portfolio while maintaining strong credit discipline, risk management standards, and asset quality. Enhance deposit mobilisation and optimise balance sheet utilisation. Expand diaspora banking, remittance offerings, and digital banking channels. Develop market leadership in trade finance, logistics financing, government banking, correspondent banking, and digital financial services. Build, lead, and develop a high-performing executive team focused on commercial growth and operational excellence. Establish and maintain strong relationships with regulators, government institutions, corporate clients, and strategic banking partners. Provide strategic leadership and communicate effectively with board members and senior stakeholders. Ideal Candidate Profile The preferred candidate will be an accomplished banking executive with: 10 -15 years' experience  within banking or financial services. Minimum 5 years' experience as a CEO, Deputy CEO, Managing Director, Country Head, or equivalent P&L-owning executive. A proven track record of successfully growing loans, deposits, revenue, and profitability. Strong expertise in credit management, lending strategy, and maintaining high-quality asset portfolios. Demonstrated experience in digital banking transformation and leveraging technology to enhance customer engagement and business growth. Strong board-level communication skills and proven experience managing regulatory relationships. A track record of building and leading high-performing leadership teams. Experience operating in emerging, developing, or resource-conscious banking markets. Preferred Market Experience Candidates with experience in the following regions will be highly considered: Francophone Africa Sub-Saharan Africa Indian Ocean region Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Additional requirements and preferences: C2-level French proficiency. Strong business English communication skills. Arabic language capability will be considered an advantage. This is a unique opportunity for a transformational banking leader to own a country-level mandate, accelerate growth, and play a key role in expanding financial services access in an emerging market. Confidential executive search assignment. This is a critical leadership appointment, and the client is prepared to begin interviews immediately. For more exciting Commercial & C-Suite vacancies, please visit: 🌐  I also specialise in recruiting for: C-Suite / CxO roles across Africa in growth markets If you don't receive a response within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. We will keep your profile in our database for future opportunities. For more information, contact: Corne Booysen Senior International Recruitment Consultant Connect with me on LinkedIn: