Country Head – Djibouti (Banking)

About the role

A leading financial institution is seeking an experienced, commercially driven Country Head to lead its operations in Djibouti. The role drives growth strategy, strengthens market position and delivers sustainable performance across SME, corporate, retail and digital banking. It suits a senior banking executive such as a CFO, COO, Head of Retail or Corporate Banking looking for a country-level leadership mandate. The assignment is confidential and the client is ready to start interviewing.

Key responsibilities

• Protect and extend the institution's market position across SME, corporate and retail banking
• Grow the lending portfolio while keeping strong credit discipline, risk management and asset quality
• Enhance deposit mobilisation and optimise balance sheet use
• Expand diaspora banking, remittance offerings and digital banking channels
• Build market leadership in trade finance, logistics financing, government banking, correspondent banking and digital financial services
• Build and lead a high-performing executive team
• Maintain strong relationships with regulators, government institutions, corporate clients and partners
• Provide strategic leadership to the board and senior stakeholders

Required profile

• 10-15 years' experience in banking or financial services
• At least 5 years as a CEO, Deputy CEO, Managing Director, Country Head or equivalent P&L-owning executive
• Proven track record of growing loans, deposits, revenue and profitability
• Experience in emerging, developing or resource-conscious banking markets
• Preferred: Francophone Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Indian Ocean region or MENA experience

Required skills

• Credit management, lending strategy and high-quality asset portfolios
• Digital banking transformation and technology-driven customer engagement
• Board-level communication and regulatory relationship management
• Building and leading leadership teams
• C2-level French; strong business English; Arabic is an advantage