Amhara Bank has appointed Yihnalem Aknaw as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following approval of his appointment by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE).

The appointment comes as the bank moves forward with its new strategic plan and organizational structure, with the Board of Directors citing Aknaw’s educational background, extensive banking experience, and demonstrated strategic leadership.

Yihnalem holds bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Information Systems from Addis Ababa University, completed in 2001 and 2005, respectively. He also holds an ACCA professional certification from the United Kingdom, obtained in 2013, and an Executive MBA from Addis Ababa University’s Graduate School, completed in 2014.

He brings 25 years of experience at Dashen Bank, where he progressed through various roles, including Branch Manager, Credit Department Director, Strategy Department Director, Chief Transformation and Customer Experience Officer, Chief Retail and SME Banking Officer, and Investment Banking Advisor.

According to Amhara Bank, his experience at Dashen Bank included contributing to the institution’s growth and transformation across several key areas of banking operations and strategy.

The bank said Yihnalem’s appointment, together with the recent appointment of other chief officers aligned with its new strategic plan and structure, is expected to support Amhara Bank’s next phase of growth.

The Board of Directors, management, and staff welcomed Aknaw to the bank and wished him success in his new role.