Bank Windhoek announces recruitment process for new Managing Director

Bank Windhoek has announced the start of the recruitment process for a new Managing Director. This decision follows the Board of Directors of Capricorn Group and Bank Windhoek’s announcement that Ms. Baronice Hans will conclude her tenure as Managing Director of Bank Windhoek Limited at the end of June 2025. Ms. Hans, who has served with distinction since 1 July 2016, has been both the first female and the longest-serving Managing Director in the Bank’s 42-year history.

During her eight years of leadership, she successfully guided Bank Windhoek through challenging economic and social conditions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, with unwavering dedication and resilience. Under her stewardship, the Bank has experienced significant growth and success, as evidenced by several key financial metrics:

– Loans and advances surged by 45% over the period.
– Total funding expanded by 60% over the period.
– Profit after tax (PAT) increased by 63% over the period.
– The Bank achieved a commendable 8.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in profit after tax over the last eight years, excluding the COVID period.

“As we approach the conclusion of her tenure, the Board of Directors recognized the need to proactively commence a transparent recruitment process to allow enough time for a comprehensive talent search for a suitable successor who will continue to build on the strong foundation Baronice has established. To ensure a seamless transition of leadership, it is the intention of the Board to appoint a suitably qualified successor as Managing Director: Designate by 1 February 2025, in order to fill the position substantively from 1 July 2025,” said Johan Swanepoel, Board Chairperson of Bank Windhoek.

Gerhard Fourie, Group Chairperson, added, “The Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Baronice for her exemplary leadership, building a strong Executive Management Team with whose support she continues to run a highly successful bank and reinforce a much-loved brand. During her tenure, the Bank achieved significant milestones, including launching Southern Africa’s first Green bond and a Sustainability bond. Baronice instilled a strong sales culture to support growth and spearheaded the delivery of a number of customer solutions, including Easy Wallet, the E-Commerce platform, and integrated point-of-sale transacting. She led the Bank’s digital transformation, which has culminated in nationwide branch revamps and the introduction of self-service features to meet evolving customer needs.”

Fourie concluded, “We extend our deepest appreciation to Baronice for the strong foundation she has laid for the Bank’s future growth and for her commitment to ensuring a responsible and seamless leadership transition.”

The recruitment process for a successor has been initiated, and further announcements will be made once the internal governance and regulatory approvals have been obtained.