South African Banker Sim Tshabalala To End 14-year Run As Standard Bank Ceo In 2027

Sim Tshabalala to retire as Standard Bank CEO in 2027 after 14 years leading Africas largest lender by assets.

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South African banker Sim Tshabalala will retire at the end of 2027 as chief executive of Standard Bank Group, bringing to a close a 14-year tenure leading Africas largest lender by assets. The bank confirmed on Thursday that CFO Arno Daehnke will also leave at the same time.

The announcement comes even as the lender raised its executive retirement age from 60 to 63, in line with global corporate practice. The extension will not apply to Tshabalala or Daehnke. Standard Bank Chair Nonkululeko Nyembezi said the decision was guided by the need for clarity and certainty in preparing for the next chapter of the groups leadership.

Tshabalala has led Standard Banks growth across the continent, with operations now in 20 African markets. Businesses outside South Africa contribute 41 percent of the groups headline earnings, with countries such as Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda recording strong performances. At home, the South African arm has also delivered double-digit earnings growth, supported by increased client activity and improved credit conditions.